WolfPack Shutout Replacement Team - quote from websportsradio.com

WolfPack Shutout Replacement Team

by STEVE CASSON, WebSports Radio staff

04/24/10 - SPRINGFIELD, MO - For the second game in a row the Springfield WolfPack have held opponents away from the goal line after a 47-0 shutout of the Nebraska Wildcats at Mediacom Ice Park.

Nebraska, asked to fill in for the West-Missouri Kings who folded this week, fell victim to a blocked field goal attempt at 11:11 of the opening period, setting the tone of the game.

The Pack ended up with the ball on their 5 yard line and completed the drive on Derek Rasmussen's 40 yard pass to Von Dixon for a 7-0 WolfPack lead, after a good extra point, with 9:38 left to play.

Jameson Boyd, who lead the WolfPack with 7 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns, grabbed his first pick on the Wildcat's next drive. Boyd intercepted Nebraska quarterback Bobby Peters at the Springfield 2 yard line with 6 minutes left in the opening quarter. The 6 play, 48 yard drive ended with Rasmussen's 33 yard strike to Anton Cullom for a 13-0 lead. Nathan Stokes extra point sailed wide to the right.

Springfield had 192 yards passing and totaled 74 yards on the ground, while Nebraska managed 86 yards in the air and ran for 21.

After holding the Wildcats on downs with 11:08 remaining in the half, the WolfPack dodged a bullet when running back Sean Nevills fumbled the ball on the WolfPack 10 yard line and it was recovered by Alvin Johnson.

Springfield's ensuing drive was stopped on a Rasmussen interception by Nebraska's Kyle Swartz at the Wildcat 5 yard line. But on the next play Heath Shaver returned the favor for the WolfPack with an interception, and a 5 yard sprint into the end zone, good for a 20-0 lead (a good extra point) with 3:13 to go in the half.

Nebraska's next drive didn't last long. Willie Johnson intercepted Peters at the WolfPack 10 yard line and with 36.2 seconds remaining Rasmussen hit Jonathan Alvarado. The 18 yard end zone strike was called back on offsetting penalties setting up an un-timed down with the clock expiring.

The second time worked for 18 yards to Alvarado and after a good extra point, the WolfPack went into the locker room up 26-0.

Nevills gave Springfield great field position after grabbing the second half kickoff at the Nebraska 10 yard line. Unfortunately, a bad snap pushed the WolfPack back to their 16 yard line to start the next scoring drive. Two plays later Rasmussen hit Cullom for 35 yards and his second TD pass of the game at the 12:30 mark.

Two plays later Peters was picked off by Boyd, who ran the ball back from the middle of the field, giving the WolfPack a 33-0 (Stokes' extra point) lead with 9:54 left in the 3rd period.

Nebraska had a drive stopped at their 15 yard line with 3:36 left in the period, when Boyd stepped in front of Aries Henderson and headed into the end zone for a 47-0 lead after a successful extra point.

With 2:51 left in the 4th quarter, Stokes had a field goal attempt blocked and Anthony Vibbard's pass sailed through the endzone ending the WolfPack's final drive of the game.

Scoring:

Springfield — 1st - Dixon 40 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick) 7-0

Springfield — 1st - Cullom 22 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick failed) 13-0

Springfield — 2nd - Shaver 5 yd pass interception (Stokes kick) 20-0

Springfield — 2nd - Alvarado 18 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick failed) 26-0

Springfield — 3rd - Cullom 35 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick) 33-0

Springfield — 3rd - Boyd 25 yd pass interception (Stokes kick) 40-0

Springfield — 3rd - Boyd 20 yd pass interception (Stokes kick) 47-0

BOX SCORE

	Springfield	13	13	21	0	-	47
	Topeka	0	0	0	0	-	0

WolfPack Look to Stay Perfect After Big Opening Day Win -by Mert Seaton

The Springfield WolfPack will play their second game of the 2010 season as they take on the Nebraska Wildcats Saturday, April 24 at Mediacom Ice Park.

The WolfPack are 1–0 after a huge 53–2 home win over the Topeka Thunder last Saturday.  The outcome of the first game of the season never seemed in doubt.  The WolfPack scored on their first offense play with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Derek Rasmussen to wide-receiver Jonathan Alvarado.

Rasmussen continued tearing apart the Thunder defense, as he threw three more touchdowns in the first half.  Von Dixon added a rushing touchdown, and defensive back Willie Johnson ran an interception back for 6 points, as the WolfPack cruised to a 41–0 halftime lead.

