Around the League: November 4

On Monday things finally got underway in Denver for the Colorado Crush. Head coach Mike Dailey welcomed around 30 athletes to participate in an invite-only tryout/combine workout with the team. Dailey and his newly appointed assistant coaches got their first real look at the newest batch of talent that could help Colorado in the 2009 season.

On Saturday, the New York Dragons hosted their first open tryouts of the 2009 season, giving any former high school or college football players the chance to test their mettle at the Dragons practice facility at Mitchell Field and earn a spot on the 2009 Dragons roster.

Out of the 176 participants at the tryout on Saturday, there were many talented local players there, including players from Long Island, New Jersey, Rockland County and Westchester.

Around the League: November 3

Three teams will hold open tryouts this week, with the Avengers and Rush set for Friday, November 7. The Predators will hold theirs on Saturday, November 8. The unique thing about the Rush’s tryout is that it will also be combined with an instructional camp, the first of its kind in the League.

The San Jose SaberCats on Friday announced their second open tryout of the off-season. It will be held on Sunday, December 14 at Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec. Center.

In an effort to spread their passion for football to the next generation of young athletes, the Grand Rapids Rampage recently completed the 2008 Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy’s. Rampage players and members of the Rage Dance Team visited over 6,000 children across West Michigan, preaching the virtues of hard work, a healthy lifestyle and respect.

Tampabaystorm.com recently spoke with Storm starting quarterback Brett Dietz and discussed his recent trip back home and some of his off-season activities. Here’s what he had to say about the recent Storm tryout he attended:

"That was my first Tampa Bay Storm tryout. I’ve been to others, but not with the Storm. I was actually impressed with the talent that came out. I know Tampa has a lot to offer as far as talent goes. That’s probably the most talented workout I’ve ever been in. I worked out the kickers, and we had a lot that impressed me. There were some good receivers and quarterbacks as well."

The Journal News reported over the weekend the story of Joe Gambino, the construction worker from Stony Point, New York, whose goal was to make the Dragons squad at the open tryouts this past Saturday. The 19-year-old Gambino last played at North Rockland High School.

"I'm going for a shot at my dream. I'm taking every opportunity that's available into my hands to pursue my career."

Orlando Predators fullback Odie “Superman” Armstrong is known for his agility on the field and for his kind ways off the field. This off-season Armstrong became a Certified Personal Trainer and is available to help you get back in mid-season form.

Orlando Predators defensive back Kenny “The Glove” McEntyre will be out at Osceola Heritage Park on November 8^th between 2 and 4 p.m. to play catch and sign autographs with members of the Predators Dance Team.

Around the League: October 31 - Happy Halloween !

A number of teams are holding open tryouts this weekend on Saturday, November 1, including the Dallas Desperados, New York Dragons and Los Angeles Avengers.

The Long Island Press is reporting on the Dragons tryout and talks about how head coach Weylan Harding found standout defensive back Billy Parker at one back in 2005. Coach Harding discussed their importance:

"It’s an open casting call. We don’t have a draft, so it’s through these tryouts and private workouts where we find new players."

Parker isn't the only one who was discovered this way. DallasDesperados.com has an article on their upcoming tryout and the successes of wide receiver Anthony Armstrong. Armstrong, who now plays for the Miami Dolphins, was signed following a Desperados tryout three years ago.

The Dragons will be holding open dancer auditions on Sunday, November 9 at Corporate Fitness in Uniondale. New York Dragons Dance Team Captain Gina put her dancing background to the ultimate test this past summer, when she took on the role as an MTV MADE coach on the music network’s Emmy award winning series. Gina’s MADE episode entitled “MADE: Streamer” will air this Saturday, November 1 at 3 p.m. ET on MTV.

Former Colorado Crush defensive line coach Tony Federico was added to the staff of the Cleveland Gladiators this week. Line coach Lee Johnson will return with Federico serving as the assistant.

Around the League: October 30

The Broomfield Enterprise is reporting the Colorado Crush's Delvin Hughley participated in Red Ribbon Week, speaking to hundreds of students at Legacy High School about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Storm's Brett Dietz did the same at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, Florida.

According to The Grand Rapids Press, the Rampage will be holding dance team tryout this Sunday, November 2 with the finals set for Sunday, November 9.

Both the Chicago Rush and Rampage have added open player tryouts to their December schedules. The Rampage will host one on December 6 and the Rush on December 12.

The full tryout listing can be seen here.

Southern Division coaches weigh in on Desperados move

With Dallas' move to the Southern Division, here is what the other three head coaches had to say about the Desperados joining the division...

Tim Marcum (Tampa Bay Storm)

"The South was already a tough division and it just got tougher,” said head coach and general manager Tim Marcum. “To win this division you’ll have to play some good football."

Jay Gruden (Orlando Predators)

"The Southern Division is widely regarded as the toughest division in the Arena Football League. The addition of the Desperados just gave each team in this division two very tough games to prepare for and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Doug Plank (Georgia Force)

"Over the last four seasons, the Southern Division has been one of the toughest and most physical in Arena Football. Some of our most hard fought games have come against division opponents and with the addition of Dallas to our division I don’t see that changing. The Desperados have been one of the best teams in the AFL over the last couple of seasons and they will strengthen the competition in the Southern Division."