Post by 50yardfan on Mar 29, 2011 20:36:47 GMT -5
www.rgj.com/article/20110328/SPORTS/103280315/1306/FERNLEY/Reno-Barons-get-new-coach?odyssey=nav|head
Former Nevada defensive back Del Bates took a line from Terrell Owens when describing his new team, the Reno Barons.
"Get that popcorn ready," he said.
Several Barons players and coaches were on hand at a news conference inside the Ramada Hotel and Casino on Sunday to kick off the inaugural season.
The Barons begin practice today with less than a month before their first game as an indoor football team.
"Everything is coming together great," General manager Tim Pierce said. "The community has embraced us. ... We're ready to go."
About 30 players will begin practice, most of whom have ties to the area, and the final roster will be cut to 25 later this week. The team also hopes to field a practice squad.
Newly appointed coach Anthony Bartley said he's ready to get to work.
"These guys are going to get a crash course in mental warfare," he said. "I'm a disciplinarian. A lot of what I do is about mental strength. If they can handle the mental game with me, when they get to the next level they will be able to handle what they dish out. If they can survive, they can move on."
Bartley said he was given the coaching job on Sunday morning to replace Major Harris, who Pierce said had some commitment issues. Bartley originally was the defensive coordinator.
The coaches and players said the style of play for indoor football is fast-paced with an atmosphere more intimate than regular football. There will be eight players on offense and defense instead of 11 like the NFL and they will play on a 50-yard field with 4-foot walls acting as the sideline.
Director of operations Steve Matson said a field has been purchased and is ready to be set up at the Reno Events Center.
The first game is April 17 against San Diego.
"I'm excited to get on the field again and hit somebody," said former Hug High grad Isaac Porter, who likely will play running back. "It's going to be fast. I like that it's a fast style of play with high energy."
Under center for the team likely will be DeJoeve Platt, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound quarterback who has 10 years of experience playing indoor football.
Platt played semi-pro ball in Pennsylvania in the summer and is regarded as a mobile quarterback with a quick release.
"I want to win every single game," said Platt, who played at Akron in college and was drafted by the Montreal Expos in high school but chose to play football instead. "Everyone here has welcomed us here and I'm going to do the best that I can."
The majority of the roster comes from the area, as six players went to Nevada. Joining Bates is running back Brandon Fragger, offensive lineman Charles Manu, cornerback Shannon Sevor and linebackers Carl LaGrone Jr. and Kika Kaululaau.
Derek Burton (Reno) and Scott Witter (Carson) played high school football in the area.
"We have a really good roster put together," Pierce said.
Reno Barons
What: Indoor football team in its inaugural season
Tickets: $14-46 at www.renobarons.com or 775-410-2255
First game: April 17 at Reno Events Center
Former Nevada defensive back Del Bates took a line from Terrell Owens when describing his new team, the Reno Barons.
"Get that popcorn ready," he said.
Several Barons players and coaches were on hand at a news conference inside the Ramada Hotel and Casino on Sunday to kick off the inaugural season.
The Barons begin practice today with less than a month before their first game as an indoor football team.
"Everything is coming together great," General manager Tim Pierce said. "The community has embraced us. ... We're ready to go."
About 30 players will begin practice, most of whom have ties to the area, and the final roster will be cut to 25 later this week. The team also hopes to field a practice squad.
Newly appointed coach Anthony Bartley said he's ready to get to work.
"These guys are going to get a crash course in mental warfare," he said. "I'm a disciplinarian. A lot of what I do is about mental strength. If they can handle the mental game with me, when they get to the next level they will be able to handle what they dish out. If they can survive, they can move on."
Bartley said he was given the coaching job on Sunday morning to replace Major Harris, who Pierce said had some commitment issues. Bartley originally was the defensive coordinator.
The coaches and players said the style of play for indoor football is fast-paced with an atmosphere more intimate than regular football. There will be eight players on offense and defense instead of 11 like the NFL and they will play on a 50-yard field with 4-foot walls acting as the sideline.
Director of operations Steve Matson said a field has been purchased and is ready to be set up at the Reno Events Center.
The first game is April 17 against San Diego.
"I'm excited to get on the field again and hit somebody," said former Hug High grad Isaac Porter, who likely will play running back. "It's going to be fast. I like that it's a fast style of play with high energy."
Under center for the team likely will be DeJoeve Platt, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound quarterback who has 10 years of experience playing indoor football.
Platt played semi-pro ball in Pennsylvania in the summer and is regarded as a mobile quarterback with a quick release.
"I want to win every single game," said Platt, who played at Akron in college and was drafted by the Montreal Expos in high school but chose to play football instead. "Everyone here has welcomed us here and I'm going to do the best that I can."
The majority of the roster comes from the area, as six players went to Nevada. Joining Bates is running back Brandon Fragger, offensive lineman Charles Manu, cornerback Shannon Sevor and linebackers Carl LaGrone Jr. and Kika Kaululaau.
Derek Burton (Reno) and Scott Witter (Carson) played high school football in the area.
"We have a really good roster put together," Pierce said.
Reno Barons
What: Indoor football team in its inaugural season
Tickets: $14-46 at www.renobarons.com or 775-410-2255
First game: April 17 at Reno Events Center