Saint Petersburg, FL -- The five-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm hosted open tryouts for the upcoming 2009 season this past Saturday, October 18, at the 31st Street Sports Complex in St. Petersburg, Florida.  The players demonstrated their athletic ability and skills as they were tested in the 40-yard dash, standing long jump, shuttle-run and individual position drills.

Head Coach Tim Marcum and staff evaluated over 200 potential hopefuls, whose experience ranged from high school football to the National Football League. Alongside were the head coaches of the Arkansas Twisters, Austin Wranglers, Florida Firecats and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers, as well as current Storm stars Brett Dietz, Lawrence Samuels, Tyrone Timmons, and Kelvin Kinney.   

Those in attendance included many local athletes from Bay Area high schools and State colleges such as former Countryside (H.S.) and University of Miami kicker Jon Peattie, Dixie Hollins (H.S.) alumnus Clarence Davis, former Florida State quarterback Xavier Lee, as well as those who traveled from across the country like Rayshawn Askew, brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneer B.J. Askew.

For many players this was the first opportunity to get noticed.  “I went for the experience, this was my first tryout,” said Clarence Davis.  “I was here to learn the arena system and to get exposure.”

Peattie, who was also a part of the Cleveland Browns’ mini-camp and now plays for the Florida Firecats, patiently waited for his opportunity to stand out amongst a crowded field of kickers vying to get noticed.  “I’ve been a Storm fan for a long time, and been watching them since I was a kid,” said Peattie. “I came here to meet the coaches and show them who I am.”

Askew fought fatigue and the hot Florida sun as he traveled with his family from Cincinnati, Ohio after hearing of the try-outs just two days prior.  When asked about his thoughts on his performance Askew said, “It went extremely well. I caught every ball, but one. I ran routes precisely and successfully. It was hard coming from Cincinnati and battling fatigue from traveling, but I’ve been training hard, and you learn to overcome it.”

The team expects to sign and invite a handful of players from the tryout to training camp.  They will join those players already on the team in training camp to battle for a spot on the roster.

The Tampa Bay Storm look forward to next season with many key players from 2008 returning.  All-Arena defensive lineman Tim McGill, quarterback Brett Dietz, wide receivers Hank Edwards and Tyrone Timmons among others will be back to take the 2009 AFL season by storm.  For 2009 Storm season ticket information please call 813.301.6600.