Grand Rapids Rampage
Encyclopedia
The Grand Rapids Rampage was an Arena Football League team that began playing as a 1998 expansion team. They were coached by Steve Thonn
.
The team under its final name dates back to 1997. They began play as a professional team in 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan
, when Dan DeVos purchased the Detroit Drive/Massachusetts Marauders
franchise out of bankruptcy court. Grand Rapids was the smallest market in which the AFL had a franchise at the times of its disbanding. The Rampage played in the Van Andel Arena
, which is also the home of the AHL
's Grand Rapids Griffins
. They competed in the Central Division of the American Conference.
The Grand Rapids Rampage started play in 1998 under coach Michael Trigg. In 2001, with notable players Clint Dolezel
, and Terrill Shaw, the Rampage went on to win their first ArenaBowl
. This game was broadcast live on the ABC Network
.
The Rampage's official mascot was a Rhinoceros
named Blitz.
The Rampage had a rivalry with the Nashville Kats
, one which dates back to the original Kats. This rivalry solidified with the Rampage's defeat of Nashville in ArenaBowl XV
.
The Rampage also shared a rivalry with the Chicago Rush
, known as the Amtrak Classic, after the Amtrak
railway system which connects the two cities. On July 6, 2008, the Amtrak Classic added an interesting chapter as the Rampage, losers of their last six meetings with Chicago, defeated their heavily favored opponents on the road. Grand Rapids entered the game as a 6 seed, and upended the #1 seeded Rush 58-41, in a game of controversial penalties and brawls.
On March 5, 2010, it was announced that the Rampage were officially out of business and had no plans to return.
. Its end zone is unique as being the only end zone that does not feature a team name or city. It simply says Arena Football in red with a black background.
, which is located in downtown Grand Rapids
.
Steve Thonn
Steve Thonn is the head coach for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. Steve is also a former Arena Football League player and the former head coach of the AFL team Grand Rapids Rampage. As a player he played WR/DB for the Chicago Bruisers and the Albany Firebirds...
.
History
The team became the Detroit Drive in 1988 and, in 1994, became the Massachusetts Marauders for one season. Three years later, DP Fox Ventures, L.L.C. bought the team and moved it to Grand Rapids.The team under its final name dates back to 1997. They began play as a professional team in 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, when Dan DeVos purchased the Detroit Drive/Massachusetts Marauders
Massachusetts Marauders
The Massachusetts Marauders was a professional arena football team that played in the Arena Football League in 1994.-Detroit Drive :...
franchise out of bankruptcy court. Grand Rapids was the smallest market in which the AFL had a franchise at the times of its disbanding. The Rampage played in the Van Andel Arena
Van Andel Arena
The Van Andel Arena is a 10,834-seat multi-purpose arena, situated in the Heartside district, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After a $75 million construction effort, the arena opened on October 8, 1996 and since has attracted over five million patrons. It is home to the popular Grand Rapids Griffins...
, which is also the home of the AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
's Grand Rapids Griffins
Grand Rapids Griffins
The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League . They play in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League....
. They competed in the Central Division of the American Conference.
The Grand Rapids Rampage started play in 1998 under coach Michael Trigg. In 2001, with notable players Clint Dolezel
Clint Dolezel
Clint Dolezel is Offensive Coordinator of the Philadelphia Soul, an Indoor Football team belonging to the Arena Football League . As an AFL player, he was originally signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs...
, and Terrill Shaw, the Rampage went on to win their first ArenaBowl
ArenaBowl XV
- Game summary :The Grand Rapids Rampage scored an ArenaBowl-record 64 points as they sent a sellout crowd home from Van Andel Arena happy with a 64-42 victory over the Nashville Kats to claim their first ArenaBowl title in team history....
. This game was broadcast live on the ABC Network
ESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
.
The Rampage's official mascot was a Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros , also known as rhino, is a group of five extant species of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae. Two of these species are native to Africa and three to southern Asia....
named Blitz.
The Rampage had a rivalry with the Nashville Kats
Nashville Kats
The Nashville Kats were an Arena Football League team, located in Nashville, Tennessee. They were last coached by Pat Sperduto, who coached the team's original incarnation to two ArenaBowl appearances prior to the original franchise's move to Atlanta in 2002...
, one which dates back to the original Kats. This rivalry solidified with the Rampage's defeat of Nashville in ArenaBowl XV
ArenaBowl XV
- Game summary :The Grand Rapids Rampage scored an ArenaBowl-record 64 points as they sent a sellout crowd home from Van Andel Arena happy with a 64-42 victory over the Nashville Kats to claim their first ArenaBowl title in team history....
.
The Rampage also shared a rivalry with the Chicago Rush
Chicago Rush
The Chicago Rush is an arena football team based in Rosemont, Illinois. It is a member of the Central Division of the National Conference of the Arena Football League. The team was founded in 2001 and is co-owned by Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame player and coach.The Rush have qualified for the...
