On Wednesday, February 15th, The Georgia Force Cheerleader’s Rally Kid Tori was admitted to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston where she will undergo another round of chemotherapy to help treat her medullablastoma cancer of the brain. Upon learning the news, the GFC decided to pay Tori a visit at Egelston. “The concept of a 9 year-old having to fight cancer is so heavy and I didn’t know what to expect,” admits Joie Ashworth, the director of Georgia Force Cheerleaders. “But Tori is not your average kid! She’s not a complainer or a whiner – she’s a fighter who is working through this with a confidence we can all learn from. She’s brave and strong and you can see all that in her eyes. She had a smile on her face throughout our entire visit. GFC brought gifts, signed autographs and put on a special dance performance just for her… but in the end, I believe she did more for us than we did for her.”

GFC Rookie Maima agreed that they have a lot to learn from Tori and her story: “Tori’s resilence and faith has inspired me beyond measure. She is truly one of my heroes. My visit with her impacted me on a deeper level because it showed me what this job is all about: giving back and inspiring others.Tori has inspired us more than she will ever know.”

“We are challenging our team to think bigger this year, realize how much more there is than our problems, our successes and our stories,” explained GFC Captain Kiley. “Our Rally Kid, Tori, gave the GFC an opportunity to experience the epitome of strength and hope. Wrapped up in a 9 year old body sporting neon green PJs and hot pink bedazzeled slippers, Tori was a hidden warrior as she sat decorating an American Girl jewelry box. Tori was ready to strike a pose better than any pro cheerleader and offered a huge smile, never once offering the slightest complaint about her disease. I hope to learn from her how to be stronger, less selfish and more fierce!”

GFC Captain Joslynn agreed: “Tori is a true testament that God does not give you more than you can handle. What a resilient spirit. She exhibited such poise during our visit. I feel extremely blessed to have met such an amazing child.”

The Cheerleaders ask for prayers for Tori. This round of chemo is especially grueling. As a Rally Kid, Tori only asks for donations in her honor to the Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research. Fans can make their tax-deductible contributions by visiting the Georgia Force Cheerleader donation page at http://www.razoo.com/story/GeorgiaForceCheerleaders. The minimum donation is $10, but every dollar will help and is greatly appreciated.

To see more pictures from the GFC visit to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston, click here.

This past Saturday marked an official beginning of the 2012 season for Georgia Force coaches and staff. As the last open try outs wrapped up around noon, the 2012 training camp promptly began. For two grueling weeks, potential Force players will compete for a position on the team under the direction of head coach Dean Cokinos. Assisting Cokinos are returning assistant coaches James Clark and Willie Gary. Joining Cokinos, Gary, and Clark for training camp are seasoned coaches Cosmo DeMatteo and Brenard Wilson.

Clark made a name for himself at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team’s offensive line and received First Team All-American honors in 2002. Most recently, Clark played for the Jacksonville Sharks (2010) where he helped lead his team to a division title. He also played for the Force from 2007 until 2008, where he started 26 games and participated in two Southern Division Championships. Prior to that, Clark spent 2006 with the Birmingham Steeldogs. Clark is entering his second year coaching with the Force.

Gary is also entering his second season coaching with the Force as the Defensive Backs and Special Teams Coach. He is beginning his eighth year in total with the team, after coaching and competing with the Force from 2003 through 2008. Gary gained NFL experience with the St. Louis Rams from 2001 to 2002, while competing as Safety and contributing to Special Teams. While attending the University of Kentucky on a full athletic scholarship, Gary earned Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC Conference honors.

A 2001 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Cosmo DeMatteo has joined the ranks of the Force coaching staff for the duration of the 2012 training camp. DeMatteo spent 2010 and 2011 as a Receivers Coach for the Toronto Argonauts. Prior to that, DeMatteo held the position as Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Director of Player Personnel for the Tennessee Valley Vipers from 2008 to 2009. Additionally, DeMatteo was the Wide Receiver and and Passing Game Coordinator Coach at the Baylor School during that time. Before coaching, played for the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe and the Wilkes-Barre Pioneers of the Arena 2 Football League in 2002. In 2004, DeMatteo was a Receiver for the New York Dragons of the AFL, before moving on to the Arizona Rattlers for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

Also assisting with the 2012 training camp is 1977 Vanderbilt University graduate Brenard Wilson. Wilson held a position as Secondary Coach with the Nashville Cats from 1998 until 2007. Prior to that, he gained experience in the NFL as a Safety for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1979 until 1987, and then for the Atlanta Falcons in 1987. Wilson coached at Southeastern Missouri State University in 1989.

