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01.25.09 - story by Ben Murphy

Hopeful athletes got their last chance Sunday, Jan. 25 to tryout for the Saginaw Sting. The tryouts, held at Kokomo's Fun Center in Saginaw, were the last open tryouts for the upcoming 2009 season. 50 players were in attendance, all with the hopes of being invited to training camp, which is expected to be held at the end of February.
Players were put through several drills testing their speed, strength, and football knowledge.

“I'm just looking at their agility and speed,” Sting head coach Karl Featherstone said. “That and how well they adjust on the field. Indoor and outdoor football are completely different.”

When camp begins next month, 10-15 players that tried out at one of the two combines will be invited to fight for a spot on the team. There they will be joined by players that have already been signed to the team.

Featherstone believes that having these combines have helped him uncover some local gems.

“I'm a true believer that a lot of things are right under your nose,” he said. “There is a lot of talent in the Saginaw area. They just have to get out here and show me that they can do it.”

Joining several hopefuls for this year's team were about 10 players from last year's CIFL Championship team. According to Featherstone, the players were there to help the new guys learn the ropes of indoor football. Markell Mckinley, a lineman who played collegiately at Alabama State was one of those returning players in attendance at the combine.
“Nothing is wrong with getting better,” he said about his attendance. “I'm fighting for my spot too. It's not going to be given to me.”

He also hopes that his show of early dedication helps set the tone for the rest of the team for the upcoming season. “I'm ready to complete the next part of the mission and get another ring,” Mckinley said. “I'm here for my teammates and the ring.”