The Dallas Desperados, Los Angeles Avengers and New York Dragons each began the month with open tryouts on Saturday, November 1. For first-year Avengers head coach PAT O'HARA, it was his first chance to see what southern California had to offer.
"We're looking for that diamond-in-the-rough player, someone who hasn't really been seen yet," O'Hara explained. "We also have open invitations to our colleagues coaching in af2 to come out and evaluate the talent. Our tryouts are great events for those in our community to gather and get excited about the upcoming 2009 season."
O'Hara refers to hidden gems such as New York Dragons DB BILLY PARKER.
In 47 career games in three seasons, Parker has amassed 226.0 tackles, 71 passes defensed and 22 interceptions, earning him two (2005, 2008) All-Arena First-Team honors and a spot on the 2005 All-Rookie team. Parker attended a Dragons open tryout in 2004 after driving 300 miles from Virginia and paying a $75 registration fee.
"During Billy's workout, I could tell all the measurables such as height, speed and mobility were there," remarked Dragons head coach WEYLAN HARDING. "In addition to his athletic prowess were attributes such as desire, toughness and passion that cannot be measured or coached. I offered him an invitation to camp on the spot and now he is one of the top defensive backs in the League. These open tryouts stand as one of the true opportunities of the American dream."
Previous hidden gems also included STEVIE THOMAS, who spent nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm after competing at an open tryout. Thomas was a member of four ArenaBowl Championship teams during his tenure in Tampa and was voted as the ninth greatest player in AFL history by the 20th Season Historical Committee. MICHAEL LEWIS won a roster spot at an open tryout with the New Jersey Red Dogs in 2000. He earned 2000 AFL All-Rookie team honors and was later selected to the 2002 Pro Bowl as a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Open tryouts also serve as a chance for players on other platforms, such as af2, an opportunity to showcase their skills to AFL talent evaluators. Former University of Miami and current Florida Firecats K JON PEATTIE took his shot alongside 200 potential hopefuls at the Tampa Bay Storm tryouts on October 18.
"I've been a Storm fan for a long time. I've been watching them since I was a kid," exclaimed Peattie. "I came here to meet the coaches and show them who I am."
For the most up-to-date schedule of open tryouts, please visit www.arenafootball.com. Following is a list of completed and upcoming AFL open tryouts:
UPCOMING TRYOUT DATES
TEAM DATE LOCATION NUMBER
Chicago 11/7 Chicago Rush Practice Facility 847/252-7334
12/12
Dallas 11/1 Texas Stadium 972/785-4000
Georgia 11/22 Georgia Force Practice Facility 770/965-3115
Grand Rapids 12/6 MVP Sports Spot 616/975-7708
Los Angeles 11/1 Oaks Stadium 310/407-0235
11/7 Los Angeles Avengers Practice Facility 310/407-0235
New York 11/1 New York Dragons Practice Facility 516/281-2000
Orlando 11/8 Orlando Predators Practice Facility 407/447-7337
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