Defending champion Phantoms hold first tryout

On a cold Saturday morning, more than 40 people flocked to The Byrnes Schools for an opportunity to play professional football.

They weren’t running drills to get on the roster of just any team, but the defending American Indoor Football Association champions — the Florence Phantoms.

“It was a wonderful turnout, considering the weather,” first-year Phantoms general manager Preston Johnson said. “I thank (Phantoms assistant) Larry Green for getting in touch with these guys and giving them an opportunity to try out for a professional team.”

The chilly temperatures didn’t temper the resolve of the men who were vying for a spot. It was just another stop on the road to making the squad.

“I grew up in Florida. Rain or shine, (the weather) doesn’t matter,” said Mike McCoy, who was competing for a spot on the defensive line. “There’s only one kind of weather, and that’s football weather.”

Vince Richardson, who played football at South Florence and Newberry College, said the workouts were intense but he was satisfied with his performance as a whole.

“(The tryout) lets you know whether you’re in shape or out of shape,” he said. “It’s been a while since I did a workout, but I think I did pretty well.

“Once you get loose and running around, the weather wasn’t a factor.”

One person’s failure can be another’s benefit. And Florence might become the ultimate beneficiary of the impending collapse of the Arena Football League.

Quarterback and AIFA MVP Omar Jacobs had moved on to play with Tampa Bay. Wide receivers A.J. Bennett and Tres Moses also had tryouts with AFL teams, but the three high-school teammates will return to Florence for the upcoming season.

The AIFA could benefit as well with the influx of AFL players.

“It benefits the Phantoms and the AIFA because we’re getting players that have had experience at the next level,” said Phantoms owner Barbara Spigner, who was named AIFA owner of the year after last season. “The AFL has some exciting players, and we have a chance to get some of those players.”

Despite the return of the Phantoms’ biggest offensive playmakers, more spots need to be filled for the team to fulfill its goal of repeating as league champions.

“For the players who are coming back, it gives them a chance to prove their skill set at the next level,” Johnson said. “It also benefits the Pee Dee area because there are a lot of players that the people have gotten to know that are back on the team.

“As front-office personnel, you’ve got to step up to the plate and take on all new players that come, whether through the tryouts or from other areas. With the AFL in trouble, you have a lot of good players that could help bring another championship to Florence.”

No matter what happens with the players who tried out or the players that are coming in, those who came to Quinby are thankful for the experience.

“It was a heck of an experience,” McCoy said. “I’m trying to live out my dream (of playing professional football). You’ve got to measure yourself up.”

“Technique is the key,” Richardson said. “Speed will come with time, but it’s all about the technique.

“I saw (Johnson’s championship ring). It’s beautiful and I want one myself.”

The Phantoms will hold their second round of tryouts in warmer conditions Jan. 31 at the Florence Civic Center.