Hey everybody. I just got back from the annual AFL coaches’ meetings in Chicago this past week. It was a nice, short drive from home for me and it was a chance to catch up with some of the other head coaches and general managers that I’ve gotten to know from around the league. It also gives us all a chance to meet some of the new faces, air out some grievances and talk about upcoming changes for next season. All in all, it’s very productive and it’s a reminder that another season will be here before you know it.

I want to use this blog as a chance to weigh in on some of the new players we bring in throughout free agency. A lot of you may not know much about some of these new faces and I figure that I can give you all some insight as to why we brought them in and help you become a little more familiar with them.

One key addition that we have brought in is a defensive lineman by the name of Curtis Young out of the University of Cincinnati. Curtis isn’t really huge in size, but he has an extreme nose for the ball. He has a high motor and does not quit until after the whistle. To have 50 tackles as a senior in college at a position that often rotates in and out for fresh legs is one thing we really liked about him. He has also gained valuable experience at a high level in attending various NFL training camps and being on the Green Bay Packers practice squad last year. To be a part of that team that went all the way to the championship and to learn from those players and coaches is huge. He is the kind of guy that will be valuable to us not just with what he does on the field, but what he can bring in the locker room.

Another guy that we brought in that we are pretty excited about is a kicker by the name of Aaron Pettrey. You all might be familiar with him, as he played for your Buckeyes a couple of years ago. Aaron has an extremely powerful leg and led the Big Ten in scoring his senior year with 72 points. The power he brings to the position is vital in the kickoff game, as you can use those nets to your advantage to try and create extra opportunities for your offense. Plus he gives us the confidence to be able to attempt field goals from a distance that can turn into more points for us. Pettrey saw regular season action with the Cincinnati Bengals last year, which is extremely tough to do since there are only 32 kicker jobs at any given time, and his big leg will be a huge asset for us on the arena football field.

One more thing: I want to wish all of our Gladiator fans out there a very happy Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for the family and friends in my life and thankful to be a part of the Gladiator family. I hope you all have a great day, eat well and get to watch some good football. I know that’s what I’ll be doing.
 

With this being the 25th year of Arena Football, I thought I would give a little insight/history of some of my experiences that I've had throughout the years. It is hard to believe that the AFL has been going on for 25 years already. Just that I have stories from the beginning means one thing- I'm getting old.

I remember after finishing my first year of playing in the AFL saying, "This was fun, hopefully I can play this for a few more years and then get a real job. Well, here I am almost 25 years later and I'm still in it.

I actually played in the original Showcase game that was held at the Rosemont Horizon (Allstate Arena now, where the Chicago Rush play). I was on the team that was called the Miami Vice, remember it was the 80's. All of the players on my team were guys who had played college ball around the Chicago area. We practiced for two weekends prior to the game learning the basic offense and defense that we would use. I could tell right away that this was going to be a fun game because of the passing and scoring in practices. We played the Chicago Bruisers, which was mostly Gene Nudo’s (Rush GM) semi-pro team from the Chicago area. The game was great. Somewhere around 9,000 people showed up to watch the game, and they all loved it. They actually thought we were from Miami. I do believe it was the only AFL game without walls, so there's some history for you. We won and after autographs and everything else, we all got in line and received a $50 bill and a watch for our services.

My first year of playing was in 1988 for the Chicago Bruisers. There were six teams in the league that year and training camp was being held for every team down at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The Predators still use that as their team’s practice facility. Every player stayed at the same hotel and practiced next to each other on the three fields that were set up. Practices were tough and a lot of times, we would scrimmage the other teams. After two weeks we were matched up against another team for three practice games in Daytona Beach. I almost never made it there because one day I got to practice and my locker had been cleared out, I was cut. As I walked back to the hotel passing guys going to practice, I thought, “This is it, no more football.” I packed my bags and got on a van with some other guys for a ride to the airport. I spotted Gene Nudo and asked him if he could send my shoulder pads to me that I had brought and weren't in my locker anymore. He looked at me puzzled and said, “What are you doing?” I told him that I was cut. He said, “You’re not cut, get back out there!” They cleaned out the wrong locker; it was supposed to be the guy next to me.

Anyway, here I am still going and thankful that I have been involved in this great game for so many years. My family has grown up with the game- my daughter went to her first game at six months and my son was born the day of a game. I’ve got plenty of stories and will try to think of some good ones to share with you throughout this anniversary season.

Coach Thonn
 

Hey Gladiator fans, I’m back again with another blog to keep you guys informed on my perspective of what’s been going on this offseason. Since I last talked to you all, the 2012 AFL schedule has been released. Any time a new schedule comes out, as a coach, there are always plenty of things to like and dislike about it, as well as things that are just unique.

