Soul Continues to Collect Postseason Awards

Reports From Philadelphia Soul

DOLEZEL AWARDED MARCUM MOSS COACH OF THE YEAR

Arizona Head Coach Kevin Guy Also Sharing Honors

PHILADELPHIA– The Arena Football League today announced the Marcum-Moss Coach of the Year award to Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  This is Dolezel’s second time receiving this honor.

 

“Without of question, Clint is one of the best offensive minds in AFL history,” said Soul owner Ron Jaworski.  “His success is attributed to a great deal of preparation and hard work.  To make a playoff appearance every year as a head coach shows his dedication and willingness to win.”

 

2016 marks Dolezel’s fourth year as head coach of the Philadelphia Soul where he finished the season 54-24 (.692).  He also produced a 13-3 season, an American Conference Championship and a trip to ArenaBowl XXIX.

 

Dolezel’s offense ranked second in total offense (297.5 yards per game) and touchdowns (103) and led the league in interceptions (9).  He led the Soul to the playoffs in all four seasons, two conference championships and two ArenaBowl appearances in 2013 and 2016 and was awarded Marcum Moss Head Coach of the Year for his performance in 2015.

 

Dolezel landed his first professional head coaching position in 2010 with the San Angelo Stampede (IFL) and guided them to the second round of the playoffs.  In 2011, Dolezel was tabbed as head coach of the AFL’s Dallas Vigilantes and made the playoffs with an 11-7 regular-season record and a playoff appearance in his rookie head-coaching season.

 

The 2012 AFL Hall of Fame inductee had a storied 13-year playing career where he still finds himself amongst the all-time leaders in passing yards (No. 3 with 44,564), touchdown passes (No. 2 with 931), passing attempts (No. 4 with 5,698), and completions (No. 4 with 3,749).  He was also named the No. 8 top player in AFL history by the Silver Anniversary Committee in 2012.  Dolezel began his playing career in 1995 when he was signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs (1995-97), Texas Terror (1997), Houston ThunderBears (1998-99), Grand Rapids Rampage (2001-03) and led the Rampage to an ArenaBowl XV title.  He later signed with the Las Vegas Gladiators (2004-05) before ending his playing days with the Dallas Desperados (2006-08).

 

The Soul will travel to Arizona to take on the Rattlers in ArenaBowl XXIX on Friday, August 26 at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ.  The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and 97.5 The Fanatic.  Kick-off set for 7 p.m. EST.

 

BELTON AWARDED RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Soul DB Recognized for Outstanding Performance This Season

PHILADELPHIA – The Arena Football League today announced that Soul DB Tracy Belton (6’0, 180, UMass) has been awarded Riddell Defensive Player of the Year.  Belton was also awarded Uber Defensive Back of the Year and First Team All-Arena this season.

 

“Tracy has been a standout player in our secondary all season and deserves a great deal of recognition,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  “His ability to read offenses and make big plays are the reason that he is the top in the league.  His knowledge and experiences from many years in the AFL have allowed him to be a leader and mentor to the younger players on our team.”

 

In his first year with the Soul, Belton led the team with 90.0 total tackles, 20 pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.  He led the league in interceptions, finishing with nine for 129 yards and three defensive touchdowns.  In 2015, Belton was a member of the New Orleans VooDoo.  He was ranked second on the team with 76.0 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss of five yards, three interceptions for 96 yards and 23 pass break-ups.  He split time with the Orlando Predators and the Jacksonville Sharks in 2014, tallying 71.5 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss of two yards, five interceptions for 48 yards and seven pass break-ups.

 

The Soul have secured the American Conference Championship and a spot in ArenaBowl XXIX.  The team will travel to Glendale, AZ to take on the Arizona Rattlers on Friday, August 26 at 7 p.m.  The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and 97.5FM The Fanatic.