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Grand Rapids Rampage
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Grand Rapids Rampage | ||
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| Conference | American | |
| Division | Central | |
| Year founded | 1998 | |
| Home arena | Van Andel Arena | |
| City, State | Grand Rapids, Michigan | |
| Wild card titles | 4: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 |
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| Division titles | 1: 2001 |
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| Conference titles | 1: 2001 |
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| ArenaBowl championships | 1: 2001 |
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The Grand Rapids Rampage is an Arena Football League team that began playing as a 1998 expansion team.
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The team as under its current name goes back to 1997. They began to play as a professional team in 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Rapids Rampage are the smallest market the AFL currently exists in (making that market the "Green Bay" of the AFL). Through the efforts of Dan DeVos, 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, and was one of the few times the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan was featured on national television.
The Rampage's official mascot is a Rhinoceros named Blitz[1].
The Rampage have 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.
- 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, QB Clint Dolezel threw a game-winning 31-yd TD pass to OS 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 QB 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, QB Michael Bishop threw an incredible pass from one end zone, across the field, through the uprights, and into the stands. It displayed Bishop's amazing athletic talent. On the AFL's 20 Greatest Highlights Countdown, this is tied at #9.
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
| Season | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 4th AC Central | -- |
| 1999 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2nd AC Central | Lost Week 1 (Albany) |
| 2000 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 3rd AC Central | Lost Week 1 (Nashville) |
| 2001 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 1st AC Central | Won ArenaBowl XV (Nashville) |
| 2002 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2nd AC Central | Lost Week 1 (Carolina) |
| 2003 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 2nd AC Central | Lost Week 1 (Detroit) |
| 2004 | 1 | 15 | 0 | 5th AC Central | -- |
| 2005 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 4th AC Central | -- |
| 2006 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 4th AC Central | -- |
| *2007 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4th AC Central | -- |
| Totals | 59 | 87 | 0 | (including playoffs) | |
* = Current Standing
- Michael Baker
- Sparky McEwen
- Clint Dolezel
- Terrill Shaw
- Nick Browder
- Michael Bishop
- Johnnie Harris
- Chris Avery
- Chris Ryan
- Timon Marshall
- Troy Edwards
- Scotty Anderson
The Grand Rapids Rampage currently play in the Van Andel Arena, which is located in downtown Grand Rapids.
- Head coach: Sparky McEwen
- Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator: Stan Davis
- Offensive coordinator: Michael Baker
- Line Coach: Tom Riva