rampagefootball.com

The Grand Rapids Rampage opened training camp Monday morning at the Soccer Spot in Kentwood with 36 players, many of whom are aspiring to don a Rampage uniform for the first time. In fact, only eleven players return from last year's team. However, those eleven feature team leaders in tackles (Cecil Doggette), sacks (Israel Raybon), rushing (Chris Avery) and interceptions (Mark Ricks).

"I feel that today went good, we have a lot of talent here in Grand Rapids and now we just have to pull it all together the next couple of weeks," Rampage Head Coach Bob Cortese commented after his two-a-day session.

With the departure of Clint Dolezel to Las Vegas, a battle for the starting quarterback is raging with four experienced hurlers looking to replace the team's all-time leading passer. The quartet consists of ten-year AFL vet Jeff Loots, who played with Cortese in Oklahoma for two seasons; 1,000-yard receiver-turned 2000 AFL leading passer Robert Hall; three-year af2 veteran Anthony Buich, who Cortese coached in Wichita last season; and Western Michigan standout Jeff Welsh, who is the only remaining QB from last year's roster.

Monday morning featured two practices filled with conditioning drills and one-on-one drills in helmets. Tuesday promises lots of hitting and quick scoring drives.

In addition to the action on the field, the Rampage made three roster moves as they signed Buich and 2003 team interceptions leader Mark Ricks. The team also placed DeAuntae Brown on recalled waivers.

Training camp will go through January 31. They will practice at the Soccer Spot from 8:15-9:45am and 10:30am to noon on Monday through Friday. All practices are open to the media and the public.

The team will cut its roster from 36 to 24 on Sunday, February 1 and begin preparation for their season opener in the Windy City the following Sunday (Feb. 8) against the Chicago Rush at 3:00 PM EST - the game will be televised across the nation on NBC.

Tickets for all 2004 Grand Rapids Rampage home games may be purchased through Tickets PLUS by dialing 616.222.4000, at all Michigan Meijer locations, TicketsPlus.net, RampageFootball.com, and at The Zone, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena.

Single-game ticket prices are $17 (any upper bowl seat), $25 (lower end zones, lower corners), and $35 (lower sidelines). Season and group tickets may be purchased by calling the Rampage at 616.559.1871 or toll-free at 1.888.595.4878.

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