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Grand Rapids Rampage
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The Grand Rapids Rampage is an Arena Football League team that began playing as a 1998 expansion team.
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 as under its current name goes 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.
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Encyclopedia
The Grand Rapids Rampage is an Arena Football League team that began playing as a 1998 expansion team.
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 as under its current name goes 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 is the smallest market in which the AFL currently has franchises. The Rampage began play in the Van Andel Arena, which is also the home of the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. They compete 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 is 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 share 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.
Logo
The Rampage's logo is a red rhinoceros. Its end zone is unique as being to 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 Force. 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 Dolezel 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 Crush, Rampage Quarterback Michael Bishop 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 Brigade 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.
Season-by-season
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|1998 || 3 || 11 || 0 || 4th AC Central || --
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|1999 || 8 || 6 || 0 || 2nd AC Central || Lost Week 1 || Albany 55, Grand Rapids 45
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|2000 || 6 || 8 || 0 || 3rd AC Central || Lost Week 1 || Nashville 57, Grand Rapids 14
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|2001 || 11 || 3 || 0 || 1st AC Central || Won Week 2
Won Semifinals
Won ArenaBowl XV || Grand Rapids 53, Chicago 21
Grand Rapids 83, Indiana 70
Grand Rapids 64, Nashville 42
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|2002 || 8 || 6 || 0 || 2nd AC Central || Lost Week 1 || Carolina 72, Grand Rapids 64
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|2003 || 8 || 8 || 0 || 2nd AC Central || Lost Week 1 || Detroit 55, Grand Rapids 54
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|2004 || 1 || 15 || 0 || 5th AC Central || --
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|2005 || 4 || 12 || 0 || 4th AC Central || --
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|2006 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 4th AC Central || --
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|2007 || 4 || 12 || 0 || 5th AC Central || --
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|2008 || 6 || 10 || 0 || 2nd AC Central || Won Wild Card
Won Divisional Round
Lost AC Championship || Grand Rapids 48, Arizona 41
Grand Rapids 58, Chicago 41
San Jose SaberCats 81, Grand Rapids 55
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!Totals || 71 || 107 || 0
|colspan="2"| (including playoffs)
Notable Players, Past and Present
Current Roster
Venue location and front office
The Grand Rapids Rampage currently play in the Van Andel Arena, which is located in downtown Grand Rapids.
Coaches
| Head coach | Tenure | Regular season
record (W-L) | Post season
record (W-L) | Most recent coaching staff | Notes |
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| Michael Trigg | 1998 - 2003 | 43-41 | 3-4 | | AFL Coach of the year (2001).
ArenaBowl XV winning head coach.
Assistant coach: Will McClay (1998 - 1999)
became head coach
of the Dallas Desperados (2004 - present). | | Bob Cortese | 2004 | 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 - 2007 | 13-35 | 0-0 | | Grand Rapids assistant coach (2001 - 2003). | | Steve Thonn | 2008 - present | 6-10 | 2-1 | DC / Director of Player Personnel:
Ron Selesky
Line coach: Darrin Kenney
ST Coordinator and FB / LB coach:
Paul Reinke
Manager of Football Ops. / Assist. coach:
Rod Miller | |
Endorsements
The Grand Rapids Rampage are currently endorsed by Nutrilite, the official dietary supplements of the Grand Rapids Rampage. Nutrilite products are sold through Amway corporation, and Quixtar in North America.
External links
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