Since Union Broadcasting will broadcast the games, I'm sure that Danny
Clinkscale will be the play-by-play guy. But, he's also the voice of
UMKC basketball so we might hear Nick McCabe-the guy who does 810's
high school game of the week-doing it. Either Clinkscale and McCabe
will be the voice of the Brigade, but who's going to be the color guy?
Stan Webber, Neil Smith, Rich Baldinger or Jaycie Person I can see
doing it. I don't think any of them will be good, but I can see them do
it. Anyway, what are your thoughts?

Simmons ready for shot with Brigade
Courtesy: Alan Hoskins

For Sam Simmons, the arrival of the Kansas City Brigade Arena Football
League team couldn't have come at a better time.

"There's nothing like playing at home," says Simmons, a former F.L.
Schlagle star who enjoyed one of the most successful high school
careers in Kansas state history.

Signed by the Brigade to a one-year contract in mid-October, the
26-year-old Simmons will be joining his former coach, ex-Chief Kevin
Porter who was a volunteer coach during Simmons' freshman year at
Schlagle. "I'm real excited," says Simmons. "I wanted to play (in the
Arena League) and then when I heard Coach Porter was going to be the
coach, I definitely wanted to play."

Healthy after injuries shortened stints in both the NFL and European
League, Simmons was signed as an offensive specialist although he
admits, "I would not be surprised if I eventually went both ways. I'm
not limiting myself:" Under AFL rules, a team has a quarterback and an
offensive specialist who platoon with two defensive specialists. The
other six players play both offense and defense.

While his place on the team is not guaranteed and practices do not
start until mini-camp Dec. 27 for the Jan. 29 opener at the Dallas
Desperados, Simmons' skills as a receiver are perfectly suited to the
Arena League. While not a burner with 4.3 speed, his ability to start,
stop and change directions are made to order for the 50-yard field,
especially when receivers are allowed a running start. Simmons would
also be on the receiving end of the Arena League's all-time passing
leader, 12-year veteran Andy Kelly, who threw for 94 touchdowns last year.

In addition to his pass catching ability, Simmons comes with
additional skills. He returned kicks in college and played on special
teams in the NFL, something that his new head coach is well award. "I
think he has tremendous potential not only because of his ability as a
receiver but for his return ability as well," says Porter, who played
five years as a defensive back for the Chiefs.

"The return game in our game is usually important and one of every
four plays is a special teams play so his ability to do those things
makes him a valuable asset to us. We just have to get him
indoctrinated into this type of football and once we get that done
he'll be a tremendous player for us."

Simmons certainly brings a wealth of credentials to the Brigade. As a
senior at Schlagle, Simmons rushed for 23 touchdowns and more than
1,500 yards and threw for four scores and an additional 500 plus yards
when pressed into service at quarterback the final two games in an 8-2
season that ended in a loss to Blue Valley in the state quarterfinals.
The spectacular season earned him USA Today Player of the Year honors
for the state of Kansas along with Kansan and Metro Player of the Year
honors.

It also earned him a full ride at Northwestern University. "I was
always interested in the Big 10 and kind of wanted to get away from
home," he says. "I knew right away I didn't want to play for KU,
K-State or MU. Nothing personal but I just wanted to get away."

Known more for its academics than as a football powerhouse,
Northwestern proved a good fit. "People forget that when I came out,
Northwestern had won back-to-back Big 10 championships (1995-96),"
says Simmons, who was recruited by recently fired Colorado coach Gary
Barnett.

He started his career by leading the Big 10 in kickoff returns (No. 8
in the nation) but broke his collarbone in the seventh game of his
sophomore season before a spectacular and dramatic junior season. In
back-to-back Big 10 games, he caught a "Hail Mary" 60-yard pass to
beat Minnesota as time expired and then caught an 11-yard slant pass
with 20 seconds left that beat Michigan.

"The Michigan game was probably my best game, 12 catches for 124 yards
and we won 54-51 at home," says Simmons, who finished he year with 38
catches for more than 500 yards and four TD's. The catches helped
Northwestern finish as co-Big 10 champion with Michigan and Purdue and
earn an Alamo Bowl appearance against Nebraska.

Simmons started off the 2001 season with 11 catches for 150 yards and
a touchdown against UNLV but broke his ring finger on his right hand
in game two against Duke and had to have three pins inserted in his
finger. Despite the injury, Simmons had 50 catches for 800 plus yards
and nine touchdowns to earn second team All-Big 10 honors although the
team was disseminated by injuries. "We started 4-1, then lost the last
six," says Simmons.

Academically, Simmons excelled at a university that demanded
excellence, graduating in four years with a degree in communications.
"I don't know if I was a bright student or just determined to get out
in four years but I really wanted to get out in four years and
definitely worked hard."

Drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins (No. 170 overall),
Simmons was plagued by a hamstring injury and was on the practice
squad all of 2002 but made the team in 2003. "I played on the special
teams the first 11 games but had a severe ankle injury that kept me
out the final five games," he says. Still bothered by the ankle injury
in 2004, he was told he would be kept on the inactive list – and then
was unceremoniously cut before the first game.

Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers last January, Simmons was sent to
play for the Frankfort Galaxy in the European League, playing six
games before suffering a partial tear in his left ring finger.
Released on an injury grievance, he was back in his Edwardsville home
with his wife, Trina, and their three daughters, Talia, 7; Jada, 4;
and Saniya, 2, serving as a volunteer assistant freshman coach at
Schlagle when he got in contact with Coach Carter.

While he's done an NFL coaching internship and an internship with
Northwestern Mutual, Simmons is determined to continue his gridiron
career with the Brigade, working out daily in preparation for the
start of practices at the Sports City complex in Blue Springs.

"I definitely feel good about the opportunity to play in my hometown,"
he says. "Maybe it will help jump start my AFL career or maybe get
back in the NFL."

hey everyone for our meeting place for home game what is the feeling or
comments about meeting at Ponakes on the boulevard for pre game warm up
your comments are welcome

thanks

jim

Dinner kicks off Brigade minicamp
Players come together for first time in Kansas City
By SAM MELLINGER
The Kansas City Star

Thirty-seven men, mostly strangers and mostly dreamers, packed into a
back room at Kemper Arena and chowed down on the first official meal
of the Kansas City Brigade.

They're here for minicamp, which began Tuesday night in the form of
get-to-know-yous and initial run-throughs. The opening practice isn't
until Thursday, but already, there's a buzz as Kansas City's new Arena
Football League franchise took an important first step in having 37
active players together for the first time.

Dinner conversation included the usual small talk, some of the guys
comparing resumes, all of them throwing down the chicken, mashed
potatoes and veggies. They are everyone from Andy Kelly, the league's
all-time leading passer, to Sam Simmons, the former Schlagle star who
played in 11 games with the Dolphins in 2003, to guys who come from
the AFL2.

"It's no different (than NFL camps)," said Brigade part-owner Neil
Smith, who played 13 years in the NFL. "Pretty much the same things we
did at the (NFL) level, we're doing here."

Kelly guessed he'd played with or against more than half the guys in
camp. Simmons said he knew "three or four. Maybe."

Simmons has never played in the Arena League and said he'd seen only
two games when the Brigade called. Coach Kevin Porter sent tapes of
two games to ease the transition.

Simmons said he's been studying as if it's final-exams time, and hopes
to cut his learning curve as much as possible. After all, he's playing
for something more than even a roster spot.

"There's nothing like playing in front of your family and friends," he
said. "Only thing that would be better would be playing for the Chiefs."

Minicamp runs through Saturday, and training camp will run Jan. 3 to
Jan. 20. The 37 current players will be cut to 24 for the Brigade's
season opener, Jan. 29 at Dallas.

This is Kelly's 13th year in the AFL, and second time with a franchise
starting its first year in a new city. He's seen most everything you
can dream up and said the learning curve for AFL rookies varies.

"They'll know the X's and the O's because they've played football,"
Kelly said. "But there are adjustments. The receivers have to get used
to running routes with a wall right there, and the ball is going to
come out quicker."
To reach Sam Mellinger, sports reporter for The Star, send e-mail to
smellinger@...

I also just thought of the "No Fly Zone."  It sort of brings in the
Stealth logo.

Of course, we wish the New Orleans Voodoo had reported for training
today to their training facililty on Airline Drive....but Mother
Nature had another idea!!

Please take care of our guys...they are important to us and to our
City!  We miss them and will be watching their progress...your team
is our team this year!

Please continue to pray for our City....and to encourage your
senators and representives to help us restore and rebuild....AND
then come visit a City that you won't believe....the food, the
music, the culture, the people...we want you to come visit us...next
year!!!

Good luck with AFL football....and don't forget...we want our team
back next year!

Mary Alice...le bon ton roule'......

hello everyone glad to be a member of the kc bridage team looking
forward to the season  nad some good football action  cant wait to meet
the team and get my tickets specially cheerleaders

go kc bridage and good luck

How about "The BattleField?"  It should be something that envokes a
sence of nervousness, ya know?

'The Hanger' is good but it might hit a little too close to home for
Kemper

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "richard_rehfeldt"
<richardvegas66-brigade@y...> wrote:
>
> I just got to thinking,....they have the Jungle where the Preds play,
> and the Graveyard where the VooDoo play/used to play.  I realize that
> the Brigade will be moving in 2007 to the Sprint Center, but I wonder
> what kind of nickname will be given to Kemper Arena/Sprint Center.
> Just wanted to hear other peoples' thoughts.  Hopefully they give us
> an intimidating name.
>

How about this?  Since our logo is a Stealth bomber, we could call the
Kemper Arena "The Hanger".

