Thompson, Firebirds share record setting opening night
Published on February 9, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS â The Indiana Firebirds set two very impressive team records during their 54-48 loss to the Columbus Destroyers Saturday night. With 14,007 fans in attendance at Conseco Fieldhouse to watch the season's kickoff game, the Firebirds set a franchise record for single game attendance. Also, fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson became the team's all-time leading rusher in terms of yardage.
The crowd was the largest in the 15-yar history of the organization and the highest attendance in Indiana since the last home game of the 2003 season, when 13,271 watched the Firebirds lose to the Georgia Force, 77-56. The all-time record for the franchise was when the Firebirds played the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XIII (1999) in front of 13,652 fans.
Leroy "L.T." Thompson rushed for a game-high 29 yards versus Columbus on seven carries, including a thirteen-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The total puts Thompson atop the Firebirds' record book with 803 career rushing, besting the previous mark of 802 yards set by fullback/linebacker Chad Dukes (1996-98). In 2002, "L.T." was named the AFL Built Ford ToughMan of the Year, and in 2003 he led the league with 53 attempts, totaling 167 yards and accounting for twelve touchdowns.
Thompson is the Firebirds' all-time leader in carries (251), rushing yards (803), and rushing touchdowns (52). When asked what the record meant to him, he replied.
"Obviously, it has always been a goal of mine to leave some effect on this league, and if not the league than the team", Thompson stated. "Everything you do you want to be known as the best that has ever done it. I have been fortunate to have taken care of my body long enough to play this long, and combine that with coach DeBerg's offense and 28 yards became pretty feasible heading into this season".
Firebirds' season tickets and mini-plans for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a team ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop, located inside Conseco Fieldhouse. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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