As coach Mike Dailey brings his defending Arena- Bowl champion Colorado Crush together today for the opening of practice at Five Star Stadium in Thornton, he makes clear his team’s goal.
“Winning the championship was our goal two years ago, it was our goal last year, and it’s our goal this year,” Dailey said. “We obviously have a good group of players back and there’s an advantage in having veteran players.”
The Crush has 37 players on the roster as it opens training camp, including 22 from last season’s championship team. Quarterback John Dutton, offensive specialist Damian Harrell and receiver-linebacker Andy McCullough bring proven offensive abilities. Fullback-linebacker Rich Young, lineman Hugh Hunter, defensive specialists Delvin Hughley and Rashad Floyd and receiver-defensive back Ahmad Hawkins are defensive mainstays.
The Crush also returns kicker Clay Rush, whose status had been in doubt as he auditioned for NFL teams. Rush’s 20-yard field goal in the final seconds lifted the Crush to a 51-48 victory over the Georgia Force in the ArenaBowl.
“We always like to see our players have the opportunity to play in the NFL, but we’re excited to have him back,” Dailey said.
