Vena and Hill part of AFL's opening week
February 5, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, N.Y., February 5, 2004 - The 18th Arena Football League (AFL) season kicks-off this week with nine games being played, including when the New York Dragons travel to meet the Georgia Force in the AFL's Regional Game-of-the-Week, which is being televised on NBC-affiliate News Channel 13-WNYT on Sunday beginning at 3 p.m.
Ryan Vena and Corey Hill, who electrified fans for two seasons playing for the Albany Conquest of arenafootball2 (af2), have both secured roster spots with the AFL's Columbus Destroyers. Columbus will travel to play the Indiana Firebirds this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Indianapolis. Vena and Hill were brought to Columbus following former Conquest Coach Pete Costanza becoming Offensive Coordinator for the Destroyers last fall.
Current Conquest Head Coach, Steve Matthews, is proud that Vena and Hill have received this opportunity, "I am thrilled that Ryan and Corey have been given the chance to play for the AFL's Columbus Destroyers," said Coach Matthews. "They will always be appreciated for the contributions they made to the Conquest over the past two seasons. We wish them the best of luck," he added.
During two seasons with the Conquest, Vena amassed 7,502 passing yards and 141 touchdown passes, while Hill totaled 3,514 receiving yards, 322 receptions, and 59 receiving touchdowns. Hill and Vena helped lead the Conquest to consecutive af2 Northeast Division Championships in 2002 and 2003.
When Vena and Hill take the field together on Saturday in a Destroyers uniform, it will mark the third team that the two have played on together. The two began connecting on touchdown passes at Colgate University, when they helped lead Colgate to three consecutive NCAA Division 1-AA playoffs appearances. Vena finished his career at Colgate as the only Patriot League quarterback to pass for over 7,000 yards and rush for over 2,000 yards. Hill stands as Colgate's all-time leading receiver with 212 receptions, 3,434 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns.
Alex Houston will enter his second AFL season with the Destroyers. He was a member of the Conquest's inaugural 2002 squad, where he earned first team All-af2 honors finishing second in the league with ten tackles for a loss and ranked third with four forced fumbles. His 11.5 sacks also ranked eighth in the af2. Houston was twice named ADT Defensive Player of the Game. He also was selected as a Built Ford Tough Player of the Game three times.
Another former Albany Conquest, Will Burnett (OL/DL), has secured a position as a practice squad member of the New York Dragons.
The Albany Conquest will play their home opener on April 16th at 7:30 pm against the Manchester Wolves. For information on Albany Conquest season tickets please visit www.albanyconquest.com or call (518) 487-2222.
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