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Storm Training Camp Notes - Day One

February 20, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm held its first day of training camp at Skyway Park as the team reported for duty at 8:15 AM. Today marked the first of two non-padded, helmets only practices with the team working on conditioning, and installing the offense and defense.

As the team entered training camp there was excitement but the players were on edge with some meeting each other for the first time; however it did not stop them from getting off to a fast start.

"As players we're using training camp to really get to know each other," said Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard. "This is when we learn about each other, get our timing right and learn the playbook so we can start opening up the offense."

The Storm worked on conditioning before moving on to the team drills. The process included a 40-yard dash and a 300-yard shuttle run. The staff used this as a way to test a player's speed and endurance, two things that are necessary for the game of arena football.

"The conditioning drills were important," said Storm defensive back James Harrell. "You can tell everybody has been working hard this offseason and we will have a lot of talent and experience out there on the field."

It may only be day one but the team looked like it was in midseason form. Look for this camp to be competitive as these 35 players look to make the 24-man roster that will open up the season versus the New Orleans VooDoo on Friday, March 14 on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Coaches Perspective: "We have a great group of athletes out there," said first-year Storm head coach Lawrence Samuels. "This group took what they learned during the classroom period and brought it out to the football field. They performed well today."

Quote of the Day: "Obviously it's the first day of training camp, but everyone looks good right now," said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. "We used this day to get everyone acclimated to the Storm way of doing things. Once the pads come out we will hit the ground running."

Player Spotlight: Last season the Storm struggled on the offensive line. Seeing as it needed to bring in new players, the team acquired offensive lineman Mario Henderson. Henderson (6-foot-7, 330 lbs., Florida State) started in 16-of-49 games for the Seminoles during his four-year collegiate career. He was selected in the third round (91st pick) of the 2007 National Football League Entry Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Henderson turned heads today with his ability to play both sides of the ball, lining up at the mac linebacker position and wreaking havoc on the offense.

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.

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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.

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