Storm coach Tim Marcum will be the first recipient of the American Football Coaches Association's Outstanding Achievement Award at the AFCA Convention Jan. 5 in Orlando.
The award was created by the organization's board of trustees in order to recognize AFCA members who have achieved outstanding success while coaching in professional football.
Marcum has the most wins in Arena history with 158. He has coached in 10 of 17 ArenaBowls, winning seven, including three of the Storm's five championships.
"It's not only recognition for Tim Marcum individually, but it's recognition for the Arena Football League, which is the thing that really makes this thing special," Marcum said. "It's something I fought for for over 17 years, the credibility of the sport itself, because I do have a passion for it. It's a day that's hard-coming, but I'm glad it's here."
Before arriving in Tampa Bay, Marcum led Denver (one) and Detroit (two) to ArenaBowl titles. He also served as coach of the New York Knights of the World League of American Football, linebackers coach of the USFL's San Antonio Gunslingers and a defensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons.
As a quarterback at McMurry University, he played under AFCA executive director and legendary Baylor coach Grant Teaff.
"When Coach Teaff called and told me, I was speechless," Marcum said. "I think it's one of the rare times I might have been speechless."
In other team news, the Storm signed veteran defensive back Shea Showers and lost free-agent defensive specialist Corey Sawyer to Chicago. A member of the All-Rookie team in 1998, Showers has played six seasons in the league. He had 351/2 tackles, three interceptions and 15 pass breakups last season with Grand Rapids.
Anticipating the losses of Sawyer and defensive specialist Omarr Smith, the Storm had signed ex-NFL cornerback Antonio Langham and ex-Indiana Firebirds defensive specialist Del Lee.
Tickets are available at the St. Pete Times Forum box office, 813 301-6600 or www.tampabaystorm.com Tickets also can be purchased at all Ticketmaster centers. Call (813) 287-8844 for details.
Prices are $43 and $30 for lower-level reserved sideline seats, $38 for reserved club sideline seats, $25 for lower-level end zone seats and $18 for club-level end zone seats.
