By MALLORY TRELEAVEN
The Arena Football League has become a launching pad to the NFL for not only some players and coaches, but also for game officials.
Three former AFL officials will take the field when the Giants battle the Patriots in Indianapolis for SuperBowl XLVI this weekend. Scheduled to officiate will be John Parry, Gary Cavaletto and Carl Paganelli, son of Coordinator of Officials, Carl Paganelli Sr. Listed as alternate officials are: Al Riverna, Wayne Mackey and Bill Schuester.
As AFL Communications continues coverage from the Super Bowl XLVI Media Center in Indianapolis, Kurt Warner caught up with the League that gave him a chance.
EDITOR: Another year, another Super Bowl. How do you like Indianapolis?
KURT WARNER: You know, I like it. I think it’s a great setup for the Super Bowl. So much of the Super Bowl is getting around and seeing the people. Because everything is so compact and together here, I think it’s great. I’ve been able to walk to different places and mingle with the fans and be a part of everything. I think they’ve done a tremendous job. The weather being nice hasn’t hurt.
INDIANAPOLIS – As the stars align in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, AFL Communications will keep you informed with interviews, updates and stories from current and former AFL personalities straight from the media center. On Wednesday, AFL Communications caught up with former Super Bowl Champion and Tampa Bay Storm President Derrick Brooks.
Trevor Vittatoe drops back for a pass. (Credit: UTEP Athletics)
QB Trevor Vittatoe Joins Storm
Online Tryout Registration Ends Friday, February 3 at 5:00 PM
Tryout is Saturday, February 11 at Skyway Park
TAMPA BAY – Pre-registration for the February 11 Tampa Bay Storm open tryout camp will end at 5:00 PM Friday, February 3. The tryout camp will take place at Skyway Park (Tampa, FL) on Saturday, February 11. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM and testing will start promptly at 9:00 AM.
CHICAGO – The Arena Football League today announced the official launch of the AFL Alumni Association.
“This is the 25th season of the Arena Football League. With that being said, we are devoted to recognizing the players that have put so much into this great sport,” AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. “Although 2012 is coined the ‘Year of the Fan,’ these players strapped it on. They bled and sweated for this League and have played a major role in why we are still here today.”
Godsey, now with the New England Patriots won an ArenaBowl Championship with the Storm.
As Super Bowl XLVI approaches, AFL Communications is live in Indianapolis all week. Today, AFL Communications spoke with New England Patriots Offensive Assistant George Godsey about the big game, his experience in the AFL, his good friend Pat O’Hara and his relationship with new Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brein.
Kyle Havens in action at the University of Massachusetts.
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired quarterback Kyle Havens from the Spokane Shock in exchange for future considerations, announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.
CHICAGO – The Arena Football League will move to a six-man officiating crew during the 2012 season, AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced today. The addition also brings a change to challenge and replay rules in all AFL-markets.
Since the League’s inception in 1987, a five-man officiating team was in place; however, League officials began talks of adding a member to the officiating crew to maintain the accuracy and credibility of the game.
“The discussion started during Week 18 of the 2011 season,” AFL Director of Football Operations Joe Kleinsmith said. “During the 2011 postseason, we added a sixth-man to the officiating crew.”
The Arena Football League is proud to announce a special edition release of Road to ArenaBowl XXIV DVD Boxset! With all 20 regular season NFL Network “Arena Football Friday” broadcasts, two divisional playoff rounds, AreanaBowl XXIV and commemorative AFL memorabilia, this box set is sure to be the perfect way to get in gear for the 25th season of high scoring, heart stopping, helmet popping action!
Made in conjunction with InVision Media Group and NFL Network, the boxset allows fans to relive their favorite moments from the 2011 season – including an ArenaBowl for the ages and Aaron Garcia’s first championship victory. This is the only way to own every NFL Network game from the 2011 AFL season in the same place, for a minimal charge of 99 dollars.