A Gift for Ron

Walls has faced some difficult challenges throughout his life, but a few of years ago, he decided to face another one. With his former teammate and friend Ron Springs waiting for a kidney transplant, Walls decided to take matters into his own hands and donate his kidney. The book, A Gift for Ron: Friendship and Sacrifice On and Off the Gridiron is the story of Walls’ life and how events led him to a place where he felt enough courage to make a life changing decision.

I had a chance to visit with Walls the day before Thanksgiving about his book and a few other subjects as well.

“We had a nice little platform to talk about the dangers of Type 2 Diabetes and Kidney Failure,” Walls told me when I asked him about the inspiration for the book. “It was an opportunity to share what Ron means to us.”

In spite of the inspirational nature of the story, no publisher expressed interest at first. “[Co -author Kevin] Blackistone did a great job of weaving events of my life into the Ron-event,” he said. In spite of the slow start, Walls and Blackstone’s agent found a publishing company willing to publish the story. Walls called the coming together of the book as “a blessing.”

Walls has embarked on a tour for the book that includes 25-30 radio or TV shows. He also has four book signing events scheduled, one in which he has already attended.

I asked Walls about the enormous rookie salaries as he was instrumental in helping players, especially undrafted free agents such as Tony Romo, obtain a better salary during the 1980′s. “I’m for any person to get what they can get.” However, he told me, when owners decide to pay these big salaries to rookies, “. . . .they open a pandora’s box and they can’t close it.” Walls explained that it creates a situation where owners have to choose between a “. . . veteran who is a liability versus an unproven rookie.”

Walls recalled that the Cowboys were notorious for letting veterans go while they still had good years left during the 1980s. The Cowboys were also known for finding little-known players through the leadership of Gil Brandt who was Vice President of Player Personnel. Brandt was known for finding the “diamonds in the rough.” Bradt and the Cowboys would sign them, sometimes undrafted such as Walls and Michael Downs, and then the players would be locked in to lower salaries. Then, the younger players would be used to replace veterans who have bigger salaries.

Ironically, it was their failure to find more of the younger talent they had found that led to the demise of the Cowboys in the late 1980s. When Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys, he and head coach Jimmy Johnson let go of older players to rebuild the Cowboys with new talent. Walls was one of the players let go, and he ended up winning a Super Bowl with the New York Giants.

When I asked Walls if he thought that the NFL depended too much on measurables in the draft, he responded, “Yeah I always have.” Walls mentioned Steve Largent as an example of where the philosophy can break down. The Hall of Famer was never considered fast enough, but he “ran precise routes.” Walls noted a difference between a good athlete and a good player. “The difference,” he said, “is heart and mentality.”

Walls also pointed to what he calls the “big school bias.” The bigger schools, when he was in college, had the TV exposure. “It’s a marketing thing really,” he said. The lack of exposure in college led to the lack of draft status and affected players’ money. These days, the exposure for the smaller schools is better, and NFL scouts are finding players at the smaller schools. However, Walls believes that, “[before] NFL scouts were some of the laziest people in the sport.” They only seemed to notice the players from the big schools and did not look for good players from smaller schools such as Grambling where he starred.

As for guys who are trying to get to the pros from the semi pro football ranks, Walls has some advice:

“Never let anyone else determine your greatness. Only you can determine your fate, by the choices you make. It’s an all-out commitment. You can’t half commit. Be prepared for the blessing [opportunity] that comes your way.”

Sounds like some good advice for all of us who are trying achieve our goals.

About the book:
A Gift for Ron: Friendship and Sacrifice On and Off the Gridiron

The book is written by former Dallas Cowboy Everson Walls and AOL Sports columnist Kevin Blackistone. Blackistone helps Everson weave his life events into a story that reveals a life that was nurtured for the sacrificial act of Walls donating his kidney to former Cowboy Ron Springs. The book follows Walls from the days he grew up in the Hamilton Park area of Dallas to his days at Grambling State University where he played for legendary coach Eddie Robinson.

The book also follows Walls during his first training camp where he beat the odds to make the Dallas Cowboys and earn his rookie salary of $30,000 per year. Walls “lifts the curtain” from behind-the-scenes of the Dallas Cowboys organization during his time from 1981-1989 revealing information about the strikes, the Players Union, and his fight to earn a salary worthy of his production on the field.

