Wednesday, January 11
The San Antonio Thunder Minor League Football Organization of 2001/2002 played in the North American Football League which is based out of New York.
As a class AAA minor league football organization we build a strong foundation of respect and discipline as we participated in every level.
The THUNDER Organization in 2001/2002 fielded a professional level of football with honesty, loyalty, and discipline for our members and the San Antonio area community. We provided San Antonio with a winning organization in 2001 as role models for the youth of our community on and off of field...
The THUNDER Players and the LIGHTNING Cheerleaders volunteered their time during the off season in community fundraising's and charity events to help those in need.
The THUNDER wish to express our thanks to all of our sponsors and fans for their support and attendance in our 2001/2002 season.
The Thunder fans produced a record setting attendance in the NAFL with an average of 2000 + fans per game in 2001.
THANK YOU, and GOD BLESS, !!!
Rolf Schaefer - Kicker / Owner / G.M.
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| THUNDER TRIO
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THUNDER TRIO IN PRO INDOOR LEAGUE
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| R. Schaefer kicks F.G. in LA.
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Three of the Thunder players of 2001 have made their names known in the a pro league. Chris Costley, Hallart Keaton and Rolf Schaefer signed with the newly formed Austin Knights of the NIFL....
The NIFL ( National Indoor football League ) is based out of Louisiana and was founded in 1999/2000. Their are teams throughout the country but only one in Texas for now.
Please click on trio photo to visit the Knights site for updates on our local stars.
Thunder players named NAFL players of the week
The NAFL has named #9/WR, Chris Costley and #6/K, Rolf Schaefer as this weeks (8-18-01) players of the week.
Chris Costley had 4 punt returns of 45, 39, 25 and 18 yards with 1 Td. Chris also caught 2 passes for 28 yards total scoring a touchdown on one. Total points scored by Chris was 12.
Rolf Schaefer had a perfect night kicking, 3 for 3 field goals of 47,37, and 32yards. He also was 5 for 5 extra points and had three touchbacks. Total points scored by Rolf was 14.
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Thunder end 2001 season with 3-7 record
Due to a tie breaker situation in the Dallas region, the Thunder will end their 2001 regular season. The Aug.-24th game against the FT. Worth Texans will be cancelled so that the Texans may play the Dallas Gators.
The NAFL has ruled that the Thunder will be credited for their last pre-season game played to complete the required 10 game schedule. The game played on May 5th versus the S.A. Rush will count as a regular season game. That game was won by the Thunder 31-6. This being the case, the Thunder will end up with a 3 - 7 over-all record in their inaugural season.
We wish to thank all of our loyal fans for their great support in 2001. We will be posting new news throughout the year . Please check in with us and catch the latest on the San Antonio Thunder Minor League Football Organization.
Thank You and God Bless !
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| Thunder end season with a 3 - 7 record
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Thunder defeat Warriors, 44-0 in last game
The Thunder hosted the Waco Warriors in their last game of the 2001 NAFL regular season on 8/18. The game started off with a strong Thunder offensive attack which remained as such throughout the entire game. Thunder defense held strong, proving once again to be the backbone to the organization by holding the Warriors without a single score.
Scoring in this game came from all angles, offense, defense and special teams. WR-#9, Chris Costley caught (1) TD and had (1) Punt return TD,
WR-#4, Andre Johnson caught (1) TD,
TE-#88, L.V. Harrison caught (1) TD,
DB-#5, Terrance Porter intercepted (1) TD
K-#6, Rolf Schaefer kicked for (3 of 3) FG's and (5 of 5) PAT's.
The final was 44-0, as the Thunder finished in style in front of a home crowd of over 2,000.
MVP's for this game are:
OFFENSIVE:
#12-QB, Martin Reyna
#17-QB, Mike Ward
#9-WR, Chris Costley
#4-RB, Andre Johnson
#33-RB, Terrell Washington
#88-TE, L.V. Harrison
#40-RB, Ernest Rocha
(and the ENTIRE Thunder offensive line)
DEFENSE:
#52-LB, John Wayne Johnson
#54-LB, John Cedio
#5-DB, Terrance Porter
#99-DL, Adam Miller
#80-DL, Bobby Harris
#7-DB, Ed Feaster
#3-DB, Hallart Keaton
#77-DL, R.C. Hernandez
#61-DL, Aleric Saenz
#20-DB, Gene Abshier
Special teams:
#6-K, Rolf Schaefer
#9-PR, Chris Costley
#7-KR, Ed Feaster
#63-C, Danny Tristan
The Thunder Organization would like to thank all of those who have supported us in our inaugural season. We hope to see you all again next year, as we hope to go all the way.
