Team's Recipe for Victory Adds Newest Ingredients
Published on February 13, 2004 under Intense Football League (Intense)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
ODESSA, TX. With IFL rules allowing each team to bring as many as 40 players into the late April training camp, the Roughnecks moved four steps closer to their goal of signing this maximum number of athletes. Today at Casa Ole Mexican Restaurant, the Odessa Roughnecks announced the signing of four new players to the young franchises roster. From a stand-out at a major Texas College, to the AFL, CFL, NFL, even the short-lived but talent filled XFL, this group of young men come with an impressive set of resumes. An additional bonus, three of these football players learned all they know about the game right here in West Texas...their home. "This is a great first step towards our plan to bring a championship to our community this first season," explained head coach Chris Williams, "We are very pleased to have this mix of great experience and local familiarity."
Starting with the physically most impressive, the 6' 6", 320 lb. Pat Wilbert boasts experience with both the San Diego Chargers and the Cleveland Browns. Though his time there was brief, Pat brings a greater level of professionalism with him having been in the NFL. The Marshall native was a man amongst boys in his high school playing days and enjoyed similar success at Angelo State University.
Even closer to home, defensive end William Ritter was a proud Broncho at Odessa High School in the mid-nineties. The 6' 2", 230 pounder made a name for himself at Texas Tech for four seasons. William has been known as the "Animal" to his teammates for his ferocious approach to the game.
Rounding off the West Texas group is kicker Whitney Hillin. Returning home to Midland after three seasons in the National Indoor Football League and a stint in the Arena Football 2 League, Whitney brings with him an award as the top kicker in the NIFL last season. Hillin was a Midland High School and Midland College athlete...but not a football player. He began his career in the sport as a professional using the skills he learned as a high school and collegiate soccer star.
The final introduction this afternoon was Defensive Back Mike James who flew in from his hometown of Houston, Texas to be at the press conference and assist in tomorrows' open tryouts. Accompanied by a very impressive playing history Mr. James brings with him all conference USA honors from the University of Houston. Mike also has previous experience in the CFL with the Hamilton Tigers and with the Memphis Maniax of the XFL. At 6 ft. 200 lbs., Mike should make a terrific addition to the team.
These players, along with previously signed Shawn Holcomb and fourteen others will take the field to kickoff the IFL season on Saturday, May 8th. Season tickets continue to sell very quickly and can be purchased by calling the Roughnecks offices at (432) 332-7277.
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