More Information:

EversonWalls.com
Gift for Life Foundation

The book is available at your local Borders Books.

Funk warms up before his game with South Alabama

However, it was Funk’s tackling prowess that impressed Pullig during the road game against Concordia College.

Funk is a Sophomore from Killeen High School where he excelled in soccer and football.  Unfortunately for Funk, his football team never made the playoffs, therefore, he wasn’t recruited heavily.  However, he did garner some impressive achievements in both sports.

For the soccer team Funk scored 17 goals, 12 in district.  In spite of the number of goals, Funk didn’t make all-district.  Funk even scored three goals in one game.

For the football team, Funk was named honorable mention All-Conference his Junior and Senior years.  Funk hit a 39 yard field goal in a loss to Connally Austin in 2006.

Funk has kicked well for the Mavericks too.  Last season, when the Mavericks were playing in the Texas United Football League, a semi pro football league, Funk hit 47 and 48 yard field goals.  In the game against New Orleans earlier this year, Funk hit a 30 yard field goal that was tipped.  His punting average has been impressive too.  Funk averages 43 yards per punt, and several of his kickoffs land in or near the end zone.

Matt's long time girlfriend, Jackie Rodriguez

For the Mavericks, Funk is a weapon.  Anytime the Mavericks get inside the 30 yard line, according to Pullig, they feel comfortable with Funk’s range to get the three points.

Jackie Rodriguez has been dating Matt since high school.  She is one of Funk’s biggest supporters.  She describes Matt as a “true maverick,” a “dissenter.”  She explained that Funk has a military lineage through his father and both grandfathers who retired as three-star generals.

“Matt tried ROTC but decided its not his calling,” she told me by email.  She also explained that, “Matt would have also been an 8 year legacy Sigma Chi–all males on his dad’s side were Sigma Chi’s–had he decided to pledge.  He instead chose to pledge Phi Delta Theta.”

Funk and the rest of the Mavericks will take on the University of New Orleans club football team in Arlington at 3 p.m. at Maverick Stadium.  Maverick players are inviting fans to tailgate beginning at 1 p.m.  This weekend is Parents Weekend at the University of Texas at Arlington, and players and coaches are hoping for a big crowd.

The preview takes a look at TCU, UNT and the UTA Mavericks club team.  Further, it provides a look back at the area semi pro leagues this past season.  The e-zine is not great–it was my first time.  It will get better with each new publish.  My hope is to do a Fall preview and a Spring preview each year.

Sign up for my e-newsletter, The Last Yard, just below the e-zine link.

The publication is in pdf format.  You will need a reader, such as Adobe Reader, to read the e-zine.  You may download it or simply open it in your browser.  Please tell others about the e-zine!

Enjoy

E-zine in pdf format

Fall 2009 Preview E-zine
The Last Yard

I will let Signings411.com tell you more about it.  Click here to find out more!

The Texas Titans and the Arlington Aviators held tryouts on Saturday, July 18, helping to set the roster for the coming season.  Both teams are new to semi-pro football, but are led by veterans of the sport.

A hardcore group of players joined James Hodge at Webb Elementary School in Arlington, TX, early Saturday morning about 8 a. m.  The group were members who had been participating in work outs this summer.  Although the numbers were low, Hodge has an early start on putting his new team together for the 2010 season.

The players ran plays with the coach, getting a feel for the type of system he is looking to put in place.  The Titans hope to have a few more tryouts to continue setting the roster.  Hodge has three leagues to decide among for a home next year.  Aside from the TUFL, Hodge has been contacted by the Minor Professional Football League and the Gulf Coast Football Association.

Zach Krimm hauls in a pass during drills while Coach Brandon Fisher watches

In Grand Prairie, the Arlington Aviators got in some work with future players in their open tryouts.  Among the players available was Greg Stevenson, Zach Krimm, Vincent Campbell, Jr., and Carl Francis.

Stevenson is a former player for the North Texas Crunch.  The quarterback was a recurring extra on Spike TV’s 4th and Long hosted by Michael Irvin.  Campbell was a safety at Dallas’ Carter High School where he graduated in 2007, and Francis played football from 2000-2004 for the University of Houston as a linebacker and fullback.  Francis is returning to football after not playing for several years, and he is a Hip Hop, Reggae and R & B artist.

