Post by djh0722 on Oct 13, 2008 8:54:58 GMT -5
2009 Baltimore Mariners Search for the Next Big Play Maker
Professional Indoor Football Team Concludes First Open Try-Out
David Harrington|www.baltimoremariners.com
October 12, 2008
(Baltimore, MD) As potential candidates for the 2009 Baltimore Mariners roster filed into Freestate Sports Arena in White Marsh, MD they were handed an official Baltimore Mariners training camp t-shirt. As the shirts were being pulled on, the Mariners’ General Manager, Greg Justice shouted, “These t-shirts are temporary gentlemen. The goal is to trade it in for a jersey!” This comment elicited hoots of excitement from those trying to earn a spot on the professional football team’s roster.
From the time warm-ups started, there was one noticeable quality that all the candidates displayed: Professionalism. “It is very impressive” said Justice. He added “they are here to make it to the next level of their careers and it definitely shows they are committed to making that happen.” Game-day football operations coordinator Jim Hopkins echoed Justice’s observations. “They moved through their testing quickly and efficiently. They know that if they want to be a Baltimore Mariner, they have to prove they are worthy and this is their time to show that they have what it takes.” Hopkins said.
While there was a lot of local talent that arrived at Freestate Sports Arena for a shot at the 2009 Baltimore Mariners Roster, others trekked from much greater distances. “We had a guy come out all the way from Illinois.” said Greg Justice. “And a handful of southerners made the drive up here. We looked at guys from as far south as South Carolina and Alabama. That should tell you something. People are talking about the Mariners. They want to be a part of this team.” Justice commented.
The candidates were put through the battery of typical speed and agility tests. They were graded on the 40-yard dash, the 20-yard shuttle, and the standing broad jump. While there were varying degrees of results, every candidate gave all. At the conclusion of the testing, their navy blue Baltimore Mariners t-shirts were drenched in sweat. Candidates who excelled in the testing were extended an invite to participate in the Elite Workout portion of the tryout, where they would showcase their knowledge and skills in the game of football.
“It was a successful tryout. We got a good look at a lot of talent today.” said Greg Justice. When asked about contracts and player signings based on tryout results, Justice said, “We saw a handful of guys that really stood out. They have signed training camp contracts and they get to advance to the next level of earning a spot on the final roster.” While a signed contract does not guarantee a final spot on the roster, those who made it through the try-outs with contract in hand have accomplished the first step in their quest to don a Baltimore Mariners uniform in 2009.
The Mariners will conduct their next open tryout on November 15, 2008 at Freestate Arena. For more information on the tryout, season tickets, and other exciting news about the Baltimore Mariners, visit our website at www.baltimoremariners.com.
Professional Indoor Football Team Concludes First Open Try-Out
David Harrington|www.baltimoremariners.com
October 12, 2008
(Baltimore, MD) As potential candidates for the 2009 Baltimore Mariners roster filed into Freestate Sports Arena in White Marsh, MD they were handed an official Baltimore Mariners training camp t-shirt. As the shirts were being pulled on, the Mariners’ General Manager, Greg Justice shouted, “These t-shirts are temporary gentlemen. The goal is to trade it in for a jersey!” This comment elicited hoots of excitement from those trying to earn a spot on the professional football team’s roster.
From the time warm-ups started, there was one noticeable quality that all the candidates displayed: Professionalism. “It is very impressive” said Justice. He added “they are here to make it to the next level of their careers and it definitely shows they are committed to making that happen.” Game-day football operations coordinator Jim Hopkins echoed Justice’s observations. “They moved through their testing quickly and efficiently. They know that if they want to be a Baltimore Mariner, they have to prove they are worthy and this is their time to show that they have what it takes.” Hopkins said.
While there was a lot of local talent that arrived at Freestate Sports Arena for a shot at the 2009 Baltimore Mariners Roster, others trekked from much greater distances. “We had a guy come out all the way from Illinois.” said Greg Justice. “And a handful of southerners made the drive up here. We looked at guys from as far south as South Carolina and Alabama. That should tell you something. People are talking about the Mariners. They want to be a part of this team.” Justice commented.
The candidates were put through the battery of typical speed and agility tests. They were graded on the 40-yard dash, the 20-yard shuttle, and the standing broad jump. While there were varying degrees of results, every candidate gave all. At the conclusion of the testing, their navy blue Baltimore Mariners t-shirts were drenched in sweat. Candidates who excelled in the testing were extended an invite to participate in the Elite Workout portion of the tryout, where they would showcase their knowledge and skills in the game of football.
“It was a successful tryout. We got a good look at a lot of talent today.” said Greg Justice. When asked about contracts and player signings based on tryout results, Justice said, “We saw a handful of guys that really stood out. They have signed training camp contracts and they get to advance to the next level of earning a spot on the final roster.” While a signed contract does not guarantee a final spot on the roster, those who made it through the try-outs with contract in hand have accomplished the first step in their quest to don a Baltimore Mariners uniform in 2009.
The Mariners will conduct their next open tryout on November 15, 2008 at Freestate Arena. For more information on the tryout, season tickets, and other exciting news about the Baltimore Mariners, visit our website at www.baltimoremariners.com.