2009 Tampa Bay Storm Dance Team Unveiled

Tampa - The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the lineup for the 2009 Tampa Bay Storm Dance Team. The team is made up of 16 dancers, 11 veterans and five rookies:

Veterans

Sasha - 3rd year (Captain) Yanielle - 2nd year

Charlyne - 4th year (Captain) Brittany - 2nd year

Brooke - 4th year Darcy - 2nd year

Jessica - 3rd year Leah - 2nd year

Stephanie - 3rd year Priya - 2nd year

Heather - 3rd year

Rookies

Chelsea Kalesta

Danielle Vanessa

Jaclyn

"I am extremely proud of these girls, as well as the ones who were not selected. It is difficult to subject yourself to this kind of scrutiny," said Tampa Bay Storm Dancer Choreographer Kindra Strocher-Ebanks. "In the end we can only take 16...that did not mean that we did not have 29 amazing young women out there."

The dancers had to survive three preliminary cuts to become one of 29 finalists. Most of the dancers have been training for months; working out and taking dance classes to prepare themselves to make the dance team. Finalists had additional rehearsals, fitness evaluations, interviews and a final public appearance last week.

"All of these ladies share in their love for dancing and performing. They are gorgeous and talented every year, this year was certainly no exception. The judges had their work cut out for them," added Strocher-Ebanks. "Every season the dynamic of the team changes, I am excited to get started and to get know this new group."

The Tampa Bay Storm look forward to next season with many key players from 2008 returning. All-Arena defensive lineman Tim McGill, quarterback Brett Dietz, wide receivers Hank Edwards and Tyrone Timmons among others will be back to take the 2009 AFL season by storm. For 2009 Storm season ticket information please call 813.301.6600.

Rage Dance Team Final Auditions Open to Public This Sunday

GRAND RAPIDS - This Sunday (Nov. 9), Grand Rapids Rampage fans are invited downtown to Grand Woods Lounge to watch local dancers vie for a spot on West Michigan's premier professional dance team. Hosts of WGRD 97.9's "Free Beer & Hot Wings" morning show will serve as guest judges for the Rage Dance Team's final auditions, which will take place from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. EST.

Following a first round of tryouts this past Sunday (Nov. 2), 28 women were selected to participate in this weekend's culminating event. Included among the prospective Rage Dance Team members are former Rage dancers, college dancers from schools such as Grand Valley State University, Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Community College, and representatives of several local dance studios. All candidates are 18 or older and have graduated from high school.

Fans attending the Rage Dance Team final auditions this Sunday will meet the prospective dancers and watch them perform a short routine. Director of Dance Kimberly Herr and the Rampage will announce the official 2009 Rage Dance Team the next day (Nov. 10) on RampageFootball.com. Food and drink specials will also be offered by Grand Woods Lounge during the event.

Richardson Named Player Of The Month

Montreal, Nov. 6, 2008 - Montreal Alouette receiver Jamel Richardson has been named the CFL's Offensive Player of the Month for October.

Richardson caught 38 passes for 423 yards and eight touchdowns last month, setting the pace for the Alouettes to go 2-3-0 as they clinched first place and the right to host the East Division Final this Nov. 13 at Olympic Stadium.

Last Oct. 18, in Game 16 at Toronto, Richardson caught his 14th and 15th touchdown passes of the season, breaking Jeremaine Copeland's 2003 team record of 14. A veteran of five CFL seasons, Richardson led the league in 2008 with 16 touchdowns, and was fourth with 1,287 yards on 98 receptions.

The Alouettes will play the winner of this Saturday's East Division Semi-Final between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (RDS, TSN, 1 p.m.).

The East Final will be held this Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at Montreal's Olympic Stadium (RDS, TSN, CKAC SPORTS, CJAD 800).

Former OU Standouts Assigned to Yard Dawgz Roster

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz have been assigned two former University of Oklahoma playmakers, WR Jarrail Jackson and DB Jason Carter, and veteran DB Travis Seaton has re-joined the Yard Dawgz in their quest for the 2009 ArenaCup.