Joining these players was Dominick Ezell, head coach Mark Ezell’s son.  Dominick is a quarterback at Ranchview High School where he will be a Freshman this fall.

Helping out coach Ezell at the tryouts were Brandon Fisher, Aviators receivers and special teams coach, and Roderic Boatman, the offensive coordinator for the North Texas Crunch.

Picture Gallery

Diablos

Williams is a product of Trimble Tech High School in Fort Worth playing football and running track. In 1978, he moved his career to Tarleton State to play football and major in communications. Although he did not finish his degree, he gained insight in communications that has served him well.

Over the years, Williams has been on TV interviewing basketball players, calling games, and eventually, learning how to produce TV shows. The results have led to the Williams Family Sports Group, an organization that owns a video/TV production company, a management company that handles event promotion, a second hand sports store (The Sports Gig) and oversees the five franchises he owns. Williams owns three indoor football teams, a basketball team and a baseball team.

Among his five sports franchises, four make their home in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Williams will be starting a baseball team based out of Cleburne in Johnson County beginning in the year 2010. They will be known as the Johnson County Rustlers. The basketball team, known as the Tarrant County Regulators, will start in the Spring of 2010.

Regulators

The other two are indoor football teams, the Tarrant County Diablos and the Texas Regulators. The Diablos are set to play in the Independent Indoor Football Association while Williams is still trying to decide where the Regulators are going to play. He is looking at the Southern Indoor Football League as a possible home for the Regulators.

The fifth of his franchise is an indoor football team in Odessa, the Rustlers, who will play their games in Midland. The Rustlers, who Williams calls his AAA team, will be the team top tier team for his organization. Williams is also unsure what league the Rustlers will play in, but he is looking at the Southern Indoor Football League as well.

Williams, has more on his mind than just winning games and championships. He wants to develop players, not just as athletes but as people. He has set his teams up as non-profits and is securing partnerships with such programs as the Texas Workforce Commission. His hope is to help improve the lives of young men. He wants to be involve in job placement and development and help with academic improvement for those that want to go to college.

Williams has two newly acquired projects that will further his goals. He has been asked to conduct an indoor football league this fall in Arlington at the Arlington Indoor Center. The games will feature 7 on 7 and 15 members on the roster. Coaches, teams or players are invited to contact the league to play. His second project is a college club football team. It will based out of Odessa and include students from the neighboring colleges. Players will have access to development and scouting video.

The first game for the Arlington Indoor Football Association will be September 19 and games will run through November 15. Try-outs for the league will be sometime in late July. Any players, coaches or teams interested in participating in the league can call 866-206-9073 ext.4399 or visit the website at www.aifa.clubspaces.com.

For those interested in trying out for the Diablos or the Regulators, try-outs will be held on August 8, 2009. Further, Williams is also planning on conducting a combine on September 12 at the Arlington Indoor Center which will include video recording of players doing drills which can be used for getting noticed for other indoor teams such as the AFL 2. For more information on the try-outs you can contact Williams at 866-841-9132, ext. 3206 or by email, texasregulatorsfootballindoor@yahoo.com.

“I got into the business on the account that my career was almost over but the passion hadn’t died,” said Hodge by email who’s team hopes to compete in the TUFL. “I wanted to bring a new level of competition to semi-pro [football].”

Hodge already has about 20 players along with a Defensive Coordinator, an Offensive Lineman and  Defensive Back coach to go along with a Strength and Conditioning coach.  The players have been involved in summer work-outs including a two-a-day type on July 4th.  The team practices at Webb Elementary in Arlington, and Hodge said, hopes to play games at Sam Houston High School.

For players interested in trying out for the Titans, the first team try-outs are fast approaching.  The team will conduct those first try-outs at River Legacy Park in Arlington on July 18 beginning at 8 a.m.  Hodge said that subsequent try-outs would be held in September and October.

The team has also teamed up with the UTA Mavericks Club football team for scrimmages at the end of August.  The two team may also combine to conduct a combine.

