Storm players to make charity appearance

Donatello Restaurant will celebrate its 24th anniversary in style. Storm owner Dr. Bob Nucci, Storm coach Tim Marcum and Storm player Emmanuel Akah will join Guido, Alessanda and Gino Tiozzo, and several other celebrities as the Tiozzo’s and Donatello Restaurant provide a free Thanksgiving dinner to at-risk, foster children and their families for the 22nd consecutive Thanksgiving.

This year, between 700-800 children, age 1 month to 18 years, will come from throughout the Tampa Bay area. Previous beneficiaries have come from the City of Tampa Department of Community Affairs, Florida Kinship Center, Hillsborough Kids, Church Without Walls, Building Aspiring Youth, Mac Dill Family Resource Center and other youth-related agencies.
 
In addition to a traditional sit-down meal, all children receive holiday gifts specially selected for them, considering their age and sex.  There is also holiday music, singers and Santa. Everyone volunteers their time, from the chefs to the waiters, singers and celebrities.

Great American Teach-In update ...

We mentioned recently that, as part of the Great American Teach-In, QB Brett Dietz and OL Tom Kaleita of the Storm visited Seminole Middle School. But we left out one player -- WR Tyrone Timmons. He visited McLane Middle School in Brandon.

“This is a great opportunity to reach out and not only teach kids about Arena Football, but to stress to them the importance of education,” Dietz said. “Many of the kids see sports as an opportunity in the future but you have to take care of your education to keep that opportunity available.”

Dietz and Kaleita spoke to approximately 500 students, showed highlight clips, dressed students up in shoulder pads and a helmet and talked about taking advantage of opportunities when they arrive.  Kaleita stressed to the students four keys to his success: education, dedication, relocation and having a Plan B.

Timmons covered many of the same themes.

“There are some great athletes at (McLane), but at this age they don’t comprehend the percentages of making it to the professional level,” Timmons said.  “I want to make sure they understand how important it is to not only get a degree, but to maintain their grades now so they can get into college.” 

The best overtime system? Might be the AFL's

Jim Robinson of the Storm's PR department just forwarded me an article that fans of the AFL might find interesting. It's about the use of overtime in football. In it, the writer, Tom Wilder, argues that the AFL has a much better overtime system than the ones used in the NFL or college football. (You can find the piece HERE).

He writes: "This purist-pleasing resolution is surprisingly found in one of the most modern, detached leagues of American football: the Arena Football League."

Agree? Disagree? Got a better system?

Personally, I give the edge to the format used by college football. To me, the reason is simple: It's fair. Both teams get the ball. Both have a chance to score. Both have a chance to keep the other team from scoring. And it's incredibly exciting.

Wilder does, however, make some valid points. Anyway, it's worth checking out ...

McGill and Akah to work at McDonalds for a day

To commemorate World Children’s Day in Tampa Bay, Storm linemen Tim McGill and Emmanuel Akah will appear Wednesday at the McDonald's located at 4818 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa. Not only will they sign autographs from 2-3 p.m., but they'll be working at the drive-thru window.

This month, participating McDonald’s across the country are celebrating World Children’s Day at McDonald’s -- an annual program since 2002 that raises funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities and other children’s causes.

Ronald McDonald House helps over 3.7 million children and families around the globe each year. “World Children’s Day is a chance for everyone to give back and help families in serious situations," Stu Brown, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator, said in a release.

Last year, McDonald’s of Tampa Bay raised over $84,000 for RMHC.

Players take part in Great American Teach-In

Storm players Brett Dietz and Tom Kaleita visited Seminole Middle School today to talk to students about their job and how they became professional football players as part of the Great American Teach-In. The Teach-In is an opportunity for students to have a new teacher from the community come to their class and talk about their respective fields. Participating individuals share with the classrooms their hobbies, professions, sports, travels, and other areas of interest.

Dietz speaks with students about drugs

Storm QB Brett Dietz is doing his part to keep kids away from drugs.

