Post by David on Mar 10, 2016 13:20:29 GMT -8
3.10.16 -
The Spokane Empire addressed a major need on their special teams, signing kicker Taylor Russolino to the active roster.
Russolino (6'0'', 180 lbs) joins the Empire just as the team gets ready to hit the road for a Saturday night game against the Billings Wolves. He fills in the roster void left by Dan Kleckner, who was released on March 2nd. Kleckner struggled against Wichita Falls in Week 2, converting only 2 out of 5 extra point attempts. Through two games, Kleckner was 7 out of 14 on extra points (50%).
With kicker Pat Cooke still on the Short Term Injured Reserve, Russolino looks to stabilize the Empire's kicking game. He has had experience in arena football, playing in three games with the New Orleans VooDoo during the 2014 season and connecting on 11 out of 18 extra point attempts.
A four-year starter out of Millsaps College (Mississippi), Russolino holds the school records for converting 164 extra points and 260 career points. He was named to the SCAC All-Conference team three times from 2008-2010 and was named to the D3ProDay.com All-America Team in 2010.
The signing of Russolino resulted in a roster shuffle for the Empire; OL/DL Mauola Malaga (6'2'', 340 lbs) has been released. Malaga had been placed on Short Term IR with a foot injury two weeks ago after the Empire's Week 1 victory over Tri-Cities.
Spokane also activated DB/KR Demetruce McNeal (6'2'', 200 lbs) from Short Term IR. McNeal rejoins the team after suffering an ankle injury against the Tri-Cities Fever.
The additions of Russolino and McNeal to the active roster put the Empire over the league's roster limit. As a result, LB Pasquale Vacchio (6'1'', 230 lbs) and WR Samuel Charles (6'2'', 210 lbs) were placed on the Short Term IR. Charles was reported to have suffered a finger injury during Spokane's 66-65 win over Wichita Falls.
- DKH
Image Courtesy of Quentin Winstine (Quentin Winstine Photo / NOLA.com)
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