Thanks again and God Bless !
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THUNDER / WAL-MART GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
At half time of the July 14th game the Thunder and Wal-Mart presented a check in the amount of $ 1000 to the South San High School Athletic Department.
Receiving the check on behalf of South High School was their Athletic Director - Alan Rheaume, presenting the check from Wal-Mart was Robert Romo. Also seen in the above photo is Thunder G.M. / Kicker - Rolf Schaefer.
The Thunder show true to their words of giving back to the community and the youth of our city.
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Thunder visit children in San Antonio Area Hospital
The Thunder took time-out to visit children in San Antonio's Methodist Children Hospital as part of our efforts to give back to the community. The Thunder will ALWAYS make time for the youth in our community.
Thanks to those players pictured above !
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| #87 - WR, Jeffrey Painter
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Thunder members at City of Live Oak Parade
Jeffrey Painter and his father Joe Painter represented the Thunder Organization in the Live Oak 4th of July Parade this year.
Thank You Joe and Jeff !
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| Sul Ross Summer Program
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Thunder at Sul Ross Middle School
Thunder full back Ernest Rocha is pictured here giving back to our community by being a motivational speaker to students at Sul Ross Middle School. These students were just a few who attended summer program with (Teacher / Thunder Field Manager) Sandy Hernandez. Ernest focused on setting academic, social, personal and spiritual goals. He did a fabulous job in representing his team as men of strength and integrity.
Thanks Ernest and Sandy for a job well done in 2001 !
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Thunder vs Rattlers in Austin
The Thunder traveled to Austin on Aug. 11th to battle the Austin Rattlers, last years NAFL defending champions.
The game took place at Leander High School Stadium. The final outcome was a 60-0 Rattler win.
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Coyotes tie the Thunder in 2001 series
On military appreciation night the THUNDER played the S. TX. Coyotes, the game ended in a 31 - 25 loss. As the Coyotes improved to a 4-3 record, and the Thunder fall to a 1-6 record. This ties the 2001 series between these two teams with one win for each team.
The Thunder had the ball deep in the Coyotes end of the field with under two minutes in the game but could not capitalize.
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Thunder vs Gamebreakers
The Thunder came off of a bye week on July 21st and met the Austin Gamebreakers in Austin on July 28th.The game ended up in a 28 - 20 loss by the Thunder.
The Gamebreakers held strong towards the end of the game, as the Thunder were threatening to score with under 30 seconds remaining in the game.
The next game on the list is against the S.Tx. Coyotes.
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Thunder vs Vipers, Round Two
The Dallas Vipers played one more round of football against our San Antonio Thunder. The game was Saturday on the 14th of July at South San High School Stadium at 7pm.
The Thunder needed a win , but fell just short. The Thunder were tied at the half against a strong Viper team. As the game proceeded the Thunder shot themselves in the foot again committing mistakes in vital areas. The final score was Vipers - 29 , Thunder -17. The Thunder now fall to 1-4, but still remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Thunder will have a bye week on the 21st of July, and will travel to Austin on the 28th of July to play their division rivals the Gamebreakers. Stadium and time, to be announced.
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| THUNDER FOOTBALL
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Thunder lose to Dallas Vipers
The Thunder headed to Dallas on Saturday the 7th of July to play the Dallas Vipers.
The Thunder started of with mistake after mistake, and finally got into focus only to have the clock stop them where Dallas couldn't.
Final Score: Thunder - 12
Vipers - 37
Thunder next game will be at home against the same Dallas Vipers. Kick-off will be scheduled for 7pm, tickets are $ 5.00 at the gate.
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THUNDER lose to NAFL defending champs, the Rattlers
THUNDER (1-2) fall to the Rattlers (3-0).
Saturday June-30th at South San Stadium.
The Rattlers took full advantage of the many Thunder mistakes. The game was close and competitive in the first half. By the second half the Rattlers were on a all out run to capitalize on Thunder miscues.
The Thunder fall to a (1-2) record but still remain in total contention in a three way tie for second place in their division.
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THUNDER beat the TX. Coyotes
The THUNDER prove to be the best in San Antonio in the early stage by defeating their local rivals the TX. Coyotes by a score of 26 - 22.
The THUNDER offense lead it's attack under the strong arm of THUNDER QB - Chris Abrego, who got the job done when needed. Chris thew for a total of three touchdowns in this victory.
On the defensive end of the ball the THUNDER held ground throughout most of the game. The linebackers were as dangerous as could be, and the secondary too; as they intercepted three Coyotes passes. Two of the interceptions came in critical areas and when needed, by strong safety - Keith Smith. Keith snatched the last of his two interceptions late in the fourth quarter.