, known as the Amtrak Classic, after the Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
railway system which connects the two cities. On July 6, 2008, the Amtrak Classic added an interesting chapter as the Rampage, losers of their last six meetings with Chicago, defeated their heavily favored opponents on the road. Grand Rapids entered the game as a 6 seed, and upended the #1 seeded Rush 58-41, in a game of controversial penalties and brawls.
On March 5, 2010, it was announced that the Rampage were officially out of business and had no plans to return.
Logo
The Rampage's logo was a red rhinocerosRhinoceros
Rhinoceros , also known as rhino, is a group of five extant species of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae. Two of these species are native to Africa and three to southern Asia....
. Its end zone is unique as being the only end zone that does not feature a team name or city. It simply says Arena Football in red with a black background.
Rampage Highlights
- On Sunday, June 23, 2002, the Rampage hosted a game against the Georgia ForceGeorgia ForceThe Georgia Force are an Arena Football League team based in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States that plays in the South Division of the American Conference. The team is owned by Doug MacGregor and Donn Jennings...
. After a low-scoring first quarter, the Rampage took a 28-15 halftime lead. However, the Force refused to go down, as they had a 41-35 lead with only 12 seconds left in the game. On one play, Quarterback Clint DolezelClint DolezelClint Dolezel is Offensive Coordinator of the Philadelphia Soul, an Indoor Football team belonging to the Arena Football League . As an AFL player, he was originally signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs...
threw a game-winning 31-yd touchdown pass to Offensive Specialist Steve Smith (who hadn't played a down that game until the final play). The Rampage would win 42-41. On the AFL's 20 Greatest Highlights Countdown, this is ranked at #13.
- On Saturday, February 5, 2005, in a road game against their division-rival, the Colorado CrushColorado CrushColorado Crush were an Arena Football League team that began play as a 2003 expansion team. The Crush played in the Central Division of the American Conference until the Arena Football League suspended operations in 2009...
, Rampage Quarterback Michael BishopMichael Bishop (football player)Michael Paul Bishop is a professional football quarterback who is currently on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Practice Squad. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots....
became the very first Arena Football League player to run for 100 yards in a single game. It was only Bishop's third-ever start, yet he accomplished this amazing feat on just six attempts. Despite falling 72-56, Bishop's fancy feet helped set a bold new record. On the AFL's 20 Greatest Highlights Countdown, this is ranked at #12.
- In a pregame warm-up, Quarterback Michael Bishop threw a pass from one end zone, across the field, through the uprights, and into the stands. It displayed Bishop's athletic talent. On the AFL's 20 Greatest Highlights Countdown, this is tied at #9.
- On Monday, March 24, 2008, The Rampage set the AFL record for the most points scored in a single game by a road team, beating the Kansas City BrigadeKansas City BrigadeThe Kansas City Command is a professional arena football team in the Arena Football League. The team was founded before the 2006 season. Former Kansas City Chiefs Strong safety Kevin Porter served as head coach...
92-52. James MacPherson went 24-27, nine touchdowns, and 307 yards in his first start for the Rampage. MacPherson would later go one to break the franchise record for touchdown passes in a later game.
Notable Players, Past and Present
- Scotty AndersonScotty AndersonScotty Anderson is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League and the Arena Football League...
- WR - Clint DolezelClint DolezelClint Dolezel is Offensive Coordinator of the Philadelphia Soul, an Indoor Football team belonging to the Arena Football League . As an AFL player, he was originally signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs...
- QB - Michael BakerMichael BakerMichael Baker may refer to:*Michael Baker , Canadian politician*Michael A. Baker , NASA astronaut*Michael Baker , Canadian cancer researcher*Michael Conway Baker , Canadian composer...
- Michael BishopMichael Bishop (football player)Michael Paul Bishop is a professional football quarterback who is currently on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Practice Squad. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots....
- QB - Tony BowickTony BowickVantonio Bernard Bowick is a former National Football League player for the Atlanta Falcons and a former Arena Football League player with a 13 season career....
- OL/DL - Nick BrowderNick BrowderNick Browder is an quarterback who played in the Arena Football League for the Buffalo Destroyers , the Grand Rapids Rampage , the Detroit Fury , and the Philadelphia Soul before signing with his 2006 team, the New York Dragons. In 2007, he signed with the Dallas Desperados as the backup to...
- QB - David Caldwell - OL/DL
- Cecil DoggetteCecil DoggetteCecil Doggette is a former Arena Football League Defensive specialist. He played college football at Hudson Valley Community College and West Virginia....
- DS - Ahmad HawkinsAhmad HawkinsAhmad Hawkins is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent of the Arena Football League. He has also played for the Alabama Vipers. He was signed by the Colorado Crush as a street free agent in 2003...