Jackson (5'11, 195) played four games with the Tulsa Talons last season and had 17 receptions for 181 yards and 3TDs. In 2007, Jackson was with the Manchester Wolves and Yard Dawgz, collecting 95 receptions for 967 yards and 21 TDs. He became the af2 all-time leader for kickoff returns for touchdowns (15) and the third player in af2 history to score 900 points in a career. In the final regular game of the season, Jackson had 440 all-purpose yards and was named the Schutt Offensive Player of the Week by the af2 league office.

"I'm happy to be back in Oklahoma City and feel like I have something to prove," said Jackson. "This is my home and I'm excited about the upcoming season and the group of players that Coach McEwen has compiled."

Jackson was the Yard Dawgz team leader in kick returns (1,349 yards), receiving yards (1,541), all purpose yards (3,065) and scoring (234 points) during the 2006 season and was named to the af2 National Conference 2nd Team. In his first season with the Yard Dawgz (2005), he led the team in receptions (125), receiving yards (1,636) and TDs (33). Jackson was also the leading kick returner (55-for-1,393 yards; 4 TDs) and FG returner (6-136 yards). Jackson was with the Tulsa Talons in 2000 and 2001 followed by three years in the Arena Football League with the Buffalo Destroyers (2002-2003) and Columbus Destroyers (2004).

"Signing Jarrail Jackson to our roster definitely adds depth to our talented receiving corps as well as experience that is needed to win ArenaCup Championships," said Yard Dawgz Head Coach Sparky McEwen. "In his years in the AFL and af2, Jarrail has proven that he is a playmaker offensively as well as on special teams."

Jackson played under Head Coaches John Blake and Bob Stoops at the University of Oklahoma from 1996-1999. He was a three time All-Big Twelve Receiver and set Sooner records during his senior year collecting 54 catches for 650 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished his career at OU with eight receiving and return records and holds the Independence Bowl record for most receptions in a game with 10 vs. Ole Miss in 1999.

"Jarrail's return to the Yard Dawgz is very exciting for our fan base and the community of Oklahoma City," McEwen added.

DB Carter (6'0, 195) attended training camp with the Yard Dawgz last season and was with the Sooners from 2003-2006 under Head Coach Bob Stoops. He was a member of the 2004 and 2006 Big 12 Championship teams and the Rose Bowl Championship team in 2003. He played in two national championships (2004 Sugar Bowl & 2005 Orange Bowl) and received his bachelors degree in Sociology in 2006. Carter graduated from Jenks High School in Jenks, Oklahoma, where he was All-State and considered one of the best high school athletes in the nation.

Seaton (5'11, 190, San Jose State University) played in 12 games for the Yard Dawgz in 2008, collecting 4 interceptions for 88 yards and 1 TD. Seaton was second on the team with 52.5 total tackles and 10 pass breakups and had 2 fumble recoveries and 1 fumble recovery for a TD.

"It is a privilege for the Yard Dawgz organization to have been assigned Seaton for another year," McEwen said. "Seaton was arguably the most underrated player in the af2 last season. This signing can mean nothing but positive things for our defense and one of the most critical positions in arena football, defensive specialist.

Seaton was with the Stockton Lightning in 2007 and led the team with 65 solo and 22 assisted tackles (76.0 total) and had 16 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.

Seaton played for the AFL's Philadelphia Soul in 2004 and the San Jose SaberCats in 2002.

"In my experience, Travis has exemplified more leadership than I've ever had out of a defensive specialist during my tenure in arena football," commented McEwen.

Season tickets are now available and start at only $56! Call 405-228-3294 or visit www.okcyarddawgz.com for more information.

Pair of Esks named CFL Players of the Week

(Edmonton) Edmonton Eskimo free safety Siddeeq Shabazz earned CFL Defensive Player of the Week and receiver Kamau Peterson was named top Canadian for their performances in Edmonton's 37-14 win over Montreal on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium.