The THUNDER improve to a 1-1 record as the Coyotes fall to a 0-2 record. The next game for the THUNDER will be at home against last years defending champions the Austin Rattlers. Kick-off is set for 7pm, tickets will be $5.00 at the gate, under 10 are free. The Rattlers come in with a 2-0 record after defeating the Austin Gamebreakers 39-6.
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THUNDER drop home opener against Gamebreakers
Although the Thunder fans (Thunder Storm) showed in full force, with over 3,000 in attendance. The Thunder fell short against the Austin Gamebreakers in their home opener at South San Stadium, Final Score 22 - 17.
The game was a see-saw battle to the very end when the Gamebreakers took the lead with less than 3:00 min. left in the 4th quarter. The Thunder set up a late drive only to have it end at the Gamebreakers 20yd line with an interception.
Thunder scoring :
# 40 - Ernest Rocha - TD - run from scrimmage
# 6 - Rolf Schaefer - 40yd, FG
# 13 - Brandon Mosley - TD - K/O return
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THUNDER TEAM CAPTAINS
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| 2001 CAPTAINS / SISKINDS
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The Thunder would like to introduce you to our 2001 Team Captains.
(FRONT ROW L-R)
Team Sponsor/Patti Siskind, #7-Ed Feaster,
# 25 - Marcus Warren, # 54 - John Cedio
Team Sponsor/Harry Siskind,
(BACK ROW L-R)
# 85 - Chris Costley, # 12 - Martin Reyna
# 53 - Junior Castillo
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BODY SOLUTION
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| Click to visit site
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The Thunder are very PROUD and HAPPY to announce the support of Body Solution as our Official Uniform and Home Game Sponsor of the Thunder. This was made possible by the hard work of Tim Roller, a Thunder Member.
We wish to express our thanks to Patti and Harry Siskind and the entire Body Solution Organization for their support of the Thunder Football Organization.
Here we come San Antonio!!!
CLICK ON LOGO TO VISIT BODY SOLUTION SITE
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| Click Image to Order, Today!
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BODY SOLUTIONS and THUNDER FOOTBALL
Thunder Football and Body Solutions, a pair of winners join forces for the 2001 season.
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THUNDER TEAM / PLAYERS STATS CLICK HERE
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| Click logo for Stats
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Through Sportscombine you too can keep up with the Thunder team, and players individual stats. Click on the NAFL logo and you will be transferred directly to the Thunder Sportscomine site.
This Sportscombine site is not only for the use of minor league teams to scout, but professional teams as well. Many NAFL players of the past have been fortunate enough to advance into the next level through the scouting reports of Sportscombine.
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| GOOOO THUNDER !!!
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2001 LIGHTNING CHEERLEADERS
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| Thunder 2001, Lightning Cheerleaders
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Click on the Lightning logo or photo to visit our Lightning Cheerleaders web-site.
LIGHTNING CHEERLEADERS
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| Cynthia Trinidad / Director
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The year 2001 has been an exciting year for me and my husband. The Lightning Cheerleader's were one of the best squads I had the pleasure of directing. We were able to provide many benefits to the ladies. We
attended and enjoyed many appearances and promotions. After three years of directing semi-pro cheerleading in San Antonio, I'm happy to say the Lightning year was the best. With the birth of our new daughter and the purchase of our new home, we find that we can no longer volunteer our time
and expertise and choose to focus on our personal lives and careers. We believe we have done our job by bringing individuals to a higher level of cheerleading. Some of our cheerleaders have gone on to the pro level and others are instructors or have their own cheer squads. I hope to have one of my former cheerleaders continue the concept with another team.
Thank you for supporting the 2001 Lightning Cheerleaders.
