FIRE PLAYERS IMPACTING AFL

Louisville, KY-Some Louisville Fire alums are gearing up for the Arena Football League. Nick Zeck, the most recent fire to be called up, is now playing with the Chicago Rush. Will Rabatin, Brett Dietz, and Rob Mager are the other Fire players gearing up for training camp to begin in the AFL. Each of these players began there arena football experience with the Fire, but now that they are playing at the next level they are making a name for themselves. Each of these players have won awards at the AFL and the arenafootball2, for example Brett Dietz is the only player to win back to back Rookie of the Year awards for both the in af2 and the AFL in 2006 and 2007. Will Rabatin was on the All-af2 Second Team selection in 2006 and then in 2007 Will was named to the AFL All-Rookie Team. Rob Mager was named Schutt Offensive player of the year in 2006 with the Fire. With the Chicago Rush he was one of the leading scores last year with 15 touchdowns. He is looking to make a bigger effect this season offensively.

When asked about the difference between the AFL and the Af2, Rabatin’s response was “pay is the main difference and the competition levels. There are many very talented people in the af2, but when it comes to the AFL every player is that talented, it requires me to train almost 6 hours a day.” And when asked what about the AFL and an outdoor league, he said that, “with the AFL you have more fun atmospheres for both the fans and the players, plus there is a lot more scoring.”

All of these players are gearing up for training camp. Zeck and Mager begin training camp on February 4. Dietz and the rest of the Tampa Bay Storm begin on February 11 and the ArenaBowl runner up Columbus Destroyers and Rabatin return to camp on February 8.

The Louisville Fire will kickoff the 2008 season against the Iowa Barnstormers on March 29. Season tickets for the 2008 Fire season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 502.368.0009 today. Season tickets packages begin at $72.