Simmons comes to the Ruff Riders from Bradenton, Florida, where he played his high school football at national powerhouse Bradenton Manatee, which is also the home of former Nebraska great Tommie Frazier. Simmons started his college career at Butte College. During his two years at Butte, he was considered to be one of the best players on the team and for his outstanding play during his sophomore year he was named the Receiver of the Year at Butte. Simmons finished his college career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With Simmons help, IUP was able to advance to the NCAA Division II Playoffs during both of the seasons that he played there. Simmons only has one year of indoor experience with the DC Armor of the AIFA so far, but during that year he was the leading receiver on the team with 45 catches for 935 yards and 13 touchdowns. When asked for comment, Coach King had this to say about the addition of Hinton and Simmons "Joe Hinton and Rickie Simmons are two great athletes. There is a saying in football that "speed kills" and these players definitely have the speed and athleticism to be devastating on a football field. We are privileged to get these two great athletes to come to Abilene and they are going to add to the fun, fast, and explosive brand of football that we are going to play this year."
Saturday, December 18, 2010
RUFF RIDERS SIGN BLALOCK
The Abilene Ruff Riders are pleased to announce the signing of Jamaine “Coco” Blalock. Coco comes to the Ruff Riders after playing for the Arkansas Diamonds last year in the IFL. Coco is considered to be one of the most exciting players in all of indoor football. He is known for being a threat to take it to the end zone any time he touches the ball. Last year, while playing for the Diamonds, he lead the team in all purpose yards despite only playing in nine games. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns which was 3rd most in the IFL. Before his time with the Diamonds, Coco was a star wide receiver in the Arena Football league. He played for the Milwaukee Mustangs, Columbus Destroyers, and Las Vegas Gladiators during his six years in the AFL. Coco’s best season in the AFL was in 2005, when he had 73 receptions for 853 yards as well as 13 touchdowns for the Las Vegas Gladiators. When asked for comment, Brett Quigley, the general manager for the Abilene Ruff Riders, had this to say, “We are truly excited to have a player like Jamaine Blalock come to Abilene. Jamaine has dominated at every level he has played and we feel he will continue to do so in the SIFL. Jamaine is one of the most exciting players in indoor football and he is like the indoor version of the NFL’s Desean Jackson or Devin Hester. Our fans are going to be amazed at the things that he can do on a football field.”
The Abilene Ruff Riders 2011 season kicks off on March 12. Season Tickets are as low as $35 per seat for the entire season. For season tickets or to become a valued partner in a soon to become championship winning SIFL franchise call (325) 677-7277.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Abilene Ruff Riders are pleased to announce the signing of Jamaine “Coco” Blalock. Coco comes to the Ruff Riders after playing for the Arkansas Diamonds last year in the IFL. Coco is considered to be one of the most exciting players in all of indoor football. He is known for being a threat to take it to the end zone any time he touches the ball. Last year, while playing for the Diamonds, he lead the team in all purpose yards despite only playing in nine games. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns which was 3rd most in the IFL. Before his time with the Diamonds, Coco was a star wide receiver in the Arena Football league. He played for the Milwaukee Mustangs, Columbus Destroyers, and Las Vegas Gladiators during his six years in the AFL. Coco’s best season in the AFL was in 2005, when he had 73 receptions for 853 yards as well as 13 touchdowns for the Las Vegas Gladiators. When asked for comment, Brett Quigley, the general manager for the Abilene Ruff Riders, had this to say, “We are truly excited to have a player like Jamaine Blalock come to Abilene. Jamaine has dominated at every level he has played and we feel he will continue to do so in the SIFL. Jamaine is one of the most exciting players in indoor football and he is like the indoor version of the NFL’s Desean Jackson or Devin Hester. Our fans are going to be amazed at the things that he can do on a football field.”
The Abilene Ruff Riders 2011 season kicks off on March 12. Season Tickets are as low as $35 per seat for the entire season. For season tickets or to become a valued partner in a soon to become championship winning SIFL franchise call (325) 677-7277.
Monday, December 13, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Abilene Ruff Riders are pleased to announce the hiring of their new head coach, Shon King. Coach King comes to the Ruff Riders after being the head coach/ offensive coordinator of the Quad City Steamwheelers in 2009. The Quad City Steamwheelers played in the AFL 2 league. While with the Steamwheelers, Coach King molded his offense into one of the best in the AFL 2. In 2008, Quad City had the #2 offense under Coach King’s guidance and he followed that impressive year up with the #4 rated offense in 2009. Prior to his coaching career, Coach King enjoyed had an illustrious playing career for Quad City in which he was nicknamed “Mr. Saturday Night”. He is the only player in Quad City history to have his number retired by the organization. Scott Anderson spokesman for BCPSA, the ownership group for the Abilene Ruff Riders, had this to say about the hiring of Coach King, “Our search for a new coach began with approximately 20 candidates, after going through our evaluation process; Coach King became the obvious choice. The ownership group feels that his offensive scheme, connections that will allow him to recruit great players and his community focus will place the Ruff Riders in the best possible position to win a championship for Abilene. We want to thank all of the candidates who applied and the Abilene community for their support and direct involvement during this process. It was the input from our sponsors, season ticket holders, and staff that helped us, as owners, to make what we feel is the right decision for Abilene. The 2011 season is quickly approaching and we wait with great anticipation, to see this decision payoff on and off the field.”
The Abilene Ruff Riders 2011 season kicks off on March 12. Season Tickets are as low as $35 per seat for the entire season. For season tickets or to become a valued partner in a soon to become championship winning SIFL franchise call (325) 677-7277.