His first Player of the Week honour, Shabazz had eight tackles, a special teams tackle, a forced fumble and two quarterback sacks. He helped the Eskimo D hold the Als to just 58 rushing yards and 199 yards through the air. "I was just going to have fun regardless," says Shabazz. "As a team I think we played very well together."

Peterson also had a big night, catching 10 passes for 108 yards and becoming just the fourth Eskimo player to have over 100 catches in a season. He joins Brian Kelly (104 in 1983), Craig Ellis (106 in 1990) and Terry Vaughn (106 in 2003). "I'll take it. Whatever they need me to do I'll do," says Peterson. "It's nice they've got confidence in me like that and I'm just happy to be able to help these guys." Earlier this week, Peterson was named both a CFL West Division All-Star and the West nominee for Outstanding Canadian.

The Eskimos (10-8) head to Winnipeg to take on the Bombers (8-10) in the East Semi-Final on Saturday, November 8. Kickoff is at 11:00am (MTN). For more information on the Edmonton Eskimos visit our website at www.esks.com.

AFL teams to commemorate anniversaries in 2009

NEW YORK - Three Arena Football League teams will celebrate significant milestones in 2009 and each will recognize its achievement with commemorative patches and/or new logos to be displayed throughout the season.

The San Jose SaberCats will celebrate their 15th anniversary this season, the Los Angeles Avengers commemorate their 10th, and the New York Dragons have new ownership, a new logo and team colors.

Since winning its AFL debut in 1995, San Jose has posted a regular-season record of 136-70, which ranks as the highest winning percentage (.660) of any team in professional football over the 15-year span. The SaberCats have captured eight Western Division titles and three ArenaBowl Championships.

"Being in the league for 15 years and having the success we've enjoyed proves that San Jose is one of the premiere organizations in the Arena Football League," explained head coach DARREN ARBET. "I've been with the franchise from the beginning and have witnessed first hand the growth of the SaberCats and the league."

The Los Angeles Avengers are commemorating their 10th season with a new patch and helmet design. While red and blue remain the team's primary colors, yellow has been replaced by white as an accent color. The patch, which features the logo surrounded by a blue circle with the words "Los Angeles Avengers Celebrating 10 Seasons," will be worn on all uniforms throughout the season.

"Our franchise is proud to have provided the southern California community with an affordable, fan-friendly entertainment option for the past nine years," remarked Avengers team president MATT WIKSTROM. "With new head coach PAT O'HARA at the helm, we look forward to building the kind of championship team that our loyal fans deserve."

Earlier this summer, the New York Dragons unveiled their first major logo change since 2001. While black remains one of the primary colors, green and silver have replaced orange, red, and yellow in the team's color scheme. As for the logo itself, gone is the fire-breathing black dragon and in its place is a green dragon wrapped around the letters "NY."

"We want to bring a brand new start to the Dragons football team," Dragons new managing partner STEVEN SILVA said of the team's new look. "Updating the logo is just the beginning. From putting the best football team possible out on the field every night, to making sure fan involvement and customer service is the best it can be, this is the 'new' New York Dragons."

Doug Brown Named Top Defensive Player In East Division

WINNIPEG, MB -Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive tackle Doug Brown has been chosen as the East Division nominee for the Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Brown, who was nominated for three major league awards as the Bombers nominee for most outstanding player, top defensive player and best Canadian, will be up against Cam Wake of the B.C. Lions for league honours.

Brown, an eight-year Blue Bombers veteran out of Simon Fraser University, earned his fifth division all-star nod earlier this week after another solid season that saw him play all 18 games. He finished the season with 43 tackles and six quarterback sacks.

A four-time league all-star, Brown has been a three-time division nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian in the past (including winner of the award in 2001), but earns his first selection as the East candidate for top defensive player.

The winners will be announced at the 2008 Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards show during Grey Cup week on Thursday, November 20 at the Casino de Montreal.