The Rage announce call back list from open tryouts

02/08/05 Rage Press Release

St Louis, MO - After having just completed their final Open Tryout Combine, the coaching staff of the 2005 RiverCity Rage Pro Indoor Football Team has released its list of invitees to their first practice with the team on February 26.

 "We'll bring in the players from the Open Tryouts and combine them with players from last year's team and our new signees for one practice and we will cut from a group of 52 down to 34 players that we will open camp with on March 1," stated Mike Wyatt, Head Football Coach and General Manager.

Among the players invited back include: Josh Akin, a team MVP and All Conference Quarterback from Illinois Wesleyan; Seth Womack, a 3 time All Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Selection in the Defensive Line; O. J. Turner, a standout linebacker who led Southeast Missouri State in tackles during 2003 and 2004, with 95 and 88 tackles, respectively; Turner pictured left

Greg Klipsch, an honorable mention Mid American Athletic Association selection in 2003 at Center; Bret Martin, a former standout offensive lineman from the University of South Dakota; Richard Nixon, an offensive lineman with D1 experience at San Diego State and New Mexico State; Martin pictured right

Roger Hawkins, a WR with NIFL experience with the Sioux City Bandits and Omaha Beef; Christopher Williams, a 2nd team All Conference WR from College of Dupage; Jerome Muldrow, a running back who gained 1834 yards leading the Belleville Justice Semi-pro team to the 2004 National Championship game; JerMarsh Robinson, a RB from Southern Illinois Carbondale who holds the national record for NCAA 1AA for a 103 yard kickoff return as a collegian; and Deeikee Williams, a Division II All American RB from William Jewell College who also was Heart of America Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

"These are just a few of the guys we have invited to the Call Back, which is our first official practice.  However, they will need to perform well, as they will have one practice to show that they belong at our level.  I am confident that some will make it and move on to training camp." Wyatt noted.

In 2004, the team raised the bar with their personnel and Wyatt has hopes that the caliber of these tryouts coupled with a strong group of signees will raise the bar again; improving the talent level.

"There are no free passes.  Everyone who is selected to stay with this team will have earned his right to be there.  We are looking to continue to build on last year's successes.  Teams are built from the bottom up, not the top down.  So the better we can make our entire squad, the better our chances of success," added Wyatt.

The Rage opens the 2005 season at home facing the Fayetteville Heat in a 7 PM contest at the Family Arena in St. Charles.  Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ragefootball.com or by contacting the Rage front office at 636.916.0132.