Xplorers Invite Local Player to Training Camp
Published on March 18, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
Southaven, MS-The Memphis Xplorers of the af2 have invited a local football player, Glenn Opie (6'4, 220), to the Xplorers 2005 training camp which begins this Thursday at the Pyramid. Opie, a downtown Memphis resident, was a participant in the Xplorers open tryout, which took place at Southaven Parks and Recreation Center on February 5th.
Prior to the tryout the Xplorers coaching staff announced that at least one person would be extended an invitation to training camp. This is something that had never been done before in Xplorers history. After a grueling tryout, Memphis Head Coach Danton Barto and his staff agreed upon Opie as their choice to attend camp.
"This was a difficult decision for many reasons," stated Barto. "Heading into camp we do not see any weaknesses at any of the positions. So picking Glenn was not based upon a lack of depth at the WR/DB spot. We were impressed with the way he stood out at camp amongst the rest of the athletes. His drills were remarkable, and we felt he needed another look."
The Xplorers opened their training camp yesterday at the Pyramid Arena in downtown Memphis, and Opie was on hand to try to earn a final spot on the 2005 roster. He has collegiate football experience at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. At Amherst, Opie was a three-time letterman at the wide-receiver position.
Xplorers General Manager Nate Yoder commented on the invitation to camp. "This is a great story with Glenn. To invite a player to training camp was not a mandatory or league instituted policy by any means. At first, I was personally opposed to the idea, because I want this organization to bring home the ArenaCup this season, and I was not sure how reserving a spot for a guy who was going to simply walk into an open tryout would help us achieve that goal. After seeing Glenn's grit and determination, I quickly changed my mind and knew that he was a player."
Along with many rookies to the af2, the first few days of training camp are spent learning the differences with the indoor game. Opie commented on his brief experiences with training camp, as well as the new game he is learning. "Being invited to camp is a great opportunity for me to be able to continue to pursue football. It is always fun to come into training camp with new players who know athletes I've competed against in years past. There is a huge difference from the outdoor game, running the routes and seeing how must faster the ball is coming out at you. It is all very exciting."
Training camp will continue at the Pyramid through Monday, when the Xplorers will begin moving the field back to their home venue at the DeSoto Civic Center. A media luncheon is scheduled for Monday at 11:00am in the Event Dining Room in the Pyramid. Blimpie's of Bartlett will provide a light lunch for local media outlets.
The Xplorers were ten game winners during their 2004 playoff season. The home opener is April 15th at 7:30 against the Arkansas Twisters. For group and season ticket information call 662-393-3761. Memphis Xplorers Arena Football! Back in Black!
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