Gladiators Name Ron James New Head Coach

[DJRamFan]

Las Vegas, NV, August 24, 2004 – Ron James has been named the new head coach of the Las Vegas Gladiators it was announced today by Gladiators' General Manager Dan Dolby. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"After an extensive search, Ron James is the right man to lead this team to the next level," said Dolby. "We feel that we need a true leader at the helm of our football team, and Coach James is definitely that. He has a great arena football mind and will bring not only a physical toughness to our team, but mental toughness and discipline as well."

James spent the last three seasons as the Gladiators assistant head coach/defensive-offensive line and special teams coach. This will be his first head coaching assignment.

"I am tremendously excited about this great opportunity," said the 40-year old James. "I came to Las Vegas with the Gladiators two seasons ago and there is nothing I want more than to make this an Arena Football championship town. Jim Ferraro has made commitment to this team and to the city of Las Vegas. With the talent we have, I feel that this team is ready to make a run at an ArenaBowl title right now. I am excited about the chance to bring it all together."

James began his AFL coaching career as line coach and Director of Player Personnel for the Houston ThunderBears from 1999-2001.

Prior to his time in the AFL, James coached a combined 14 years at the collegiate level including two seasons as assistant football coach, offensive line coach and Admissions Support Officer at Army and five seasons at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

James was a four-year starter at offensive tackle at Siena College. An N.C.F.A All-America First Team and two-time First-Team All-Conference selection, James also saw action at defensive tackle. He earned a BA from Siena and a MPA from Rockefeller College, which is a subsidiary of the State University of New York at Albany.

"This decision was all about giving us the best chance to win an ArenaBowl title and we can do that with Ron James as the head coach of the Gladiators," said Gladiators owner James L. Ferraro. "His leadership skills, knowledge of arena football and the respect he has from players made this the right choice. I have no doubt that this team is on the right track towards a championship."

Gladiators' 2005 season seats are on sale now. Fans interested in purchasing Gladiators' season seats can do so by calling the Gladiators office at 702-731-4977.