The defense for the WolfPack looked to be in mid-season form.  Lead by Stanley Harris, who had two interceptions, the team held the Thunder to no offensive points.  The only points came on a bad snap that ended up going out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

By the time the game was over the WolfPack defense had held the Thunder to 39 total yards while gathering four interceptions and three sacks.

“It was an amazing way to start the season,” team President Angela Edwards said.  “We played great on both sides of the ball, and the crowd stayed in the game until the final snap.  I’m not sure things could have started better, but we plan to continue this for the rest of the season.”

The next challenge for the WolfPack will come next Saturday as they take on the Nebraska Wildcats of the World Football League.  Game two of a four game home stand was supposed to be played against the West Missouri Kings, but, because of internal issues, the Kings could not make it to Springfield for the game.

Saturday’s meeting will be the second for the WolfPack and the Wildcats, with the Wildcats winning the only meeting.  The game will start at 7 p.m. and the doors will open one hour prior to kickoff.  For ticket information go to www.springfieldwolfpack.net.

Springfield WolfPack Win Season Opener- quote from websportsradio.com

Springfield WolfPack Win Season Opener

by steve casson, websports radio staff

04/17/10 - SPRINGFIELD, MO - A new look Springfield WolfPack Indoor Football team wontheir season opening game 53-2 against the Topeka Thunder in front of 700 or so howling WolfPack fans at Mediacom Ice Park.

It was a game the featured two pass interceptions by Stanley Harris, with one each by Willie Johnson and Nino Bennett.

Springfield used less than 5 minutes, and their first possession of the game to grab the lead. After the Thunder turned the ball over on downs at the Springfield 22 yard line, WolfPack quarterback Derek Rasmussen (Evangel) hit wide-receiver Jonathan Alvarado (SBU-San Diego) with a 28 yard touchdown pass for a 6-0 lead. Nathan Stokes' extra point kick was good for a 7 point advantage.

Once again the Pack stopped the Thunder on downs and with 4:12 remaining in the 1st quarter, and Von Dixon finished the next WolfPack drive by running 21 yards into the end zone. Stokes extra point was good for a 14-0 lead.

After Harris, a standout WolfPack defensive back, intercepted Topeka quarterback Komanae Carey at the Thunder 1-yard line to open the second quarter, Rasmussen ended the drive with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Anton Cullom for a 21 point (Stokes' extra point good) Springfield lead at the 11 minute mark.

"We're looking good out there," said Harris after the game. "I just wish I can get my hands on the ball more on offense. It will come with time."

Harris, corner back Jason Mudge, and center Joe Helms are the only WolfPack players remaining from the original team that began play indoors at Mediacom in 2007.

Johnson intercepted Carey again at the Thunder 1-yard line and ran the ball back 49 yards for a Springfield touchdown. Stokes' kick was wide left and with 6:45 to play in the half, the WolfPack enjoyed the 27-0 score.

For the second time in the quarter, Harris intercepted Jerod Hay at the 25-yard line and ran the ball back to the Thunder 17-yard line. Rasmussen made quick work of a 17-yard strike to Alvarado for 6 more Pack points and (with a good extra point) a 34-0 rout.

The interceptions continued for Topeka, and once again Hay was the victim of Bennett grabbing the ball on the Springfield 22 yard line. After a penalty brought the ball to the 16, Rasmussen hit Josh Pell with a pass for another 6 points, a good extra point by Stokes, and a 41-0 romp going into halftime.

Three minutes into the 3rd quarter the WolfPack found themselves on their own 19-yard line. A bad snap over the head of new WolfPack quarterback Anthony Vibbard bounced through the end zone for a safety, and two points for the Thunder.

For the 3rd time in the game, the WolfPack held the Thunder on downs with 3:51 on the clock. Springfield's drive ended with Lecorey Teague's 1-yard touchdown run for a 47-2 score. The 2-point conversion run by Vibbard failed.

The only score in the 4th quarter, by the WolfPack, came on a 29-yard pass from Vibbard to Dixon with 23.9 seconds left. Stokes' extra point attempt missed to the right.

