Rush look to make it great in ‘08
January 4 , 2008
ROSCOE, IL. – What’s the word around the Roscoe Rush semi-pro football headquarters? Make it great in ’08.
“We have a great core of returning players for 2008,” said Rob Feltner, co-owner and five year veteran with the Rush. “We will add some new guys and will make some adjustments. We have the same goal as any other team in the league, and that is to win the championship.”
Fans of the Rush will be able to watch their favorites on TV and radio. The Rush penned a deal that put the team on WNTA radio (1330 AM) and on Insight Channel 57. The Rush finished the 2007 campaign in the IFL (Ironman Football League) with a 12-2 regular season mark and fell to the Franklin Outlaws in the second round 14-0. The Rush have a 5-year team record of 49-16-1.
Bill Kalas will be entering his third year as head coach of the Rush as they plan to kick off year number six as an organization.
“Our players know that we must work hard to achieve this goal, and that we must take it one game at a time,” Feltner says. “We have a great coaching staff.”
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Stone was recently added, while George Becker will handle the offense.
“All of our coaches have their own philosophy in coaching and get their point across to the players,” Feltner continued.
“We believe our program brings many benefits to the community,” Feltner added. “Our focus is to put together the best minor league football program in the area while demonstrating our winning attitude on the field and in the community.”
Tryouts for the team are slated to be held in March. The Rush began a Hall of Fame in ’07, with three original line-up players making the cut into the hallowed halls. Aaron Latino, Chuck Leonard, and Branden Ramey were selected. The Rush will be in the American Conference in 2008. They will have a Dance Team, with Sara Soeprasteyo in charge.
The Rush are also proud to announce that Anthony Stone has accepted the position as Defensive Coordinator for the team. Coach Stone is entering his 1st season with the Rush. Stone is no stranger to the minor league football world, as he is a former player and coach. In addition to working with the Roscoe Rush, Stone is currently a physical education teacher at RESA Middle School in Rockford, IL. He is also the head football coach and athletic director.
Stone spent last spring on the McHenry County Pirates Coaching Staff. Before that he played two seasons for them as their quarterback (‘05-‘06). He was also a member of the Rock River Raptors Indoor Football Team as quarterback in 2006. Prior to that, he spent two years (‘01-‘03) as a college football coach at Rockford College where he coached the quarterbacks and receivers for the Regents.
After a four year playing career as quarterback at Loras (Iowa) College, Stone received two invitations to participate in Arena Football League tryouts with the Chicago Rush. A native of Burbank, IL, Stone and his wife Kara live in Rockford and have a daughter named Jade.
The Rush so far has been one of the most successful franchises in the IFL on and off the field. Only time will tell if the Rush has a potential Iron Bowl championship in the near future, but one thing is for certain, with the improvements and additions made this off-season the Rush will continue to be a top contender in the American Conference.