“We are fortunate to have this group of men working with our organization for the 2012 season,” stated Cokinos. “The experience and knowledge they bring to the team is invaluable to the development of our players.”

The front office staff is pleased to announce that Flex Ticketing is now available to the public for all Georgia Force games for the 2012 Arena Football League season at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Flex Ticketing is ideal for those that cannot commit to Season Tickets. Fans may purchase Flex tickets in packs of five or ten. There is no limit to how many Flex Tickets may be purchased. Flex Tickets can be redeemed for any game, and may be redeemed individually on a game by game basis, or all for a single game. Tickets can be purchased by calling the front office at 770.609.1300.

“We are offering Flex Tickets in an effort to provide versatile options for our fans,” stated team president Corey Remillard. “Our goal is to be flexible, affordable, and most of all, enjoyable.”

With the March 12th opening game quickly approaching, the Georgia Force coaching staff has been diligently working to prepare for the 2012 Arena Football League season. Head Coach Dean Cokinos entered the off-season with a specific plan of evaluating and targeting players for the upcoming AFL season. With two try outs behind him and one slated for February 18th and a slew of recent signings, Cokinos, along with his coaching staff, are ready for the next challenge: training camp.

“As camp approaches, we are putting the finishing touches on logistics, the roster, and the staff,” stated Cokinos. “We are focusing on getting ready for the training camp with itineraries, scheduling, practice plans, playbooks, video coordination, physicals and things of that nature so when the first day of camp arrives, we can hit the ground running and let the players compete for a job.”

Cokinos is pleased with how the 2012 roster has come together thus far. “We are excited with the mixture of guys we have been able to sign to date, including returning Force players, AFL free agents, and other league free agents from the NFL and CFL collectively,” said Cokinos. “We targeted big, tough athletic players who love to play the game and compete on a daily basis.”

The AFL is a quarterback-driven league, and Cokinos believes the Force will be under excellent leadership with Darnell Kennedy returning and RJ Archers, who was recently assigned to the Force from Milwaukee. Overall, Cokinos believes that there is a lethal blend of size, speed, and strength on the roster. The last opportunity for potential players to compete for a spot on the team will be on February 18th at the Silverbacks Sports Center in Suwanee, Georgia. Information on the upcoming open try outs can be found on the Georgia Force website.

On February 4th, the Georgia Force Cheerleaders donned their construction hats and pulled out their power tools for a Habitat For Humanity build. Alongside Clark Howard, the cheerleaders helped construct a house for a family in need in the city of Atlanta.

“I know people don’t expect to see cheerleaders building houses,” stated Joie Ashworth, the Director of Georgia Force Cheerleaders. “It’s hard work, but it means a lot to be able to give back to the community this way. We are helping people realize the American dream of homeownership! This is now a tradition for the Georgia Force Cheerleaders and I can’t even imagine going an entire season without building a house with my team.”

Veteran cheerleader LaToya agreed that the build was a valuable experience for the team. “The build was such a great first time experience. It simply amazed me how such a large group of people came together working so diligently to change someone’s life forever. I was glad to be a volunteer and glad to have impacted someone’s life.”

Not only did the girls learn more about teamwork and the Habitat For Humanity program, but they also gained skills in an unexpected area: construction! “It is amazing to see what team work can do,” said Lauren, one of the newest members of the 2012 squad. “With so many hands, you see your progress quickly, and it is amazing. It was great to work along side the future home owners. They were so appreciative and that helped keep us all motivated. The build leaders were so encouraging and patient. They took the time to show me how to swing a hammer the right way, how to use a nail gun, and how to water seal windows. You don’t have to know anything going in, you just have to be willing to work, learn, and try new things! My arm was sore for a couple days from all the hammering, which is more rewarding than the soreness you get from just moving weights around at the gym. You are actually using your God given strength for something productive!”

Veteran cheerleader Jaimi put it simply: “My favorite thing about helping on a Habitat build is meeting the home owner and working with them to achieve their dream. At the end of the day you can see your hard work and the progress you’ve completed together. You can actually see their lives changing.”

To see more pictures from the build, check out the photo album on Facebook. To find out more about how you can get involved in the Habitat For Humanity program, click here.

As of Monday, February 13th, single game tickets for all Georgia Force games are now available to the public for the 2012 Arena Football League season at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Ticket prices start as low as $10 for Upper Reserved (300 level) or Economy seats, and increase to $12 for Upper Box (200 level), $15 for Endzone seats, $30 for Sideline seats, $40 for Premium, and $100 for front row Fieldside seats. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the front office at 770.609.1300.