- DS - Troy EdwardsTroy EdwardsTroy Edwards , is a professional American football player who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft. A wide receiver from Louisiana Tech University, Edwards led the nation in receiving during his senior year in college with 140 receptions for 1,996 yards and...
- WR - Johnnie HarrisJohnnie HarrisJohnnie Harris is an Arena Football League defensive specialist with the Philadelphia Soul. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Storm , the Orlando Predators , and the Grand Rapids Rampage...
- DB - Timon MarshallTimon MarshallTimon Marshall is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of the Arena Football League...
- Mike McFadden - LB/DE
- Adrian McPhersonAdrian McPhersonAdrian Jamal McPherson is a quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
- QB - Sparky McEwen - QB
- Harold Shaw
- Demo Odems- WR/DB
- ((Rodney Blackshear WR/DB
Venue location and front office
The Grand Rapids Rampage played in the Van Andel ArenaVan Andel Arena
The Van Andel Arena is a 10,834-seat multi-purpose arena, situated in the Heartside district, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After a $75 million construction effort, the arena opened on October 8, 1996 and since has attracted over five million patrons. It is home to the popular Grand Rapids Griffins...
, which is located in downtown Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
.
Coaches
| Head coach Head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches... |
Tenure | Regular season record (W-L) |
Post season record (W-L) |
Most recent coaching staff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Trigg | 1998 1998 Arena Football League season The 1998 Arena Football League season was the 12th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Orlando Predators, who defeated the Tampa Bay Storm in ArenaBowl XII.-Standings:* Green indicates clinched playoff berth... - 2003 2003 Arena Football League season The 2003 Arena Football League season was the 17th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Tampa Bay Storm, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVII. The AFL expanded its season to a 16-game schedule... |
43-41 | 3-4 | AFL Coach of the year (2001). ArenaBowl XV ArenaBowl XV - Game summary :The Grand Rapids Rampage scored an ArenaBowl-record 64 points as they sent a sellout crowd home from Van Andel Arena happy with a 64-42 victory over the Nashville Kats to claim their first ArenaBowl title in team history.... winning head coach. Assistant coach: Will McClay Will McClay Will McClay is an Arena Football League coach for the Dallas Desperados. He has a career record of 43-23, including a 1-3 mark in the postseason, in which were all home games.-External links:***... (1998 - 1999 1999 Arena Football League season The 1999 Arena Football League season was the 13th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Albany Firebirds, who defeated the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XIII.-Standings:* Green indicates clinched playoff berth... ) became head coach of the Dallas Desperados Dallas Desperados The Dallas Desperados were a professional Arena Football team. The Desperados played in the Southern Division of the now-defunct Arena Football League from 2002 to 2008.... (2004–present). |
|
| Bob Cortese Bob Cortese Bob Cortese is a former American football player and coach. He was the 19th head college football coachfor the Fort Hays State University Tigers located in Hays, Kansas and he held that position for eight seasons, from 1990 until 1997. His career coaching record at Fort Hays was 55 wins, 32... |
2004 2004 Arena Football League season The 2004 Arena Football League season was the 18th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the San Jose SaberCats, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII... |
1-10 | 0-0 | Let go during the season | |
| Rick Frazier | 2004 | 0-5 | 0-0 | Replaced Bob Cortese during the season. | |
| Sparky McEwen | 2005 2005 Arena Football League season The 2005 Arena Football League season was the 19th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Colorado Crush, who defeated the Georgia Force in ArenaBowl XIX. The AFL changed its playoff format to allow the top four teams per conference to make the playoffs. Previously, the... - 2007 2007 Grand Rapids Rampage season The 2007 Grand Rapids Rampage season was the 10th season for the franchise. They look to make the playoffs after finishing 2006 with an 5-11 record... |
13-35 | 0-0 | Grand Rapids assistant coach (2001 2001 Arena Football League season The 2001 Arena Football League season was the 15th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Grand Rapids Rampage, who defeated the Nashville Kats in ArenaBowl XV.-Standings:* Green indicates clinched playoff berth... - 2003). |
|
| Steve Thonn Steve Thonn Steve Thonn is the head coach for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. Steve is also a former Arena Football League player and the former head coach of the AFL team Grand Rapids Rampage. As a player he played WR/DB for the Chicago Bruisers and the Albany Firebirds... |
2008 2008 Grand Rapids Rampage season The 2008 Grand Rapids Rampage season is the 11th season for the franchise. The Rampage finished the regular season 6-10, earning them a spot in the playoffs as the 6th seed in the American Conference. In their Wild Card playoff game, the Rampage upset the Arizona Rattlers, 48-41. In the Divisional... |
6-10 | 2-1 | DC Defensive coordinator A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach... / Director of Player Personnel: Ron Selesky Line coach: Darrin Kenney ST Coordinator and FB Fullback (American football) A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback... / LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... coach: Paul Reinke Manager of Football Ops. / Assist. coach: Rod Miller |