I could meet at Dave and Busters and probably 810. I would have 2
people maximum.
Shannon Weichel
sdweichel@...

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <sonomascott@y...> wrote:
>
> Greetings Brigade Fans!!
>
> This season starts us off with two away games.  During these and
all
> other away games, the KC Brigade Fan Club would like to show our
> support for the team by gathering in a public location to watch
the
> games.
>
> Please respond with suggestions for locations, whether you would
be
> interested in attending, and how many people you would bring.
>
> Ideas that have been suggested so far include:  Dave & Busters,
810
> Zone, The Peanut in Lee's Summit.
>
> We are hoping to have a large turnout to stir up some interest in
your
> Kansas City Brigade.
>
> Thanks,
> Scott Soares
> SonomaScott@y...
>

I know you guys are AFL but the 5th thru the 7th we are hosting an Fan
club get together in Bettendorf IA. Its only 5 hours from KC. Ther will
be alot to lear on how to run a fan club. I can help you guys out as
much as you need cause i was on the officers board for the
steamwheelers fan club plus worked on the web site. heres the link
http://www.steamwheelerfans.com/2006af2/index.htm email me or email
Gary his info is on the web page. Hope to see you guys up here if not
im sure ill see you guys down there.

Like i said if theres anything i can do to help you let me know
Ryan Gordon
orenthalrome@...
romes1clone@...
309-712-5310

Here's to everyone having a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Only 34 more days till kickoff!!

Greetings Brigade Fans!!

This season starts us off with two away games.  During these and all
other away games, the KC Brigade Fan Club would like to show our
support for the team by gathering in a public location to watch the
games. 

Please respond with suggestions for locations, whether you would be
interested in attending, and how many people you would bring.

Ideas that have been suggested so far include:  Dave & Busters, 810
Zone, The Peanut in Lee's Summit.

We are hoping to have a large turnout to stir up some interest in your
Kansas City Brigade.

Thanks,
Scott Soares
SonomaScott@...

Greetings Brigade Fans!!

This season starts us off with two away games.  During these and all
other away games, the KC Brigade Fan Club would like to show our
support for the team by gathering in a public location to watch the
games.

Please respond with suggestions for locations, whether you would be
interested in attending, and how many people you would bring.

Ideas that have been suggested so far include:  Dave & Busters, 810
Zone, The Peanut in Lee's Summit.

We are hoping to have a large turnout to stir up some interest in your
Kansas City Brigade.

Thanks,
Scott Soares
SonomaScott@...

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
KCbrigadeFC group:

How many Brigade games will you go to this year?

   o 1
   o 2
   o 3
   o 4
   o 5
   o 6
   o 7
   o 8
   o 9+


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KCbrigadeFC/surveys?id=1437844

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "romes1clone" <romes1clone@y...>
wrote:
>
> Just thought I would stop and say "Hello". Some of you may know me by
> my other screen name orenthalrome from the AFL boards. I am a huge KC
> fan i love the town and hope to be moving there sometime soon. I work
> for Knight Transportation as a truck driver and we have a terminal in
> KC. I come to kc alot usually once or twice a week. I hang out at the
> Ameristar mostly when i am in town. I hope we can all get together
> sometime durring the season if you all would like to see the fan site
> that i help out in heres the link www.steamwheelerfans.com you guys can
> also email me here at romes1clone@y... take care
>
> war the Chiefs
> war the Birgade
> war everyone having a great holiday season
>

Welcome to the club!  We are just now laying the groundwork for a
great group here.  If you have any ideas on activities or promotion I
would be happy to hear them.

One thing I was hoping we could set up is group gatherings for away
games.  Maybe the 810 Zone or someplace like that.

Once again thanks for joining,
Scott
a.k.a. Brigade Commander

Just thought I would stop and say "Hello". Some of you may know me by
my other screen name orenthalrome from the AFL boards. I am a huge KC
fan i love the town and hope to be moving there sometime soon. I work
for Knight Transportation as a truck driver and we have a terminal in
KC. I come to kc alot usually once or twice a week. I hang out at the
Ameristar mostly when i am in town. I hope we can all get together
sometime durring the season if you all would like to see the fan site
that i help out in heres the link www.steamwheelerfans.com you guys can
also email me here at romes1clone@... take care

war the Chiefs
war the Birgade
war everyone having a great holiday season

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "richard_rehfeldt"
<richardvegas66-brigade@y...> wrote:
>
> --- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <sonomascott@y...> wrote:
> >
> > The Kansas City Brigade, the newest Arena Football League team, will
> > unveil their new jersey and helmet tomorrow, December 16, at the 810
> > Zone in Town Center Plaza (on 119th Street between Nall and Roe in
> > Overland Park, Kansas), at 4:00pm.
> >
> > I think I am heading down.  Hope to see you all there.
> >
>
> Unfortunately, I have to work and then meet with a minister that will
> be performing my daughter's baptism.  I wish I could go.  )c:
>

Check out our photos link.  I posted lots of pics there.  If anyone
else took pics, feel free to post them too.