Hodge has appointed a coordinator for a dance team, and he hopes to have try-outs for the dance team in early September.  The dance team will be led by Rosemary Parker.

The team will need dance team members, coaches and players, and anyone interested can give Hodge a call at 214-718-4788.  Those interested can also visit their website at www.leaguelineup.com/ttfootball.

Kelsey is one half of the “twins.” Teammates calls them “Twin 1″ and her sister Cassie “Twin 2.” They had played every sport together, and Kelsey convinced her sister to come try out for the Mustangs so that they would be together in a new adventure.

Kelsey and Cassie

Fittingly, the two wear the numbers 1 (Kelsey) and 2 (Cassie). Kelsey had played the whole year at running back, but on the day of the Mustangs game with the Outlaws, she made the switch to wide receiver.

“I was born and raised here (Bedford),” she told me. “I played softball, and then I threw my shoulder out. I decided to come back (from Keller) to where I grew up, and graduate with my friends.”

Korywchak began playing softball in the Keller program in 8th grade. She lost her chance to play college softball when she injured her shoulder in high school. Korywchak has been attending Tarrant County College since she graduated high school.

Kelsey, who stays home now to take care of Cassie, previously worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods and in home health care. “They thought it was awesome,” she said of her former co-workers about her playing football. “Even people I don’t work with now, they still come to the games.”

“Actually I heard it on the radio,” Korywchak said on how she heard about the Mustangs. “I rushed home and said, ‘Cassie get ready, we’ve got try-outs at 6:30.’ She was like, ‘what?’ Yeah, football try-outs.” They two made the team and immediately loved playing the game.

“Cassie was really in to football; I think more than I was,” said Kelsey. “She was a better running back than I was. I have better hands, but she is a better runner than me. She’s faster too.”

Kelsey lines up at receiver

Korywchak likes the team environment. She likes being a part of the team, and, no team is more important to her than her and her sister, Cassie.

Cassie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in March of this year. The team has rallied behind the twins helping them raise money for treatment. The treatments are expensive and painful, but Cassie and Kelsey have a family of support in the Mustangs football team.

The theme for Cassie, which is written on bracelets, is “2 inspire.” Bracelets, t-shirts, dog-tags are all sold to help raise money for Cassie’s medical expenses. Cassie lost her job shortly after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Medical bills are mounting, and Cassie and Kelsey’s teammates have persevered in helping them raise money.

Cassie’s perseverance is an inspiration to Kesley and the rest of the team. Likewise, Cassie takes inspiration from Kelsey’s love for her sister and willingness to stand by her through her treatments. The “twins” are an inspirations to all who know them and to each other.

You can learn more about Cassie’s fight against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and help with her medical bills at Cassie’s Corner.

Q&A with Kimpell

James and Kimpell Richardson

Owner
Kimpell Richardson

GM/HeadCoach
James Richardson

Coach(es)
Positions open

Background of both, previous experience
The GM/Head Coaches experience and background are… Played organized football since the age of 6 in the state of CA. He also played college ball and semi-pro. He has over 10 years of coaching experience dealing with football (youth/semi-pro, 7yrs head coaching).

The most recent was with the Grand Prairie Titans during this season in which they folded. The season prior to this one I was a defensive coach for the Lone Star Pitbulls.

Why did you decide to jump in to this business?
I decided to jump into this business because I noticed there were too many unorganized teams out there and the players were the ones on the bad end of the deal. I would really love for teenagers coming out of school to really be able to be given a chance at college, as well as other players that may have  never made it to college. There are also others that would love to play, but may not have been able to showcase their skills nor heart/love for the game of football.

Where will you play?
To be determined

Where will you practice?
To be determined

What kind of positions do you have open, need filled?
Being a new team, all positions are open and need filling including positions for the team dancer team.

When are first tryouts?
Try-outs will be for 6-days, which will began October 3-4  second try-outs will be October 10-11 and third try-out will be  October 17-18.

Do you already have players that are going to play for you?
I do have about 7, possibly 8 players from another team that folded last year that will be coming with the head coach of my team. Not sure about the rest of the team because they went into the NMLF draft and went to other teams.

Will you have a dance team?
I would LOVE to have dancers!!

