News Archive

03/10/98 - After months of searching, we've finally found our new cyber-domicile here at www.simplenet.com. This site gives us unlimited space, which will mean more photos, features and articles about Arena Football and the Tampa Bay Storm. In moving here, we also are unveiling our new look for the 1998 season, as you might be able to see, with a menu bar down the left side of the screen whenever you roam through the site, so you can get around more easily. Contact us if you have any comments, feedback and questions about the site or the Tampa Bay Storm. Here is our news release that we are sending to the local media.

TAMPA, Fla. - Like the U.S. Marine Corps, the Tampa Bay Storm are looking for a few good men. If you can handle the truth that goes along with a morning of agility drills, timed sprints and other evaluations of physical prowess, then it will be crystal clear that you should show up at 9 a.m. for registration on Saturday, March 28 at Pepin-Rood Stadium on the University of Tampa campus. The tour of duty will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 1 p.m. Officially, this Code Red of a gathering is codenamed the Coors Light R U Tuff Enuff Tampa Bay Storm Tryout Camp Presented by 98 Rock. You don't have to be stationed at Guantanamo Bay to qualify; all you need is $40 and proper workout shoes and attire. Even if you don't do well, you won't receive a court martial. Rather, you'll be able to take home a free Storm t-shirt and tickets to a Storm game. In addition, you'll receive free observation from the Storm's commanding officers, coach Tim Marcum and his assistants. If you want answers, and you think you're entitled to answers, call the Storm office at (813) 276-7300 for more information.

TAMPA, Fla. - For the first time since 1995, the Storm will host a preseason game in their home building, beginning their 1998 campaign with a game against Southern Division rival Florida. The Friday night clash with the Bobcats kicks off at the Ice Palace at 7:40 p.m. All tickets, from right behind the side boards to the upper reaches of the third level are $5. The game marks the revival of "Touchdown Tampa Bay," a Storm-sponsored program to benefit local schools. Similar games in 1992 and 1993 with the Detroit Drive raised tens of thousands of dollars for the school systems of Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. All proceeds from this year's game against the Bobcats will benefit the Hillsborough Education Foundation. The game is the first of two preseason games for Tampa Bay; the second game is against the arch-rival Orlando Predators in the O-rena on Thursday, April 23. Full 1998 Schedule

TAMPA, Fla. - As we move back into season mode, it's time to recap the roster moves made by the Storm in preparation for 1998. In late February, the Storm acquired offensive lineman Steve Houghton from the Iowa Barnstormers in a three-way trade also involving the New York CityHawks. For Houghton, Tampa Bay gave up the rights to malcontent lineman Kent Wells. Tampa Bay also acquired the rights to three players from the late Anaheim Piranhas in the December dispersal draft: WR/DB Derek Hill, lineman Darryl Milburn and WR/DB Daryl Frazier. The Storm also has added some Arena Football rookies, signing former Kansas State linebacker Nyle Wiren, former University of Alabama defensive back Kevin Jackson and former Washington Redskins safety Alvoid Mays. Wiren is the all-time sack leader in K-State history. Jackson was named to the All-America team during his time in Tuscaloosa. Mays, who also played at the University of Miami, is a cousin of Storm defensive specialist Tracy Sanders, Dallas Cowboys DB/WR/PR/KR Deion Sanders and former University of Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier.

03/23/98 - Looking to bolster their line, the Storm signed former Florida State standout Patrick McNeil to a contract on Friday. McNeil, a first-team all-ACC performer in 1994 and a second-teamer in 1992 and 1993, started in every game in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons at FSU. He is a resident of Palmetto, 30 miles south of Tampa, and will join fellow Manatee County resident Tracy Sanders on the team. Like Sanders and offseason-signee Alvoid Mays, McNeil is a graduate of Manatee High School in Bradenton. At Manatee, he was rated the nation's top offensive lineman and was selected to play in the 1989 Florida-Georgia All-Star Game. McNeil has been out of football since his senior season in Tallahassee, but the 26-year-old is excited about playing Arena Football. "I like the contact in the game," he said. "It gives me a chance to work out stress." McNeil, a 6-3, 290-pounder, will join fellow Seminoles Sanders and Peter Tom Willis on the roster.