RAGE ROLLING’ AT OFFSEASON HALFWAY MARK
By Mike Thompson
Whoever said it first wasn’t lying....time DOES fly, especially when you’re having fun. And here at Rage Headquarters, things are huffin’ and puffin’ right along at what now is the halfway point in the offseason for the team. Yep, seems like just yesterday, but in fact it was four months ago that the team was upset in the playoffs by the Cincinnati Marshals at the Savvis Center. And after stating that we sure don’t plan on something like that happening in 2006, let’s chart the course for the next four months leading up to the mid-March home opener at that same scene of the crime, our new home for next season, the St. Louis Savvis Center! We’re playing with the big boys now, the Blues, St. Louie U basketball and the aura of sharing the same downtown area as the Rams and Cards. We’re excited and are doing things now to insure success at all 7 (and probably more!) home games in 2006.
Here’s what’s up.....first of all, we need to look at players. After losing Hurtis Chinn and Brue Blue to the AFL, Coach Wyatt and his staff are gearing up for the only open tryout of 2005 scheduled for Saturday, November 19th, 1PM, at the Velocity Sports Performance Center in Chesterfield.I’ll begin by stating this is not for the weekend athlete, the Walter Mitty’s of the football world, or anyone who did not establish himself in some form of post high-school play. That said, if you or someone you know might have what it takes to make the Rage roster in the coming season, check our website at ragefootball.com for the registration form. Kickers excluded, players will be tested in the 40 and 20 yard dash, the 20 yard pro-shuttle, the standing broad jump, the vertical jump, the 225lb bench press, and THEN be ready to play some football. Individual position drills will be spearheaded by Rage coaches. Good luck!!
And there’s sideline fun on tap the next day. Hey girl, wanna be a RiverCity Rage Cheerleader? Then be ready for the open auditions being held on Sunday, November 20th, 11AM, at the St. Louis Mills Mall in Hazelwood. Rage dance team leader Kathy Martinez will be looking for young ladies age 18 and over who have dance background and an outgoing personality for all Rage home games in 2006. Team functions also offer a chance for Rage cheerleaders to get out and meet and greet the public during the entire year as well, do if that’s you, again check the Rage website or contact the team at 636-916-0132.
In a previous article, I wrote concerning the team’s devotion to worthy community and charity type causes, and on Friday, November 11th, the team will again lend a hand to help benefit a great cause. It’s the first RiverCity Rage Semi-Annual Children’s Charities Golf Tournament to be held at the St. Peter’s Golf Course, with a 10AM Shotgun Start. The Four Person Scramble-Best Ball Tourney will benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Charles County, the St. Louis Sports Commission’s ‘Sports for Kids’ program, and the Boy Scouts of America. The entry fee is $40 per person and $150 per foursome and includes lunch, a goodies bag, golf, free beverages on the course, and dinner. Entry deadline is Thursday, November 10th. If you or your group want to play with the Rage, have a great time, and help these charities, again, check our website or call us at the Rage office.
And the Raggie Kid’s Club now has an official sponsor! Kudo’s to Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant for stepping up to show kids a great time with all the fun the club has to offer. Join the Kid’s Club for your youngster by downloading the application found on line at ragefootball.com....you’ll get a Rage t-shirt, a color activity book, two tickets to a Raggie Birthday Party, an autographed picture of Raggie, and an autograph party with Raggie and selected Rage players.....and V.I.P membership for 20% off Rage merchandise. John Whicker of Chevys says it best, “Chevys Fresh Mex is a family Restaurant, and we are always happy to support a fun kid’s program like the RiverCity Rage ‘Raggie’s’ Kid’s Club.” On behalf of our beloved mascot we say thanks to Chevys Fresh Mex....and hey guys, join up...it’s fun!!
Finally, I’ve got to say thanks on behalf of our team to First Capitol News Sports Editor Mike McMurran. Mike called me last week to give me a ‘heads up’ on an idea that he had for our Offensive Line Coach J.T. Thompson. If you’ve seen our website or the BullSheet put together by Coach Mike Wyatt, you know that J.T. suffered a bilateral stroke in late September while coaching football at Trinity High School. Mike is an assistant coach at Trinity and has known J.T. for years. Last Saturday afternoon, Berkeley High played Trinity. J.T. Thompson had coached at Berekely until this season. Mike arranged for the players to meet at midfield before the game, join hands and offer a moment of silence, and if desired, silent prayer for the recovery our our coach and friend. Kids who had played under J.T. and even perhaps some who had not known him at all came together to show support, and give a great example of what sports and sportsmanship and caring are all about. I can’t tell you how much it meant to a man who only a month ago was literally fighting for his life. The good news is that the long range prognosis for J.T. is remarkably better. He’s undergoing daily re-hab on an out -patient basis, his speech has improved dramatically, and he’s working hard to get better for himself, his family and his team. Thanks, Mike, I know it meant a lot to us as an organization and for J.T., my roommate on the road when the team is away, it meant everything at a time when so called ‘little things’ really mean a lot.
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