News By Copper Football League

The Phoenix Outlaws are returning to the CFL again this year under the leadership of Head Coach John Polchin. John has created a real family with this team since it was created eleven years ago. "When you know that you have coached players longer than any High School or College coach ever has in a players life, it is truly an honor. To be surrounded by such dedicated people who not only represent, but who had a major part of building such a strong program is special. We are all blessed to have these men in our family on and off the field. They all are true leaders who have always been willing to equally learn as well as teach. They are all true legends of Adult Amateur football in the state of Arizona."

TEAM HISTORY:
The Outlaws started as the Phoenix Raiders who only played two games in the then defunct Copper Football League of 1998. As it turned out the league would consist of only two teams the Raiders and the Enforcers. After defeating the Enforcers 31-0 and 38-0 the league folded. The Outlaws decided not to include any stats from those games in our team records. The players decided that for the team to continue, it would only be if John Polchin were the Owner and Head Coach. John came up with the name Outlaws and drew the logo, and with the help of Randy Prinz they were able to scrape enough money together to complete their first of many seasons. In the second year in team history the Outlaws played in the 2000 State Championship game. The Outlaws would loose that day to the Dynasty called the Arrowhead Lunatics, but the team was established as one of the front-runners from that point on.

Longtime Player Backgrounds:
#44-STEVE SEELEY: An Original Outlaw who not only finished his 10th season but incredibly lead the team in total tackles in every season! Last season saw Steve pass the 1,000 tackle mark in his Outlaw Career. All-League and All-Star in every season he has played and has won the defensive MVP for the league twice, All-Star game MVP twice, Minor League Football News All-American in 2005. Holds 10 regular season and 6 playoff Outlaw team records. A true leader in every way possible. Respected by every player in the league for his hard nose play but yet a class act through out his career. Hometown is Taylor Michigan. Attended Taylor Center High where he was team Captain and defensive MVP. Then moved on to play ball at Eastern Michigan University where he was team Captain. While Steve was there he was voted MAC player of the week. Steve is back for his 11th Outlaw season. Steve now lives in Corona, Ca. but cannot stay away from the team he loves. He flies into Phoenix every weekend for the game. "I love the camaraderie and the game, so I decided to make the trip each week," Seeley said. Talk about devotion!

#89 (#45 this season) CHASE COCKRELL: An original Outlaw, and a player who is known by just about every player in the league. At one time could dominate on both sides of the ball. Was a major force in setting the image of the Outlaws. Second all time in Outlaws history with 499. Second in team history in interceptions with 12, and also has posted 11 quarterback sacks. Voted All-Star and All-League for a number of years. Played ball at Van Vleck High in Texas and then moved on to play at Eastern New Mexico University. A great teacher and leader of all young players that have been on the Outlaws roster through out the years. Took last season off but Chase is back for his 10th Outlaws season! Chase noted that "this season is going to be a lot of fun because we have a lot of young players, so it will be great to get back on to the field and play the game that I love as well as teach some of these youngsters the game."

#51-Rollie Valencia: An Original Outlaw who has anchored the offensive and defensive lines in each of his seasons. With his main focus on the offensive Rollie is still a force on defense totaling 260 tackles, currently 5th in team history. Rollie has played every position on the line and has been voted into the leagues All-Star game 7 times. Hometown of Bay Area CA, and attended John Sweet Crocket High and Contra College. Known in the league for playing non-stop and on the edge. Other hobbies include paintball. Rollie is back for his 11th Outlaws season.

#85-Raymond "Tiger" Miles: With every team in the league wanting Tiger to play for them, he chose the Phoenix Outlaws and never looked back. A loyal and talented player who has taken over the top receiving spot and is the leading receiver in Outlaws team history with 152 receptions for 2,771 yards, 18.23 avg. and an awesome 27 touchdowns. Constantly covered by two defenders but still makes the plays year in and year out. Took a pass last year and split the coverage on his way to a 94 yard TD. Attended South Mountain High where he played football and was the MVP in track as a sprinter. Was also a MVP sprinter at Glendale Community College and then went on to run track at Arizona State University. Ran in the Jessie Owens Memorial. Supports his son Jamil Miles who is currently one of the top running backs in High School at Peoria High. Tiger is back for his 9th Outlaws season.

#10 (#23 last season) BRIAN DISTLER: The Outlaws utility infield player. Brian is the only player in team history to have a number in every statistical category in Outlaws history. Brian has traditionally moved into the spot of the Outlaws biggest weakness and made it go away. Has played in multiple league All-Star games. Team leader who knows the offensive as well as his coach so he easily teaches the younger players each season. Hometown of Colorado Springs CO where he was all state and all-conference three years at Falcon High School in CO. Brian is back for his 9th Outlaws season.

Long time Outlaws Tiger Miles and Brian Distler are also returning to play for the Outlaws for their 9th year! Larry Davis, also returning, has played 7 years. Michael Henderson had to retire again due to injuries.

"You can always depend on the Phoenix Outlaws to do battle on the field," noted CFL Commissioner Adam Richman. "John Polchin is one of those coaches who has the ability to teach, motivate and get the job done and that's why we truly appreciate them being in our league", added Richman.