Storm Training Camp - Day Twelve
Wednesday March 18, 2015
Competition and rebuilding a winning tradition
TAMPA BAY – When coming into this season’s training camp, the Storm was looking to create a competitive atmosphere. The team wanted to bring in players that understood the way of the Storm. Players that were ready to put on the blue and gold, and rebuild a winning tradition. So far, this training camp has not disappointed.
“I believe if we keep coming out day after day and competing on both sides of the ball we’ll be a fine football team,” said head coach Lawrence Samuels.
One thing the coaching staff wanted to stress to this year’s crop of players is that winning football is engrained in the Storm’s history. With five ArenaBowl Championships, the Storm wanted to impress on the players how important it is to win and feed its rabid fan base.
“I’m learning the Tampa organization and I know they’re trying to get back to their championship ways,” said wide receiver Jarvis Williams. “I like the direction that we are going.”
However, in order to win, the grind must never stop. With younger players coming in it is very important to see everyone competing each and every day.
“To get to that level it’s going to take a lot of hard work and extra effort,” said Williams. “Dedication and comradery as a team will help a lot going into the season.”
A fractured team could prove to be the downfall of a season, but the players entered training camp knowing it’s time to come together as one.
“Right now we’ve been building together as a team,” said defensive lineman Everett Dawkins. “We keep our focus on our goals and what we want to do as a team. We’ve been bonding throughout this process and it’s only going to get better.”
Coach’s Perspective: “We’ve been improving day after day,” said Samuels. “The guys are getting a good feel for our terminology and the last few days have been very competitive.”
Quote of the Day: “This has been a really good experience coming out here and playing professionally in my first year,” said offensive lineman Bruce Doyle. “People are coming out here to compete at a high level and make the Storm a better team.”
Looking Ahead: The Storm will have its final roster cut down on Friday, March 20. It will be the second cut down of training camp, with the team transitioning from a 28-man to a 24-man roster.
Player Spotlight: With the final days of training camp dwindling down, Bruce Doyle is in our Day 12 player spotlight. Doyle was acquired by the Storm on October 29, and enters his rookie season in the Arena Football League. The Cuba, NY native played collegiately at Brockport State, an NCAA Division III school in upstate New York. While at Brockport, he started in 31-of-33 games, earning All-NJAC First Team honors in his senior season.
Throughout training camp, Doyle has shown his ability to play effectively on the offensive line. In a game that is predicated on passing, it is important to protect the quarterback. During the past few weeks Doyle has shown his ability to block and protect his quarterback.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 28th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm opens up the 2015 season, Friday, March 27, when it takes on the Cleveland Gladiators, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at AMALIE Arena. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.