Scoring:

Springfield — 1st - Alvarado 29 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick) 7-0

Springfield — 1st - Dixon 21 yd run (Stokes kick) 14-0

Springfield — 2nd - Cullom 22 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick) 21-0

Springfield — 2nd - Johnson 49 yd interception (kick failed) 27-0

Springfield — 2nd - Alvarado 17 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick) 34-0

Springfield — 2nd - Pell 16 yd pass from Rasmussen (Stokes kick) 41-0

Topeka — 3rd - Safety - Fumble through end zone. - 41-2

Springfield — 3rd - Teague 1 yd run (2pt conv. failed) 47-2

Springfield — 4th - Dixon 29 pass from Vibbard (kick failed) 53-2

BOX SCORE

	Springfield	14	27	6	6	-	53
	Topeka	0	0	2	0	-	2

Wolfpack Opens 2010 Season on Home Turf - by Mert Seaton COMMUNITY FREE PRESS ARTICLES

WolfPack First Home Game
4/15/2010


Wolfpack Opens 2010 Season
on Home Turf - by Mert Seaton

The Springfield WolfPack, Springfield’s only professional indoor football team, will open the 2010 season on their home turf this Saturday, April 17, at Mediacom Ice Park.
The WolfPack’s home-opener against the Central Plains Football League’s Topeka Thunder will be the first of four straight home games, and the team couldn’t be happier to start things off at home.

“It is always exciting to get to start things off at home,” Head Coach Mike Burris said. “The fans get the see new and old faces, and what this year’s team is going to look like. The players get to feed off the energy that our fans always seem to bring to the game.”
Burris said fans can expect to see a defense and offense that should rank at or near the top of the league.
“We are going to have an offense that will match up with our always solid defense,” he said. “There are going to be more points scored, especially when we get in the heart of our schedule. We have the balance and talent to win it all this year.”
One of the major players on this year’s offense will be Former Evangel University star, Derek Rasmussen. The American Professional Football League (APFL) rookie quarterback said he is excited about this team’s possibility and ready to get the season started.
“It is going to be a relief to see someone else on the other side of the field,” Rasmussen said. “We have been practicing hard for what seems like a long time and it will be nice to run up against someone in a different color jersey.
“We have tons of speed at receiver this year. We have at least four guys that are flat out fast. There is going to be a bigger mixture of arena type plays and a lot more scoring.”
Although this season is the first for Rasmussen in the APFL, he is no new comer to the indoor game. He has recently played for the Tulsa Talons of the Arena Football League and the Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League (IFL).
“Derek’s experience is a huge positive for us,” Burris said. “His knowledge of the games is like having another coach out there.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the WolfPack will be led by a new comer off the field and a team MVP on it.
Shem Johnson has joined the coaching staff and has taken over as the team’s defensive coordinator. Johnson, who is a former IFL all-star defensive back and a former Springfield Rifle, brings an extensive background of playing and coaching experience.
“I am basically trying to pass on the simple knowledge of the game.” Johnson said. “We have a lot of new guys who have never played this style of football. It is a small confined area, where you put your head on a swivel and cover your zone. The game is simple if you do that.
“We are going to have a defense full of guys flying to the ball and using their athletic ability. Those who haven’t seen this style of football before are in for a great surprise. There is going to be some hard hitting and the players going over the boards will make it a lot of fun.”
The on-the-field leader of the defense will be last year’s team MVP and star defensive back Stanley Harris. Harris, a four-veteran, said fans will see an intense defense with a definite goal in mind.
“It is going to be electrifying,” Harris said. “We are all in this together and we are going to do what ever it takes to win and to make us number one.
“This year we are going to protect our house so we can bring a home playoff game and a championship to our fans.”

The WolfPack home-opener will start at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, April 17 at Mediacom Ice Park. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased on game day. For more information go to springfieldwolfpack.net.

SPRINGFIELD WOLFPACK 2010 HOME SCHEDULE
· April 17, 2010: TOPEKA THUNDER
· April 24, 2010: WEST MISSOURI KINGS
· May 8, 2010: MID-MISSOURI OUTLAWS
· May 15,2010: KANSAS KOYOTES
· May 29, 2010: IOWA BLACKHAWKS
· June 12, 2010: JUNCTION CITY FORCE
All games start at 7:05 p.m. and are played at Mediacom Ice Park

WolfPack welcomes their newest edition Christopher Banks

4/11/2010

Christopher is 11 years old. In February of 2009 he had brain surgery to remove a tumor that was causing him to have seizures and was threatening his life.
Background Story

Christopher is 10 years old. In July of 2007 he lapsed into a moderate coma. When the Dr came into his room and asked us to step out, that is when our world was turned upside down



