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SALT LAKE CITY --Utah Blaze OL/DL HANS OLSEN (6-4, 298, BYU) was named to the Arena Football League All-Ironman Team today. Olsen, who is currently in his third AFL season, was one of 14 selections named and only one of three lineman to make the squad.
The term “Ironman” is the epitome of the AFL. An “All-Ironman” selection recognizes the players who excel in all facets of the game �" offense, defense and special teams. Players named to this team are recognized as the best “two-way” performers at their respective positions and are candidates for the League’s most prestigious award �" the Ironman of the Year �" which will be announced on Thursday, June 1.
Olsen recorded 11.5 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. The former Cougar was tied for the team lead in sacks (2.0) and blocked a field goal in the closing seconds during the season finale against the Kansas City Brigade to help clinch a postseason berth with the 55-54 victory. On the offensive side of the ball, Olsen helped keep the Blaze quarterbacks safe by not allowing a sack all season.
OLSEN’S 2006 STATISTICS
SOLO ASSISTED TOTAL TACKLES TACKLES FOR LOSS SACKS BLOCKED KICKS
5 13 11.5 2.5 2.0 1
Olsen, who recently agreed to a two-year contract extension through 2008 with the Blaze, is the starting center and has been one of the most consistent players on the line by starting all but one game in 2006.
The Utah Blaze led the AFL in attendance and qualified for the postseason in just their first season. The No. 6-seeded Blaze (7-9) travel to play the No. 3-seeded Arizona Rattlers (8-8) this Saturday, May 20 at 3 p.m. (MT) in the American Conference Wild-Card Round. The game can be seen nationally on OLN (Channel 608 on DirecTV) or heard on 1280 The Zone. Individuals interested in tickets to the Wild-Card Round game in Phoenix, can contact KEVIN JAMES (kevinj@utahblaze.com or 801.257.3492) in the Blaze ticket office.
