Shuler looking forward to directing RiverHawks

Former University of Tennessee quarterback and current real estate businessman Heath Shuler is excited about the opportunity to coach the Tennessee RiverHawks, a first year expansion team that will begin play in late March at Knoxville’s Civic Coliseum. Shuler, who left UT following his junior season, tooled around in the National Football League for a few seasons after being selected third overall by the Washington Redskins in the NFL draft. After retiring from the league because of nagging injuries, Shuler returned to Knoxville and started Heath Shuler Realty, a successful real estate brokerage in Knoxville and surrounding areas. This will be Shuler’s first foray into the coaching world, but he said that he will draw on lessons learned from some of his former football bosses on how to manage a competitive team. “This is the first time that I’ve ever coached, from the standpoint of being a head coach,” said Shuler. “I’m excited about it. The good thing is that I was able to work with a lot of great coaches during my own playing career. From Coach (Johnny) Majors and Coach (Phillip) Fulmer here at UT to Coach (Mike) Ditka and Coach (Jon) Gruden in the NFL.” Shuler played for Ditka with the New Orleans Saints following a brief and injury riddled stint with the Redskins. After not catching on in New Orleans, because of his prior injuries, Shuler spent some time with Gruden, a former UT Graduate Assistant, and the Oakland Raiders before officially retiring from the game. Shuler says that Gruden, who won a World Championship coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in January, is probably the most talented coach in the game today. He particularly appreciates Gruden’s intensity for all aspects of the game. “Right now I’d say that Gruden is the best coach in football because of his intensity,” Shuler stated. “I’d like to draw from his knowledge of the game and his attitude toward his athletes to hopefully help my players get to the next level.”

RiverHawks add depth and experience to coaching staff The Tennessee RiverHawks announced the addition of two new coaches for the team’s inaugural 2003 season in Knoxville. Both coaches, like head coach Heath Shuler, have ties to the University of Tennessee and will join the RiverHawks staff for the 2003 season. Mark Bradley, UT’s assistant coach from 1990 through 2000, has taken the defensive coordinator position with the club. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with Heath Shuler. I have known him for a long time, and I believe we will be able to make the team’s first year a success,” said Bradley who has assisted many teams throughout his long career in football. Bradley most recently held the assistant coach position at Stephen F. Austin State University. The RiverHawks have also named former University of Tennessee linebacker Matthew Blankenship to their coaching staff. Blankenship will serve as strength/conditioning and linebacker coach during the RiverHawks inaugural season. Currently a strength and conditioning coach at UT, Blankenship was a member of the ’97 SEC Championship Team and the ’98 National Championship Team for the Volunteers. The Tennessee RiverHawks inaugural season kicks off March 22 versus the 2002 NIFL Champion Ohio Valley Greyhounds. For more information, please call 637-2000 or visit www.riverhawksfootball.com.

Tennessee Riverhawks 2003 inaugural season schedule

March 22 Ohio Valley April 1 at Myrtle Beach April 12 at Evansville April 19 Fort Wayne April 26 Lexington May 3 Lake Charles May 10 at Oklahoma May 17 at Ohio Valley May 31 Evansville June 6 at Fort Wayne June 14 at Lexington June 20 Show Me June 28 at Lake Charles July 5 Myrtle Beach