As a season ticket holder I am definitely trying to make it down to
the sportszone today.  Hopefully I will see you guys down there.

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <sonomascott@y...> wrote:
>
> The Kansas City Brigade, the newest Arena Football League team, will
> unveil their new jersey and helmet tomorrow, December 16, at the 810
> Zone in Town Center Plaza (on 119th Street between Nall and Roe in
> Overland Park, Kansas), at 4:00pm.
>
> I think I am heading down.  Hope to see you all there.
>

Unfortunately, I have to work and then meet with a minister that will
be performing my daughter's baptism.  I wish I could go.  )c:

The Kansas City Brigade, the newest Arena Football League team, will
unveil their new jersey and helmet tomorrow, December 16, at the 810
Zone in Town Center Plaza (on 119th Street between Nall and Roe in
Overland Park, Kansas), at 4:00pm.

I think I am heading down.  Hope to see you all there.

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "Sam Logan"
<YanksSuckGoSoxSL@n...> wrote:
>
> --- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "richard_rehfeldt" <richardvegas66-
> brigade@y...> wrote:
> >
> > I just got to thinking,....they have the Jungle where the Preds
> play,
> > and the Graveyard where the VooDoo play/used to play.  I realize
> that
> > the Brigade will be moving in 2007 to the Sprint Center, but I
> wonder
> > what kind of nickname will be given to Kemper Arena/Sprint Center.
> > Just wanted to hear other peoples' thoughts.  Hopefully they give us
> > an intimidating name.
> >Maybe "No Man's Land" As a reference to WWI, when the open fields in
> between opposing forces trenches would be filled with mines and barbed
> wire to prevent the enemy from rushing them.
>


Well....playing off your idea, what about "The Trenches"?  It has both
a military and a football feel.

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "richard_rehfeldt" <richardvegas66-
brigade@y...> wrote:
>
> I just got to thinking,....they have the Jungle where the Preds
play,
> and the Graveyard where the VooDoo play/used to play.  I realize
that
> the Brigade will be moving in 2007 to the Sprint Center, but I
wonder
> what kind of nickname will be given to Kemper Arena/Sprint Center.
> Just wanted to hear other peoples' thoughts.  Hopefully they give us
> an intimidating name.
>Maybe "No Man's Land" As a reference to WWI, when the open fields in
between opposing forces trenches would be filled with mines and barbed
wire to prevent the enemy from rushing them.

Thanks for the welcome.

Any pics you can provide us would be great!  I would be happy to
return the favor.  Unfortunately I may be too far away to get great
pics.  I will definately put this out to our other members.  hopefully
we can get you some good pics too.

We will keep spreading the word.  If you have any advice for me on how
to grow this group I would be happy to take it.

Thanks Again
Scott

--- In KCbrigadeFC@yahoogroups.com, "gotbstorm" <gotbstorm@y...> wrote:
>
> Hi ya Scott!
>
> I want to welcome you and the Brigade fans to the Southern Division.
> We play y'all at your home field on May 5 and in Tampa on April 29.
>
> I would be pleased to post game photos from my home stand here at your
> site, as well as have anyone who take pics at your home stand post
> those at my group site.
>
> Keep spreading the word and your group will grow and grow!
>
> Good Luck!
>
> Larry
> Moderator
> http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/tampabaystormarenafootball/
>

I just got to thinking,....they have the Jungle where the Preds play,
and the Graveyard where the VooDoo play/used to play.  I realize that
the Brigade will be moving in 2007 to the Sprint Center, but I wonder
what kind of nickname will be given to Kemper Arena/Sprint Center.
Just wanted to hear other peoples' thoughts.  Hopefully they give us
an intimidating name.

Hi ya Scott!

I want to welcome you and the Brigade fans to the Southern Division.
We play y'all at your home field on May 5 and in Tampa on April 29.

I would be pleased to post game photos from my home stand here at your
site, as well as have anyone who take pics at your home stand post
those at my group site.

Keep spreading the word and your group will grow and grow!

Good Luck!

Larry
Moderator
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/tampabaystormarenafootball/

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
KCbrigadeFC group:

Where will the Brigade finish in the Southern Division?

   o 1st
   o 2nd
   o 3rd
   o 4th
   o 5th


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KCbrigadeFC/surveys?id=1431270

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!