**He told us Christopher had a mass on his brain, and showed us on the MRI. We later learned he had also suffered a small stroke. We waited 3 long months to get in with a specialist in Columbia, where he was given his diagnosis. He was started on anti seizure medication and we were sent home while they made a decision about operating. We went back on December 21, with the hopes of Christopher having the operation, only to be told there was nothing they could do for him there except "treat the symptoms". We came home, had the best Christmas that we could given the circumstances, then began to look for more treatment options. We contacted John Hopkins In Baltimore and they set us up with a set of Specialists in St.Louis. March 24th we met with that team of Specialists. After several tests, stays and appointments, on December 4, 2008, Christopher was turned down for surgery in St.Louis. We are now headed to Memphis to meet with some of the best Dr's in the Nation. We will not stop until Christopher is better.
-Kimberly Banks

See updates directly form Chris and his family athttp://www.caringbridge.org/visit/christopherbanks/mystory



**We are so blessed to have come into contact with Champions Committed to Kids.
They are an incredible organization that really invests in children's inspiration and hope.
That is priceless.
The Springfield WolfPack is looking forward to having Chris on our team.
His courage and sense of pure joy was contageous at Saturday's practice.
He's already one of the boys and told me he felt like he was at home.
It warmed my heart to hear that.
Watch for more updates, stories and pictures!!!
-Wendy Wells

Chris realizes "This is his WolfPack House"

Chris & Coaches

Chris is introduced No.1 WolfPack Player

Chris & his friends

Chris: Let's win the ball game!!!

The Mystery Hour | Not Quite Successful Football Tryout

Jeff and Nate take their combined no years experience with them to tryout for The Springfield Wolfpack indoor football team. Which one will make the team? Which one will get closest? They are not men. Not even close. 


Filmed by Speedy Productions


Skinny Improv Group

We are on 417 Magazine!~ See article here!

The Wolf Pack Bites Back

This is the year for our own arena football team, the Springfield Wolf Pack, to make a run for the playoffs and come away champions.

BY SAMANTHA GOEHRI

Photos by Game Face Photography / Landon Small / Wendy Wells

Springfield’s arena football team, the Wolf Pack, plays on a smaller field than NFL teams.

Are you a football fan who can hardly wait for fall, when you get to tailgate, cheer for your favorite team and watch your favorite sport? Well you’re in luck! This month Springfield’s own indoor arena football team begins its fourth spring season on April 17 at Mediacom Ice Park. Games are open to the public and a fantastic way to spend your Saturday out of the heat watching an action-packed indoor arena football game.
In the past, the Wolf Pack has not had much luck with the playoffs, but according to Terry Edwards, the co-owner of the Wolf Pack, Coach Michael Burris has great potential. “He can coach my team to the championship,” Edwards says. And the team definitely has the talent to back up that dream. For the past three years the Wolf Pack has lead the American Professional Football League in league in defense.
At tryouts in January, Burris kept a very open mind, looking only at the talent he saw on the field. “Everyone has their chance,” He says. “You have a chance to earn your spot and work for opportunity.”

The 411 What: Wolf Pack Arena Football Games When: Season opener April 17 Where: Mediacom Ice Park Cost: $7 general admission More information: Call 417-831-0548 for tickets, and learn more about the team at hometeamsonline.com/teams/wolfpackindoorfootball.

He expects his core group of veterans returning this year to lead the way for the new recruits, although he also keeps his eyes on several key players who have the ability to do great things this season. These key players include Derrik Rasmus, the former quarterback from Evangel University and a newcomer to the team; Stanley Harris, the MVP last year who never missed a practice; and Deontae Blackmon, last year’s Wolf Pack Rookie of the Year.
Because it takes the entire team working together in order to succeed on the field, these guys become more than just teammates. “It’s that camaraderie and teamwork that should be out on the field. That’s a lot of what you play for. You play for pride, you play for your team, you play for your family,” says Burris.
You might be wondering about the differences between arena football and 11-man outdoor football (like the NFL). “It takes a different skill set and a different mindset,” Burris explains. The biggest differences are the field size, team sizes, and game pacing. In 11-man, the team plays on a 100-yard field with two 10-yard end zones and 18-and-a-half-foot wide field goalposts. Eight-man indoor arena football plays on a 50-yard field with two eight-yard end zones and nine-foot wide field goals.
Coach Burris says the differences between arena and outdoor football are minute and practically unnoticeable if you aren’t a big football fan. In any case, this team is sure to feed your game day desires, so watch to see if the Wolf Pack work their way to the playoffs.

source from 417 Magazine
Check out our 417 article LICK HERE

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WolfPack Help Train Future Sports Leaders

View it from Community Free Press Page#9

The Springfield WolfPack is helping Missouri State University students learn more about their future careers.

