Post by Canton Cougar Fan on Mar 9, 2007 15:32:42 GMT -5
Canton Legends defensive end Ron Washburn, one of the AIFA's premier pass rushers, is headed for the Arena Football League.
The 6'3, 280 pound Washburn, who has helped key the Legends red-hot defensive start, signed a contract with the Grand Rapids Rampage of the AFL on Thursday. Washburn was among Canton's defensive leaders with 4.5 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss.
Legends coach Bobby Olive is excited about Washburn's opportunity. " While the ultimate goal of the Canton Legends is to win every game we play, I also want to help our players get to the next level, " said Olive. " This chance for Ronnie is clearly one that allows him to better himself both as a player and a person, " Olive added.
Washburn, who has previous Arena League experience, becomes the third Legends player in less than a year to be signed by one of the many leagues that scout Canton and other AIFA teams for talent. Former Legends players Dante Booker and Lavar Glover left Canton for contracts with Canadian Football League teams last season. Booker signed with the Montreal Alouettes, while Glover, a defensive back, plays for the British Columbia Lions, the defending Grey Cup champions.
" While we're sad to lose Ronnie as a player, we're very happy for him personally, " said Canton general manager Ed Korns. " Coach Olive has done a outstanding job in bringing players like Ronnie to the Legends organization and I'm sure whoever Bobby signs to replace ( Washburn ) will be a great addition to our championship team, " said Korns.
The undefeated Legends ( 4-0 ) travel to Florida this weekend to face the
1-1 Lakeland Thunderbolts, one of the AIFA's expansion franchises. Kick-off time Sunday afternoon is set for 5.
The 6'3, 280 pound Washburn, who has helped key the Legends red-hot defensive start, signed a contract with the Grand Rapids Rampage of the AFL on Thursday. Washburn was among Canton's defensive leaders with 4.5 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss.
Legends coach Bobby Olive is excited about Washburn's opportunity. " While the ultimate goal of the Canton Legends is to win every game we play, I also want to help our players get to the next level, " said Olive. " This chance for Ronnie is clearly one that allows him to better himself both as a player and a person, " Olive added.
Washburn, who has previous Arena League experience, becomes the third Legends player in less than a year to be signed by one of the many leagues that scout Canton and other AIFA teams for talent. Former Legends players Dante Booker and Lavar Glover left Canton for contracts with Canadian Football League teams last season. Booker signed with the Montreal Alouettes, while Glover, a defensive back, plays for the British Columbia Lions, the defending Grey Cup champions.
" While we're sad to lose Ronnie as a player, we're very happy for him personally, " said Canton general manager Ed Korns. " Coach Olive has done a outstanding job in bringing players like Ronnie to the Legends organization and I'm sure whoever Bobby signs to replace ( Washburn ) will be a great addition to our championship team, " said Korns.
The undefeated Legends ( 4-0 ) travel to Florida this weekend to face the
1-1 Lakeland Thunderbolts, one of the AIFA's expansion franchises. Kick-off time Sunday afternoon is set for 5.
