Storm Training Camp - Day Ten

Published on March 4, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - After a day off it was back to the practice field for the Storm. After the off day it was good for the team to get back on the field and fix some of the mistakes that were made during the preseason game in Jacksonville.

"You know, it was a great opportunity for us to go out there and get better," said defensive back De'Audra Dix. "We knew we would make mistakes but the main thing was to go out there and play fast. We know what we are doing; now it's just time to fix up the mental errors."

The game acted as a primer for the season. With less than two weeks to go before the home opener versus the New Orleans VooDoo, it is extremely important for the newcomers to get their feet wet.

"This was an excellent learning experience," said wide receiver Andrew Helmick. "We got to go out there at full game speed and see the field open up more than it would in practice. It's a lot of fun. It's faster and it's physical which is something you need to learn as you go."

The veterans were just as happy to get out there and strap the pads on.

"We're in training camp and it gets tiring hitting on your own guys," said offensive lineman Alfred McCullough. "It felt great to get out there and hit somebody else for the first time. Overall it was a good experience to get the kinks out and get better as a team."

The Storm will hit the field again tomorrow as it gets closer to the end of training camp.

Looking Ahead: The Tampa Bay Storm will hold its media day this coming Friday, March 7, at Skyway Park from 11:30 - 1:30. Players and staff will be available for interview.

Coaches Perspective: On having the preseason game versus Jacksonville, head coach Lawrence Samuels said, "Having a preseason game is always good regardless of the outcome. It's a good way to get the players' feet wet and get them into a game prior to the regular season."

Quote Of The Day: On playing his first arena football game, offensive lineman Lou Alexander said, "We were getting adapted and learning the game more. A lot of us are rookies so we're coming in fresh to the game. There were a lot of positives but I know we can be better as a unit."

Player Spotlight: Defensive back Chris Smith returns to the Storm for his second season with the team. Last year he led the team in tackles (70.5) and interceptions (8). The Palmetto, Florida native started in 14-of-14 games last season and was one of the top defensive rookies in the league. In the preseason game versus Jacksonville, Smith picked up where he left off, reeling in an interception. The former Northern Illinois Huskie also had a pick in today's practice earning praise from his fellow teammates.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The 2014 season kicks off on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League Stories from March 4, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central