One thing I do like, besides not having both byes in the first four weeks of the season this time around, is the five national television games we have on NFL Network. I like how it gives our team good exposure across the country and gives people the opportunity to get to know arena football when they might not normally have seen it. People might not know much about it, but those games give them a chance to see all of the action, intensity and what we are all about. Those games also give our fans more in depth access like interviews on the field with myself and some of our players. We are such a fan-friendly league that I don’t mind doing those types of things and l enjoy giving the fans as much as I can.

The Sunday and Monday games aren’t really something I like about the schedule because it can make for longer weeks in between games. Traditionally, games are always either on Friday or Saturday nights and the weekly rhythm and continuity help in getting in a good routine. While the longer weeks can allow more rest for our guys to heal from any bumps or bruises, it can drag things out and lead to distraction and make it tough to focus. I know that sometimes it’s hard getting open dates that The Q can accommodate us, so it’s just something we will have to deal with and maybe adopt a weekly schedule like NFL teams have. It doesn’t matter what day of the week or what time our game is, bottom line is that we need to be ready to play and take care of business and it’s my job as coach to make sure that happens.

An interesting aspect to the schedule this year is how we not only go down and play all three Florida teams again, but how they all three also come to Cleveland. On one hand, that can be a negative thing because they are usually good, tough teams to play and having to play them each makes for a tough schedule. However, they are also teams that we could see down the line in the playoffs, so it will be good to get some familiarity with their styles of play and tendencies that we will have plenty of film on.
 
Before I go, I want to answer one of the questions that you guys had sent in since last time.
 

Q: What do you do in the offseason? – Patrick (Canton, OH)
A: Well as far as my coaching responsibilities go, I’m always watching film that we get sent into the office and that I find from my contacts and Coach Selesky. We try to go and scout any talent we can in our area, but it can be tough sometimes because we can’t see everyone that we would like to all over the country. Besides all of my coaching duties, I do like to watch football and sports for fun. My son is playing college football right now, so I’m at every one of his games cheering him on and tailgating with family and friends. I like to just relax and spend time with my family as much as I can since I’m away from them a lot during the season.
 
If you have a question for me that you want to get answered next time, just e-mail askcoach@clevelandgladiators.com.

Talk to you all again soon!

Coach Thonn.
 

Hey Gladiator fans! Danielle here from the Goddesses. It has been such an exciting week for the Gladiator family. Saturday started off at 8:30am for Lauren, Victoria, Kristie, Jessi, and I. We were at The Q bright and early for the Jr. Goddesses dance clinic. All the girls were pretty tired at first but we warmed them up and they were ready to go. The young dancers were taught a dance to "Shake it up" by Selena Gomez. They performed the dance during the pregame show and the Goddesses performed with them. I know the girls were nervous before performing but I could feel their excitement as well. We went out there, did the dance and they all did so well. They worked hard and I am so proud of them! The fun didn't stop there for the girls, they were able to do sideline dances with us during the first half of the game. This was such a great experience for the girls. I want to thank the Jr. Goddesses for being part of the action and to their parents for bringing them!

It was Goddess Kelly's birthday on Saturday and I think she brought a lot of good luck with her! I have been with the Gladiators since 2008 and our recent win against the San Jose SaberCats was the best game I have ever seen. It was a crazy game, touchdown after touchdown. We were doing our touchdown dance so often that my arms started to hurt. Our Glads boys left the arena with a 82-21 score setting a franchise record in points. Way to go boys! There are only two more home games left and we need all Cleveland fans to be there for support. It's a close race to see which teams are going to be in the playoffs so all fans are needed to help get them there.

The greatest thing about a Gladiators game is that along with the hard-hitting fast pace football there is great entertainment. This past game, the pregame show was packed with the Jr. Goddesses performance and a performance by The Goddesses to "Tambourine." We also had Erica Lauren, from the Alan Cox Show, sing The National Anthem so beautifully well. During the game there are t-shirt tosses and games which fans can be a part of for the chance to win some awesome prizes. The Goddesses also always put on a second performance, for our last one we did a dance to "Rumor Has It." Even after the game is over the fun keeps going. Fans can come down to the field for autograph signings and they can go to the greatest after party at The Clevelander to mingle with The Goddesses.

Even though the players will be out of town for a couple weeks, The Goddesses will still be appearing all around Cleveland. On Friday July 8th, we will be putting on a summer camp for children at The Salvation Army. The kids will learn a dance and have a question and answer session. Since we can't go to the game against Philadelphia Soul we're having a watch party. This will take place July 8th at Caddy Shack Lounge starting at 7:30pm. Calling all Glads fans: you better be there to cheer the boys on for their last regular season away game!