If yes, when will those tryouts be?
Try-out for Dances will be posted as soon as a Director is found

What league will you play in?
National Minor League Football

Do you already have a pic of coach or logo for the team?
I do have a picture of my head coach, no other coaches at this time, as for a team logo that is still in the making along with a new website.

Website and contact info for those interested in trying out, etc? www.arlingtonbulldogs.org

How do you want potential players, dancers to contact you?
Potential players can contact the GM (Coach James) @ 817-454-6912 or email him at coachjames@arlingtonbulldogs.org and dancers can contact Owner (Kimpell) @ 817-891-8659 or email her at kimpell@arlingtonbulldogs.org

Dolan following a playoff game

“Greg showed up at practice and talked to us for a few minutes.  We told him to suit up and let us take a look at him,” according to Avengers co-owner Gary Fulenwider.  “He put on his University of Texas Alamo Bowl jersey and Tarleton State University helmet and took the field.”

The immediate impression has been felt all season by teammates and coaches alike.  “By far Greg Dolan is one of the best offense lineman the Avengers ever had,” said Avengers receiver Alex Martinez.  “The guy is impressive even when we are just tossing the ball around. He makes one handed catches all the time.”

Dolan did play for the Texas Longhorns where he won a National Championship.  Dolan was a Super Team performer for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as well as the number 27 prospect in the state of Texas for Rivals.com coming out of Round Rock’s Westwood High School in 2004.  He was all district two years, a first team All-Central Tex two years, and Second Team 5A all state his senior year.  Dolan definitely has an impressive pedigree.

After a few seasons at Texas, Dolan transferred to Tarleton State in Stephenville where he kept impressing and picked up an outstanding offensive lineman award.  Even though he is a lineman, it is his athleticism that impresses.

“We were immediately impressed with his strength and quickness,” said Fulenwider about Dolan’s first practice.  “We ran a sweep to the opposite side.  Greg bumped his guy to the outside and took off down field.  He not only caught up to the ball carrier, but got out in front of him to block.”

“What he brings to the table in speed, strength, tenacity and nastiness,” said Dolan’s position coach, James Baltimore.  “He is an offensive lineman that plays with the attitude of a defensive lineman. His technique is great and he follows the plan to the letter. I haven’t seen him take off any plays, he’s just a 100% motor-running go-getter.”

That may be what makes Dolan ready for the next level.  “Greg doesn’t say much; he lets his play prove it,” according to Brummett.  “His goal is to get pancake blocks in the double digits. He is an unbelievable player, and he will be in the league (NFL) by this time next year.”

Baltimore added, “He, in my opinion, is the best in this league I have seen in years. He is ready for the next level and beyond.”

Greg Dolan with his face paint

In spite of the accolades, it is his girlfriend, Ashlyn, who keeps him grounded.  “She is the most amazing person, and without her I don’t know where I would be today,” Dolan said of Ashlyn Riley.  Dolan is equally thankful for her family.  “They are an amazing family, and they have taken care of me and are the reason I am playing for the Avengers team; they are the most kind and generous people I know and they have a very special place in my heart,” he said by email.  Ashlyn’s brother played baseball and football with Brummett’s son D. J. which is how the Avengers found the pro prospect.

Dolan’s game-face is always an interesting site.  Dolan wears a purple mouth-guard and sometimes dons the face paint.  Indeed, Dolan is a warrior helping the Avengers in the trenches, and the face paint is a symbol of the warrior’s attitude.  Nevertheless, Baltimore says he has to correct his patterns sometimes.

Dolan and the Avengers will play the North Texas Stampede in the Northern Conference Finals Saturday night, June 6 at 7 p.m. at Keller High School.

Tale of the Tape

Name: Gregory Scott Dolan II

Position: Offensive Tackle/Deep Snapper

Team: Fort Worth Avengers

Size: 6’6″

40 yard time: 5.1sec

Bench Press: 29 reps 225lbs.

Squat: 550lbs.

Power Clean: 320lbs.

High School: Round Rock Westwood

College: University of Texas @ Austin/Tarleton State University

Semi-Pro/Minor League Teams: Fort Worth Avengers

Combines: Tarleton pro day / UT Arlington pro day

Wingspan: 37″

Hand Size: 11″

Broad Jump: 8’8.5″

Vertical: 30″