Wranglers training camp begins Sunday
January 31, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
AUSTIN-Following the Austin Wranglers best season in franchise history, the team will begin preparations for it's fourth AFL season on Sunday, February 4 when training camp begins in Austin.
With a new coaching team under the leadership of Head Coach Brian Partlow and many new players, both groups are eager to get back on the field and begin working towards a March 4 meeting against Las Vegas at 3 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center.
Training camp will mark the first time that all 37 players under contract with the Wranglers will practice together.
Entering training camp for the Wranglers are several returning players including Kevin Nickerson, Damon Mason, Sedrick Robinson, Dane Krager and Aaron Humphrey among others. Derrick Lewis will also rejoin the team after spending the 2006 NFL season with the Houston Texans. Tapping into the AFL's free agent market, the Wranglers lured defensive back Nate Coggins and fullback/linebacker Chad Dukes from Georgia and Philadelphia, to bolster the team's AFL experience.
"At the start of the off season, we really wanted to bring in a lot of competition at every position," said Partlow. "Competition brings out the best in players and we are looking forward to seeing who can rise to the occasion."
With the off season rule change that enables teams to make free substitutions, many AFL teams, including the Wranglers, reached out to a broader pool of talent. Having the ability to sign position specific players, the Wranglers made many notable additions including offensive lineman Aaron Gibson and wide receivers Otis Amey and Jake Schifino, all whom have NFL experience.
"With the new rules and an increased emphasis on only one side of the ball, it will be interesting to observe how fast the rookies can adapt to the AFL game," said Partlow.
Beginning on February 4, training camp will continue until February 24, when the coaching team will make their final decisions in thinning their roster to 24 players. Other highlights during training camp include an inner-squad scrimmage on February 10, a two-day practice in Dallas with the Desperados (February 16-17) and a two-day practice with the Wranglers hosting the Colorado Crush (February 22-23).
The Austin Wranglers 2007 Training Camp schedule is below. Please note that practices are open to the media and public unless otherwise noted. All practice times and locations are subject to change due to various conditions. The most updated information can be found on the Wranglers website at www.austinwranglers.com.
AUSTIN WRANGLERS 2007 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
Practice Date Practice Times and Locations
Saturday, Feb. 3 Players participate in Habitat for Humanity Build at Noon
Sunday, Feb. 4 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Monday, Feb. 5 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Tuesday, Feb. 6 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Wednesday, Feb. 7 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Thursday, Feb. 8 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Friday, Feb. 9 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Saturday, Feb. 10 Wranglers Inner-Squad Scrimmage at RRISD
Sunday, Feb. 11 Practice TBD
Monday, Feb. 12 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Tuesday, Feb. 13 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Wednesday, Feb. 14 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Thursday, Feb. 15 Practice from 9 a.m. - Noon / Depart for Dallas
Friday, Feb. 16 Practice at Dallas (closed to public)
Saturday, Feb. 17 Practice at Dallas (closed to public) / Depart for Austin
Sunday, Feb.18 Practice TBD
Monday, Feb. 19 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Tuesday, Feb. 20 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at RRISD
Wednesday, Feb. 21 Practice from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. / Colorado Arrives
Thursday, Feb. 22 Practice with Colorado from 9 - 11 a.m. at RRISD
Practice with Colorado from 4 - 7 p.m. at FEC
(both practices are closed to public)
Friday, Feb. 23 Practice with Colorado from 9 a.m. - Noon at FEC
Lone Star Arena Football Classic - Player Intros
Saturday, Feb. 24 Break Camp / Meetings
RRISD (Round Rock ISD Stadium) located at: 10211 W. Parmer Lane in Austin
FEC (Frank Erwin Center) located at: 1701 Red River Street. in Austin
In 49 other states it's just football. This is Texas - Football Country. The Wranglers season kicks off on Sunday, March 4 when the Las Vegas Gladiators return to Austin in week one to face the Wranglers at 3 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center. For tickets please call 512.339.3939 or visit the Official Website of the Austin Wranglers at www.austinwranglers.com for additional information.
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