Last week, Dietz spoke to the students of Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills about the importance of being drug-free, especially as an athlete. To help raise awareness on the subject, Dietz gave a brief discussion about the risks of drugs, how to handle peer pressure, answered questions and signed autographs.

“Teaching kids about drug awareness at an early age and giving the right message is important,” Dietz said in a release, “I was really glad to be a part of it.”

Each year from Oct. 23-31, the Red Ribbon Campaign, the largest and oldest drug prevention program in the country, seeks to reach millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week.

Storm: Samuels in recovery

Legendary Storm receiver Lawrence Samuels, who was injured in a car accident on State 52 Thursday, is currently in stable condition after having surgery at Bayfront Medical Center Friday afternoon to repair his left tibia and fibula, according to team spokesperson Jim Robinson.

Samuels, who sustained injuries to his left leg and ribs, as well as cuts and abrasions, will continue to be monitored by doctors at Bayfront until next week. He is scheduled to begin physical therapy Saturday morning.

“As a member of our Storm family, the primary concern for Lawrence right now is his health and speedy recovery,” Storm coach Tim Marcum said in a release. “We will support he and his family in whatever way we can as they work with the Bayfront medical team through his recovery and the healing process.  As a player, he has been a key component to the success of the Storm for a long time. And in the future, should he look to come back to the field, we will work to keep him a part of the Storm organization.”

The accident occurred when Samuels’ vehicle was struck by another vehicle and sent off the road into a tree, according to the Storm. He was traveling with his 2-year-old daughter, who was unharmed. Since the accident, the Storm has been in regular contact with Samuels' family and the Bayfront medical staff.

Samuels, 38, is the Arena Football League's all-time leading receiver. He has spent 14 of his 15 AFL seasons with the Storm, and has 1,020 career receptions for 11,708 yards, 168 touchdown catches and three championship rings.

Samuels is currently a free-agent. 

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Samuels injured in car accident

WESLEY CHAPEL -- Tampa Bay Storm receiver Lawrence Samuels was seriously injured in a car accident on State Road 52 Thursday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Samuels' 2007 Chevy SUV ran into a tree east bound on State Road 52 at the intersection of Quail Ridge Road, after becoming involved in a four-car collision at the intersection that pushed his car off the road, troopers said in a release.

The 38-year-old was wearing his seatbelt and had his two-year-old child with him but the child was not injured.The accident closed the road for several hours.

Jim Robinson, a spokesman for the Storm, said Samuels condition was stable but did not know whether his injuries would affect his career.

Samuels has been with the arena football team for 14 years, Robinson said. He went to Bayfront Medical Center where Samuels' was airlifted after accident to meet with his wife and two children. None of the other drivers or passengers had serious injuries, according the trooper's release.

The Arena Football League's all-time leader for most receptions was listed as a free agent. Robinson said they were in the process of re-signing him to the team for a 15th season.

"We were very comfortable in our talks with him," Robinson said.

--Robbyn Mitchell, Times staff writer

Storm to fans: Have a ticket on us

The Storm wants to thank 2008 Storm season ticket holders. To do so, all of them are eligible to receive four complimentary Terrace Level tickets to tonight's Lightning game against the New York Islanders.

Additionally, each season ticket holder will have the opportunity to meet and greet Storm coach Tim Marcum and several Storm players prior to the game and during the first intermission at section 104. 

To receive your complimentary tickets, contact your Storm ticket representative.

Dance team auditions coming soon

If you or someone you know wants to dance for the Storm, here's your chance ...

The organization will hold preliminary auditions Oct. 26 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Registration starts at noon. The auditions will take place inside Icons restaurant on the fourth level. To get there, potential dancers must enter through the Chrysler/Jeep entrance located next to Shots on the main plaza. 

Final auditions are Oct. 30 at the Forum (7 p.m.). They are open to the public.

Interested dancers can pre-register online at www.tampabaystorm.com .

In addition to tryouts, there will be a pre-audition workshop Oct. 20 from 7-10 p.m. at the Forum. The cost of the class is $25. Applicants attending the workshop will learn dance routines and techniques, audition tips, including hair and make-up and team commitments from veteran Storm Dancers.