The Force will host nine home games during the regular season, with the home opener on Monday, March 12th versus the Cleveland Gladiators. Six of the home games will be held on Saturday nights at 7 p.m., and two will be held on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m.

Georgia Force Home Game Schedule
Monday, March 12 Cleveland Gladiators 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 7 Philadelphia Soul 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 14 Chicago Rush 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 29 Arizona Rattlers 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 12 Tampa Bay Storm 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 2 New Orleans VooDoo 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 9 Jacksonville 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 1 Orlando Predators 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 14 Pittsburgh Power 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Georgia-Force-tickets/artist/822035?list_view=1

The Gwinnett Medical Center is committed to transforming healthcare and assisting you in living a healthier lifestyle. To help you get started with your healthy transformation, GMC is offering a free heart healthy event on Saturday, February 18th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.! Continental breakfast provided. Don’t miss the iPad 2 and iPod giveaways held every thirty minutes!

The following screenings and education booths will be available:
- Total Cholesterol*
- Glucose*
- Blood Pressure
- Full Lipid Profile* (Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglycerides)
- Bone Density
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Body Fat Composition
- Weight & Waist Circumference
- Stroke Risk Assessment
- Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment
- Heart Health Risk Assessment
- Smoking Cessation
- Health Risk Counseling
- Nutrition Education
- Exercise Education
- Surgical Weight Loss
- Sleep Disorders
- Senior Health

*You must fast at least eight hours before your appointment. Time slots are limited.

Jumpstart your heart healthy lifestyle by attending a cooking demonstration led by an award-winning chef or get movin’ in a fitness class led by certified fitness instructors! You may also enjoy a complimentary chair massage and watch your stress melt away. Click here for more details.

Gwinnett Center – Grand Ballroom
6400 Sugarloaf Pksy
Duluth, GA 30097

The Force will hold the final open try out for the 2012 season on Saturday, February 18th beginning at 9 a.m. at the Silverbacks Sports Center in Suwanee, Georgia. The try outs will be held rain or shine. Kickers will not be evaluated at this try out.

Head Coach Dean Cokinos, along with his staff, will conduct the workout and evaluate the players.

“This is our final opportunity to evaluate potential candidates in an open forum,” stated Cokinos. “We are hopeful that we will find some additional talent.”

Tryouts will consist of 40-yard dash, short shuttle, individual drills, and one-on-ones. The cost of the tryout is $80. Pre-registration cost is $65. Payments must be cash only on the day of the try-outs. All pre-registration forms along with payment should be mailed to the address below. Pre-registration forms are now available on www.georgiaforce.com. The last day to pre-register is Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 at 5 p.m. Prospective players may email playerpersonnel@georgiaforce.com, or for additional information contact Brad Graham by calling 404.966.3180.

WHAT: Final Georgia Force Prospective Player Try Outs for the 2012 Arena Football Season

WHEN: Saturday, February 18th at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Silverbacks Sports Center
4285 Brogdon Exchange
Suwanee, GA 30024

Please send any game film and player bios to playerpersonnel@georgiaforce.com or by mail to the address below:
ATTN: Player Personnel
3120 Medlock Bridge Rd.
Building E Suite 260
Norcross, GA 30071

The Georgia Force is pleased to announce the signing of former Texas Tech defensive back Jamar Wall.

A playmaker during his four-year career with the Red Raiders, the 5-foot-10, 204-pound Wall was a three-year starter and recorded 185 tackles and nine interceptions. By joining the Force, Wall reunites with two of his former college teammates, defensive lineman Daniel Howard and linebacker Brian Duncan.

Wall, 24, was originally a sixth-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2010 NFL Draft, but was waived during the team’s final cuts entering the 2010 season. After being waived, Wall was immediately claimed by the Houston Texans and played in the Texans season opener and recorded one tackle. He was later waived and signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. Wall played in one regular season game with the Eagles during the 2010 season and was released by the team during final cuts of the 2011 season.

Up your game this Sunday by watching the showdown between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants with Georgia Force players and cheerleaders at The Arena Tavern in Duluth! Starting at 6 p.m., football fans are invited to cheer on their favorite team with official Force players, cheerleaders, and front office staff. A complimentary buffet will be served at halftime with hearty football fare. Guests may wash down their halftime snacks with $2 Bud Light bottles, football themed cocktails, or, for true beer enthusiasts, a 100 ounce Yuengling vessel in the shape of a football helmet will be offered for $15. For more information, please call 770.623.4585 or visit http://www.thearenatavern.com/.

WHAT: The Big Game at The Arena Tavern

WHEN: Sunday, February 5th at 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Arena Tavern
2000 Satellite Boulevard Northwest
Duluth, GA 30097