Wells Promoted To Offensive Coordinator, Wallwork Relieved Of Coaching

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning of the arenafootball2 league announced Tony Wells has been promoted from Assistant Coach to Offensive Coordinator. In conjunction, it was announced Josh Wallwork has been relieved of his duties as Offensive Coordinator.

"We're grateful for the time and efforts that Josh put in with the Lightning and this decision to move in a different direction in regards to our coaching personnel was a tough decision, but the move was strictly based on the numbers we're facing," said Lightning head coach Doug Murray. "Our numbers are near the bottom of every offensive category and we haven't been scoring. We felt it was best to change the face and voice of the offense and we're confident it will create a paradigm shift for this team."

Wells is in his first season with the Lightning coaching staff after spending the 2007 season as Head Coach for the expansion Tri-Cities Fever, guiding the team to a first round berth in the ArenaCup Playoffs last season. Wells also served as Head Coach for the af2's Everett Hawks in 2006, taking over a 0-7 Hawks team in the 2006 season and helped the club finish 4-6 in its final 10 games.

Wells attended Kent State University where he received a degree in communications and continued his football career at Kent State under the direction of Glenn Mason, who helped him to receive a first team all-conference honorable mention and later garnering All-American honors.

Wells is an eight year veteran of the Arena Football League where he had stints with the Florida Bobcats, Miami Hooters, and the Cleveland Thunderbolts, competing from 1991-99 as a 6-2, 220- pound wide receiver and defensive back. Following his playing career, Wells moved onto coaching with various stints as Offensive Coordinator with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (13-3), the Charleston Swamp-foxes (9-7), and the Pensacola Barracudas. Wells continued his success upon receiving the head coaching job with the Cincinnati Marshals. Wells took over at mid-season and lead the Marshals, who were 4-4, into the Atlantic Division championship game, ending the season at 10-6.

Wallwork spent the 2006 season with the Lightning as quarterback and retired following the season. Wallwork was named Offensive Coordinator for the Lightning in 2007.

Season tickets and individual tickets for the 2008 Lightning regular season are on sale now. For more information on season tickets, merchandise, or other information, please call the Lightning at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonlightning.com.

Down Time At The Right Time For Thunder

Crush Lose Unlucky Number 13 To Rush 65-52

Blizzard Moves Into First Place