AFL: Exclusive Preview With Head Coach Tim Marcum
Jarrod Rogol
November 10, 2005
Article Includes Exclusive comments from GM, Dir. Football Operations, Head Coach, Tim Marcum.
The Tampa Bay Lightning brought Lord Stanley’s Cup to the Bay Area in 2004, and back in 2003, the Storm brought the AFL Championship to the Bay Area. When the season starts in January, the Storm will be looking to make 2006 about Tampa.
In today’s world of athletics, longevity isn’t common, when it comes to coaching. Marcum has by far, set a standard and has his views on why its been possible, “I have been fortunate enough to have great owners such as Peter Kern here in Tampa. What it really comes down to though is winning. If you’re not winning, you’re not coaching,” said Marcum. When it comes to Marcum, his AFL Record of 158-55 along with 25 postseason victories, and having coached in 10 of 17 ArenaBowls with 7 ArenaBowl Championships, shows the amount of success that he has had.
Like all teams, the Storm have been busy picking up free agents as they announced that former Auburn standout, Demarco McNeil was picked up, and expectations are huge, “McNeil came into camp last year overweight. He was an outstanding player at Auburn and picked up conference recognitions. I feel he has matured greatly and will be in better shape this season and be a good asset for us,” said Marcum.
Storm fans can for a this team to be very solid and tough when it comes to the trenches besides McNeil, they will have DeMarcus Johnson (Central Florida), as well as a host of others who will put on the max protection and the max penetration.
The Storm are also focused on picking up some players come Dec. 10, when they hold their second open tryout, “We are really looking for every position except Quarterback and Kicker. Although, it is always nice to have an extra person in those spots on the practice squad,” said Marcum.
In a high with high scoring, Marcum has thoughts about what has to happen in places such as Philadelphia, and Orlando to come away with win, “It doesn’t matter if it’s Graziani, Kelly, or any Quarterback. It is harder to throw if your on your butt. In this league, you have to have a tough pass rush game. The rules in Arena Football are made to have scoring.”
When it comes to the Storm’s Quarterback situation, they will have some decisions to make, “Right now look for Stafford to start with Troth being 2nd and O’Hara rounding things out for us,” said Marcum.
On December 10th, the Storm will be hosting their second open tryout, and will be looking for the following, “We have a spot open for every position other than Quarterback and Kicker, but it’s always nice to have an extra person for those spots on the Practice Squad,” said Marcum.
2nd OPEN TRYOUT INFORMATION
Venue: University of Tampa
Cost: Pre-registration online $50 and day of tryout $60
Date: Dec. 10
Time: 10 a.m.
Camp Registration Form
SIDE NOTE
Marcum actually coached current Orlando Predator Head Coach Jay Gruden.
Official Site: Tampa Bay Storm
The Tampa Bay Lightning brought Lord Stanley’s Cup to the Bay Area in 2004, and back in 2003, the Storm brought the AFL Championship to the Bay Area. When the season starts in January, the Storm will be looking to make 2006 about Tampa.
In today’s world of athletics, longevity isn’t common, when it comes to coaching. Marcum has by far, set a standard and has his views on why its been possible, “I have been fortunate enough to have great owners such as Peter Kern here in Tampa. What it really comes down to though is winning. If you’re not winning, you’re not coaching,” said Marcum. When it comes to Marcum, his AFL Record of 158-55 along with 25 postseason victories, and having coached in 10 of 17 ArenaBowls with 7 ArenaBowl Championships, shows the amount of success that he has had.
Like all teams, the Storm have been busy picking up free agents as they announced that former Auburn standout, Demarco McNeil was picked up, and expectations are huge, “McNeil came into camp last year overweight. He was an outstanding player at Auburn and picked up conference recognitions. I feel he has matured greatly and will be in better shape this season and be a good asset for us,” said Marcum.
Storm fans can for a this team to be very solid and tough when it comes to the trenches besides McNeil, they will have DeMarcus Johnson (Central Florida), as well as a host of others who will put on the max protection and the max penetration.
The Storm are also focused on picking up some players come Dec. 10, when they hold their second open tryout, “We are really looking for every position except Quarterback and Kicker. Although, it is always nice to have an extra person in those spots on the practice squad,” said Marcum.
In a high with high scoring, Marcum has thoughts about what has to happen in places such as Philadelphia, and Orlando to come away with win, “It doesn’t matter if it’s Graziani, Kelly, or any Quarterback. It is harder to throw if your on your butt. In this league, you have to have a tough pass rush game. The rules in Arena Football are made to have scoring.”
When it comes to the Storm’s Quarterback situation, they will have some decisions to make, “Right now look for Stafford to start with Troth being 2nd and O’Hara rounding things out for us,” said Marcum.
On December 10th, the Storm will be hosting their second open tryout, and will be looking for the following, “We have a spot open for every position other than Quarterback and Kicker, but it’s always nice to have an extra person for those spots on the Practice Squad,” said Marcum.
2nd OPEN TRYOUT INFORMATION
Venue: University of Tampa
Cost: Pre-registration online $50 and day of tryout $60
Date: Dec. 10
Time: 10 a.m.
Camp Registration Form
SIDE NOTE
Marcum actually coached current Orlando Predator Head Coach Jay Gruden.
Official Site: Tampa Bay Storm
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