Wolves get "Speedy"

November 22, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release


MANCHESTER , N.H. (November 22, 2005) - The arenafootball2 league office announced this week that Steve Gonzalez (OS/KR) and Edward Simms (WR/LB) have been assigned to the Manchester Wolves, New Hampshire's professional Arena Football team. While Gonzalez is regarded as the most notable addition of the two, both athletes are ultra-fast and should bolster the Wolves already impressive set of skill players.

Gonzalez (6-0, 180) had an impressive rookie af2 campaign in 2005 playing for the San Diego Riptide. In just 13 games played, Gonzalez led the af2 in kick return yards (1,666) and kick return touchdowns (6) and ranked among the league's best in all-purpose yards (4th - 2,792) and scoring (10th - 206 points). The Jersey City, NJ native also led his team in receiving yards with 1,033 and ranked second on the squad in receptions with 76. For his stellar individual efforts, "Speedy" garnered Second Team honors on the National Conference All-af2 team. The former Menlo College standout also broke six single season Riptide records in 2005.

"He's a huge addition for us. The numbers he put up last season in San Diego as a receiver and returner were nothing short of amazing. And he was a rookie," Wolves Head Coach Bennett said. "With a year of experience under his belt, he's going to be a monster. The really scary part is that he was a defensive back in college. He very well could be an impact player in all three phases of the game for us."

Simms, a 6-4, 225-pound af2 rookie, comes to the Wolves after playing collegiately at William Penn University. The Woodbridge, VA native was a two-sport standout at William Penn, excelling in both football and track. On the field, Simms caught 51 passes for 843 yards over his career for the Statesmen, including eight touchdowns. On the track, he set a school record in the decathlon and finished 12th overall in the event at the 2004 and 2005 NAIA National Outdoor Track Championships. Simms has had strong workouts with several NFL teams in recent months. His impressive combination of overall athletic ability and size should translate into success on the field for the Wolves in 2006.

"I truly believe this guy has a very bright future in our game," Bennett said. "With his size and speed, he'll be a tough one to deal with for opposing defenses. On paper, he reminds me of J.J. McKelvey."

Don't miss another exciting season of Manchester Wolves football in 2006! Season ticket packages for the East Division Champion Wolves are available in all levels and start as low as $57. For information on season tickets, fans can contact the Wolves at 603.627.WOLF (9653) or visit them on the web at www.manchesterwolves.com.



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