What a Debut!!!
Jeff Sims
Friday March 3, 2006
But what about the guys that continue to try and make it happen after most of us have already given up, curse our bosses day in and day out thinking about "what might have been"? They play in developmental leagues, workout constantly, continuing in their attempt to improve their skills, and pushing themselves hoping that one day they will "get the call."
The Chicago Rush have found one of those guys in rookie WR/DB Buchie Ibeh. The rookie from Temple spent the 2005 season playing in af2 (The developmental league for the AFL) for the Albany Conquest. Up until this past week, Ibeh was part of the Chicago Rush practice squad still trying to get his shot.
"That’s been one the most challenging things in my life," said Ibeh. "You know you can play. You know you have the ability. But to stay on the practice squad week in and week out is very humbling. Which I look back on now and know it helps and when I get my shot I just play hard, hard, hard."
This past weekend, in his first AFL start, Ibeh definitely played hard catching eight passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns as the Rush scored a 54 – 48 overtime victory against the ever-tough San Jose Sabercats.
On the Tuesday before, the Rush coaching staff informed Ibeh (6’ 2" 210 lbs) that he would be playing a big part in the upcoming game. To them it just made sense.
"We don’t have anybody like him that can come out when (the opponent) is pressing everybody that has a chance to go up and take the football," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He was tearing us up in practice going up and taking the ball. I think this decision was the right one for us this week."
"I had a lot of mixed emotions," stated the rookie. "You’re excited you get your first start, but you’re also nervous and don’t want to fail anybody."
The decision certainly cannot be doubted looking at the game played by Ibeh. Having played both offense and defense in college, Buchie was successful on both sides of the ball. In addition to his high offensive output, he also contributed three tackles on defense. His teammates were glad to have him aboard.
"That was our attitude from the coaching staff on down," said Rush QB Matt D’Orazio. "We got excited once we knew he was going to play. ‘Buchie’s playing?’ Great, let’s go out and win."
Ibeh appeared as calm as a veteran with 11 seconds left as he caught the game-tying touchdown that sent the game into overtime. The stuff that dreams are made of.
Unlike many others, Ibeh is just happy to be getting his chance. He understands that and is now looking ahead to his next challenge.
"This game is so much faster," stated Ibeh. "There are athletes in this game. af2 is very competitive, but nothing like I saw (in this game). Everybody is fast and strong. So the difference is who is smart, knows the plays, is disciplined, and that is what gives you the edge in this game. This week in practice, I’m going to go extra hard to stay consistent. Every week is a job interview for me. I’m not at superstar status yet. I’m a rookie."
Maintaining the proper attitude and putting up those types of numbers should certainly get Buchie Ibeh where he wants to go.
Game Notes
Rush head coach Mike Hohensee confirmed that transitional kicker Dan Frantz will be waived once Keith Gispert is ready to return. Gispert kicked in practice last week, but is not scheduled to return for at least another week.
He has it! He had it!
Rush FB/LB Bob McMillen broke the AFL all-time rushing record and lost it in a matter of minutes. After breaking the record on a 2 yard run in the third quarter, McMillen was hit in the backfield two plays later resulting in an eight-yard loss putting him back into second place. McMillen now needs seven yards to once again break the all-time rushing record set by Les Barley. He will once again get the opportunity in front of his home crowd as the Rush go for their fourth straight win hosting the 4-1 Dallas Desperados this Sunday.
Jeff has been writing for ArenaFan.com since 2004. Originally from New York, Jeff has been living in the Chicago area for the past ten years and is an avid football fanatic. He holds a BA in communications from Hofstra University in New York and a sports management certificate from Loyola University in Chicago.
