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Storm sign kicker Mike Black, place Kinney on injured reserve

February 26, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA, FL -- The Tampa Bay Storm signed kicker Mike Black and released Ian Howfield, head coach Tim Marcum announced. The team also placed lineman Kelvin Kinney on injured reserve.

Black is the Arena Football League's all-time leading scorer among kickers. He is also the league's all-time leader in extra points made, field goals made, and field goals attempted.

This is Black's third stint with the Storm in as many seasons. He originally joined the Storm in 2001 and played through the 2002 regular season before tearing an ACL in his knee in the final game of the regular season. He attempted a comeback in 2003, but was not fully recovered from the injury and was released after appearing in two games.

"Mike is one of the best kickers ever in the Arena Football League and he did a good job for us when he was healthy," Marcum said. "Unfortunately, we brought him back too early last season and his leg strength wasn't where it needed to be. We worked him out this week and it looks like he has that pop back in his leg, so we'll see what he can do."

To make room for Black, the Storm released kicker Ian Howfield. In three weeks Howfield was 17-of-20 on extra points and 3-5 on field goals, but missed crucial kicks late in the past two ballgames. Howfield, however, was second on the team in scoring and fourth in the league in scoring among kickers with 26 points.

Kinney suffered a pulled groin during training camp and has also been suffering from a pulled abdominal muscle. Kinney has played sparingly this season, leaving the season opener against Orlando early and sitting out of the Week 2 contest against the Georgia Force. He also left last week's game against Austin in the first quarter due to the injury.

The Tampa Bay Storm, losers of their last two games, look to rebound this Sunday when they take on Jon Bon Jovi's Philadelphia Soul. Kickoff for Sunday's game is 3:00 pm in the St. Pete Times Forum.

Fans are encouraged to arrive to the game early, as the Storm will retire Stevie Thomas' No. 20 during pregame festivities. Thjomas, one of the Storm's all-time greats, is Tampa Bay's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

Tickets for Sunday's game are still available at the St. Pete Times Forum Box Office and all TicketMaster locations. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (813) 301-6600 or online at www.tampabaystorm.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 26, 2004


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