If you haven't voted for Aaron's AFL Dream Team yet, NOW is the time to do it! This is the last week to get in your votes, it will end July 1st and soon after the winner will be announced. It's going to be either Alicia or Heather and they are so close in votes. I just checked and there is only a difference of 6 votes, there is no telling who it is going to be. Go to www.arenafootball.com/dreamteam to cast your vote for your favorite to perform in the Arena Bowl XXIV.

So far it has been an amazing season but it is not over yet. We need the fan's help to get to the playoffs and then to the Championship. Keep yourselves updated on how the team is doing and all upcoming events. Become friends with the Gladiators and the Goddesses on Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter @CLEGladiators. I can't wait to see fans at our appearances and at our future games.

GO GLADIATORS!
Lots of love from your Goddess,
Danielle
 

Hey Glads fans! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your Gladiators are tied for first in the East Division!

How awesome was the game against the Georgia Force? Thank you to all of the fans that came out to support us, your energy was on another level! Once again you proved why you are the best fans in Arena Football. Let’s keep that excitement up for the rest of the season, and cheer our hometown team into the playoffs!

Not only are the Goddesses busy learning new and electrifying routines to entertain the fans, but we’re also participating in events all over Greater Cleveland. Monday, June 20th, you can find us at the Mr. Chicken Classic Car Cruise In located in Willoughby, and Friday, June 24th, join us at the Middleburg Heights Community Parade! It’s always great to see Glads fans around the city!!!

It’s time again for the junior stars to shine too! Saturday, June 25th, is our next Jr. Goddesses Dance Clinic. This is a great opportunity for girls ages 8-17 to perform at a Gladiators home game! The clinic will be held from 9 AM – 12 PM, followed by a performance at the game later that evening. Not only is the routine taught by Goddesses, but the girls get to experience the thrill and excitement of performing in front of the best crowd in the AFL at Quicken Loans Arena!

Also, don’t forget there’s still time to cast your votes for Alicia and Heather for the 2011 Aaron's Dream Team. Go to www.arenafootball.com/dreamteam everyday, and vote for your favorite Goddess to guarantee their spot on Aaron’s Dream Team. The winner will represent Cleveland by performing at the Arena Bowl XXIV. Voting ends July 1st.

Our next home game is Saturday, June 25th, at 7 PM, and I’m looking forward to seeing a sold out crowd as we face the San Jose SaberCats! We had a tough few weeks, but I know that we’ll use the win over Georgia as momentum to claw the Cats!

Join the players, Goddesses, and KickOff Crew on the field after the game for autographs and pictures. And let’s not forget about the best after party in Cleveland….at the Clevelander, it’s the only place to celebrate a ‘W’ after Gladiators’ games!

I’ll see YOU at the Q!
Courtney
 

Hey there Gladiator’s Fans! It’s Kristie, from the Goddesses! I hope you all are enjoying this amazing weather and sunshine! The best time in Cleveland if you ask me!

I just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to all of our loyal fans for coming out to all of our games and showing your support for our team. It’s always so amazing to recognize faces in the crowd and to see all your crazy gear! I’ve been on the team since 2008 and I still see people from then. WOW! The Gladiator players and the dance team depend so much on your energy and you guys have yet to fail us!

Even though we had some tough losses these past two weekends to Phoenix and Pittsburgh, I am pretty sure that with all your energy in the crowd, we can help our boys bring home a win this upcoming weekend. Speaking of Pittsburgh, a couple of the girls and I got to experience an away game. Let me just say, the fans there are NOTHING like the Cleveland fans. We truly have the best fans in the AFL! I am so glad that a good group of fans showed their support and traveled to Pittsburgh also! Thanks DiBella’s submarines for the yummy road food too!

The Goddesses have been working hard on new dance routines to make sure you guys are entertained! Let me just say, this upcoming game is NOT to be missed. We are so excited to perform this weekend! It is going to be crazy!! Make sure you go vote for my girls Alicia and Heather for the 2011 Aaron's Dream Team at
http://www.arenafootball.com/dreamteam. Either Alicia or Heather will get to perform in the Arena Bowl XXIV based on your votes! You can also keep up with the whole dance team as we travel through our community. Become our friend on Facebook by typing in “Cleveland Goddesses” in the search box.

Our next game is this Saturday night at The Q June 11th, at 7:00p.m. as we take on the Georgia Force! We need all your support and energy to cheer on the team to a victory! After the game, come meet us either on the field or at the Clevelander. The Clevelander is definitely the hot spot after the game. Eat some food, have drinks and mingle with some of us! We always have so much fun there so I hope to see you all there too! Well, I’m out for now! See you Saturday and GO GLADIATORS!!