Archives for May 2006

‘In part one of our two part series we take a closer look at rookies Brad Butler and Aaron Merz.’

‘Ralph Wilson, owner of the Buffalo Bills, and his wife, Mary, have donated $500,000 towards construction of a new children’s services center at the Hospice Mitchell Campus.’

‘Cieslak faces some stiff competition to remain Royal’s top backup. Tim Euhus and Ryan Neufeld have more experience. Second-year pro Kevin Everett hasn’t played a down in the NFL because of a knee injury, but is a former third-round pick with a lot of potential. But being No. 2 on the depth chart right now shows Cieslak has made quite an impression on the coaching staff.’

‘The soon-to-be 33-year-old Holcomb has been a serviceable backup throughout his nine-year career, but not much more. With an arm as weak as his, it’s a wonder why former Bills GM Tom Donahoe signed him in the first place in March 2005.’

‘McGahee wasn’t the only no-show this week – 11 veterans were missing Thursday, including Troy Vincent, London Fletcher, Chris Villarrial, Aaron Schobel and Nate Clements. But McGahee kept his streak alive of being the only veteran who has yet to make at least one spring practice where players are learning the team’s new offense. Jauron expressed disappointment but not worry or anger that a player as important to the team’s success as McGahee has chosen to stay away.’

‘With Willis McGahee appearing on the NFL Network as an in-studio guest Wednesday questions were posed to head coach Dick Jauron about how he feels about McGahee’s absence at the voluntary OTAs thus far. "If he’s here we’ll coach him, if he’s not we won’t," said Jauron plainly. "I’m not really too worried about it to be perfectly honest. I wish he was here, but he’s not here. He’s chosen not to be here."’

"She’s been on a long road to get to the scholarship Super Bowl," Wilson said.’

‘Levy is a role model and an inspiration not because he’s 81 and still working, but because he’s still savvy and vital, making high-level decisions at a high-profile organization. And because he still has salt to go with the vinegar.’

‘In 2006, McGee may not just reemerge as the best return man in the league, but one of the game’s elite playmaking cornerbacks. Although McGee has David size, he plays like Goliath. On a Bills team that has been weak for the last few seasons, McGee has been a shining beacon of stardom.’

‘The Buffalo Bills announced Wednesday that East Amherst native Samantha Berger has been awarded the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Jefferson Scholarship to the University of Virginia. The scholarship is merit based and includes four years of full tuition, room, board, books, and miscellaneous expenses. Samantha is the first Western New York student to attend the University as the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Jefferson Scholar.’

‘"It has solidified the competition," said head coach Dick Jauron. "There were so many holes on our roster depth-wise that by making those choices (McCargo and Williams), which we said we would make, we really plugged in other pieces to make it really competitive. Now there’s nobody in that group that can just relax and think there’s no place else for us to turn."’

Moorman, a three-time national champion and 10-time All-American in his "other" sport at Pittsburg State, will be inducted into the NCAA Division II Track and Field Hall of Fame during ceremonies tonight prior to the 2006 championships at Emporia.’

‘Dick Zolonowski, who has been with the Bills Booster Club for decades, said Wilson is widely admired among bills fans for keeping the team in Western New York, especially when storied franchises like the Colts and Browns bolted for better deals in other cities. "If it weren’t for Ralph Wilson, I think the bills would probably be in L.A. now," Zolonowski said.’

‘In his three seasons with the Bills he’s lined up at defensive end on a few rare occasions, and actually finished second on the team in sacks behind Aaron Schobel in 2003. But since he arrived in Buffalo he has predominantly been holding the point of attack as the SAM linebacker. With a new defensive scheme however, and a new defensive coaching staff, the possibility of seeing time at defensive end, even part time, is a possibility.’

‘Other than Metzelaars, the Bills’ history of tight ends has been filled with adequacy, not greatness.’