Twenty-six entertainment management students are obtaining first-hand sport industry experience by working with the WolfPack staff during the 2010 season. The students’ involvement with the WolfPack will fulfill a requirement for an elective course they are enrolled in named Managing The Sport Enterprise.

“This component of the course is designed to provide practical immersion in the sport industry to supplement the classroom instruction that students receive,” said Dr. Ben Goss, associate professor of management at Missouri State. “They are required to work a minimum of 10-15 hours for the WolfPack or in a similar setting.”

Goss said a former student who interned with the team spawned the program’s relationship with the WolfPack.

“The student suggested that Angela Edwards (team president) and I meet, and our discussions fueled some ideas about ways we could work together to provide laboratory experiences in the sport industry for our students,” he said. “The WolfPack were gracious enough to agree to open their doors to our students to give this a try, and we're most grateful.

Over two-thirds of the 28 students enrolled in the course chose to work with the WolfPack, Goss said.

Students may work more than the required hours with Goss’ approval, and several have indicated an interest in doing a full-time internship with the WolfPack after this semester.

One of the students working with the WolfPack staff is Wichita, Kan., native Scott Glenn. Glenn, who would like to be a college athletic director later in his career, said he expects to learn a lot about how social media is used by an organization like the WolfPack.

“I have seen how important the use of Twitter and Facebook are to running a successful organization,” he said. “So many people are using these sources, and it is vital that the WolfPack do as well.”

Chillicothe, Mo., native Megan Sharp said she has already learned a very important thing during her time with the WolfPack.

“It is important to have a target market,” she said. “That way you can focus each event on the audience.”

Wendy Wells, sales and marketing director for the WolfPack, said the experience with the Missouri State students will be beneficial for both parties.

“We are happy and excited to have the students be part of our team for the 2010 season,” she said. “I think there is a lot we can learn from each other, and I hope everyone involved finds this experience very beneficial and enjoyable.”

Glenn said he has already enjoyed his experience with the WolfPack.

“I have enjoyed the freedom that Wendy and the WolfPack staff have given me,” he said. “They have allowed me to learn first hand and have not micromanaged my every move.”

Goss said he believes the students and the WolfPack staff will not only help each other, but also help the growth of indoor football’s popularity in the Springfield area.

“My aim is for the students to provide help to the WolfPack franchise in any way they can, and to use this as an opportunity to discover various aspects of the sport industry that can't be taught inside a classroom,” he said.

“I'm confident our students can produce a strong return on the WolfPack investment in our class, because I passionately believe in the sport indoor football as a quality entertainment experience and am personally committed to seeing it grow in size and scope in Springfield.”

-written By Mert Seaton

source from springfieldwolfpack.net

Wolfpack Opens Run to Championship against CPFL Team

The Springfield WolfPack, Springfield’s only professional indoor football team, will open the 2010 season with a home game on April 17 against the Topeka Thunder of the Central Plains Football League (CPFL).

The recently released 2010 American Professional Football League (APFL) schedule has every team starting the season in an inter-league matchup against teams from the CPFL. The WolfPack’s game against the Thunder will start a stretch of four straight home games to start the season.

“We are excited to have a chance to start the season with the Thunder,” team President Angela Edwards said. “We believe our players and our fans will be up to the challenge. The Thunder, and the teams in the APFL, better be ready for what they will experience on the field and in the stands in Springfield this year.”

Along with inter-league play, the 2010 APFL season also includes the addition of the three-time CPFL champion Mid-Missouri Outlaws from Sedalia, MO.

“We’re excited about the Outlaws joining our league,” APFL President Ralph Adams said. “The excellence they displayed in the CPFL will be a welcome addition to the already great competition we have in the APFL.”

Adding another team from Missouri to the APFL creates an instant in-state rival for the WolfPack. That rivalry will begin on Saturday, May 8 when the Outlaws travel to Springfield for the first time in APFL history.

The 2010 APFL regular season will run from Saturday April 17 to the end of June. The playoffs and championship games will be set in early- to mid-July. For more on the 2010 APRL season go to springfieldwolfpack.net.

source from springfieldwolfpack.net