San Jose SaberCats version 2003
Tim Ball
Tuesday January 7, 2003
No dust!
 SaberCats earn first Arenabowl trophy in 2002 Image courtesy of Kevin Sheller |
“It’s a good thing I had my surgery (hernia) right after the ArenaBowl,” said WR/LB Barry Wagner, “this is a serious camp.”
When emotions overcame coverage and blocking and the inevitable “KABLAM!” rang out, coaches were quick to silence the roar of enthusiastic athletes. “Hey that’s a team member that someone failed,” roared offensive coach Terry Malley. “It all starts right here.”
The players were solemn in realizing that there is a big target on the chest of an ArenaBowl Champion.
A mistake can easily cost the volume of air in both lungs and a season of regret.
The big challenge.
San Jose’s coaches know the task at hand is to hit the ground running. “With no pre-season games there is no opportunity to see us in action against another team,” said Head Coach Darren Arbet. “We lost a few key players to free agency and we need to bring their replacements up to speed. It is important for the players to focus right now.”
Players missing from the 2002 team are Quarterback and ArenaBowl MVP John Dutton, who signed with the expansion Colorado Crush. ArenaBowl Ironman award winner Omar Smith went to the Orlando Predators. FB/LB Bob McMillen joined the Chicago Rush. WR/LB Shalon Baker will not be returning. Those players will be missed without a doubt as all played major roles in the championship season.
Although most of the team will be back, the chemistry of the 2003 SaberCats will come from a different formula. But like three top scientists, Arbet, Church and Malley are up to the task.
“We feel confident in the players returning and those we’re adding,” said Arbet. “Every season is a new challenge as rosters change a bit. Each team faces the same situation. We’re lucky in that we have a good core group of players returning but we still have to play one game at a time.”
With 2002 Offensive Player of the Year Quarterback Mark Grieb, and DS Clevan Thomas, who earned both Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year, the makeup on both sides of the line will be anchored by two of the league’s best players. Add the incomparable “Mr. Everything” Barry Wagner, a healthy WR/DB James Roe and newly signed OS Aaron Bailey, (who was outstanding with the Carolina Cobras) “that dominating line,” led by the AFL’s leader in sacks, Sam Hernandez, and the core looks good indeed.
Being ready.
ArenaBowl XVI was a blowout for several reasons, but the most important was the preparation being sought this season by Arbet. Arizona Rattlers head coach Danny White was quoted as saying this was the main reason his team was dominated in the Championship game.
The other was health. Though Grieb was sidelined with a broken collarbone, the SaberCats came into the championship game basically the same team that started the season. Remember, Dutton was not a “backup” to Grieb. He was one of only two quarterbacks from the start of the season and was ready from day one.
“We had the best of it in terms of players not injured.” said coach Michael Church; “We made it through the season with our two-way players healthy. Arizona had key players sidelined or who played in the championship with injuries. Also our non-starters were dominant all year long when coming into any situation.”
The SaberCats did not “almost” go undefeated; they “almost” won every game they played. And, when defeat came their way, they responded by winning the rest.
That preparation by every player to win each game “one at a time” propelled San Jose to a season like no other in 2002.
They not only set the bar high, they set it at perfection.
Waiting is not the hardest part.
Since the trophy is not allowed to gather dust, no one else is either. As the coaches shape the 2003 SaberCats to win…their first game, looking at the schedule and you see why they’re getting prepared. In fact, it’s crystal clear why Arbet needs his 2003 SaberCats focused, polished and ready.
Arizona.
And.
Those fans.
I think we can all see clearly now why coach Darren Arbet takes it one game at a time.
Game time is 3:00 pm, February 2nd at the America West Arena.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