Cynthia Trinidad
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2001 THUNDER ROSTER
SAN ANTONIO THUNDER FOOTBALL, LLC
of the North American Football League
For General Informatio e-mail :
thunderfootball@teamdiscovery.com
2001' General Manager / Owner / Kicker :
ROLF SCHAEFER
THUNDER COACHING / STAFF MEMBERS
POSITION / NAME
COACH / OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR CHIP DAVIS
OFFENSIVE LINE GARY COLDREN
QUARTERBACKS BARRY L. MATHIS
SPECIAL TEAMS / RECEIVERS EDDIE RICHARDSON
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR RAY L. GIBBONS
LINEBACKERS DON RICHEY
TEAM MANAGER SANDY HERNANDEZ
EQUIPMENT MANAGER JOE HERNANDEZ
HEAD TRAINER RODNEY MURRAY
TEAM DOCTOR CHRISTINA SCHOLZ
CHAPLAIN / ASST. COACH
DON VARNEY
TEAM THERAPIST MIKE / TAMI MALONEY
SENIOR CONSULTANT ROBERT ROMO
RUNNING BACK COACH WIL CABRERA
ASST.FIELD MNGR. RANDY ROMO
THUNDER VOICE-1 DANNY GONZALES
THUNDER VOICE-2 MARK ALVEREZ
THUNDER VOICE-3 LISA GONZALES
# Name POS. HT. WT. HIGH SCHOOL / COLLEGE / PRO
3 Hallart Keaton DB 5'9 170 Eastern New Mexico Rookie
4 Vince Boyd DB 6'0 185 Judson High Rookie
5 Terrance Porter DB 5'10 210 Marshall H.S. / E.N.M.U. 2-Semi-pro
6 Rolf Schaefer K 6'3 215 Judson High 6-Semi-pro / 1-Pro
7 Ed Feaster DB 5'11 215 A+M Kingsville Rookie
8 Brian Davis DB 6'1 220 Antonio High / Trinity Valley 3-Semi-pro
9 ***Chris Abrego QB 5'10 185 Holmes High / U. of Houston Rookie
10 Wes Zimmerman WR 6'0 215 Smithson Valley High 1-semi-pro
11 Tommy Culpepper WR 6'1 202 Goliad, TX. High 3-Semi-pro
12 Martin Reyna QB 5'11 220 Brackenridge High 3-Semi-Pro
13 Brandon Mosley WR 5'10 180 Ranger College 1-Semi-pro
23 Mike Ramirez LB 6'1 235 Madison High / S.W.T.U. Rookie
24 Carlo Cerna DB 5'6 170 Churchill High Rookie
25 Marcus Warren RB 5'6 200 MacArthur H.S. 2-Semi-Pro
27 Keith Rice DB 6'0 185 East Central High 3-Semi-pro
28 Marcelino Amaya DB 5'10 170 Crystal City High Rookie
29 Bobby Green DB 5'10 170 U.T. of TEXAS 3-Semi-pro
33 Terrell Washington RB 5'9 260 South West Texas State U. 7-Semi-pro
35 Clinzy Oliver DB 5'10 195 Sunlight Herritage Acdmy. Rookie
40 Ernest Rocha FB 5'8 220 Edison H.S. Rookie
42 Daniel Owens RB 5'11 180 Center Point High 3-Semi-pro
44 Steve Puente P 6'0 235 Madison High / A+M 5-Semi-pro
50 Ryan Sanchez LB 5'11 210 Eastwood / Wstrn. N. Mexico 1-Semi-Pro
51 Milton Hamilton LB 5'9 200 Highlands H.S. 5-Semi-Pro
52 John "Wayne"Johnson LB 5'11 240 Roosevelt High 5-Semi-pro
53 Junior Castillo OL 6'0 260 North Texas State U. 6-Semi-pro
54 John Cedio LB 5'10 240 Norwich CT / U. of New Haven 3-Semi-Pro
56 ***Carl Earls LB 6'0 270 Liberty U. Rookie
59 Anthony Taylor LB 6'0 240 Sam Houston High 5-Semi-pro
61 Alaric Saenz DL 6'0 280 Army 3-Semi-pro
62 Jesse Barnes OL 6'1 320 Highland H.S. 7-Semi-pro
63 Danny Tristsan C 5'9 250 Harlandale High 2-Semi-pro
64 Brian Johnson TE 6'3 270 Clak High / Angelo State U. 3-Semi-pro
65 Patrick "Big Country" McCullough OL 6'3 300
Westwood High School, 8 yrs Semi-pro
71 Ruben Martinez DL 6'0 265 Taft H.S. 3-Semi-pro
73 Tim Roller DL 6'0 300
74 John Landin OL 5'11 310 Lorenzo High Rookie
77 R.C. Hernandez OL 6'3 320 Laredo Nixon High / U.T.S.A. 5-Semi-pro
78 B.J. Lee DL 6'2 270 MacArthur High Rookie
80 Bobby Harris DL 6'3 260 East Texas State U. 3-Semi-pro
81 Richard E. Pequeno WR 5'9 179 Roosevelt High Rookie
82 James Stanford WR 6'2 195 Sam Houston/U of Kentucky 1yr Semi-Pro
84 Edward Guerrero DB 6'0 185 Floresville High 2-Semi-pro
85 Chris Costley WR 6'4 190 Madison High Rookie
86 Jason Villarreal DE 6'2 250 Mc Allen High / Blinn Jr. Rookie
87 Jeffrey Painter WR 6'1 170 Watertown High / Assumption Rookie
88 L.V. Harrison FB 6'2 260 Sam Houston High 1-Semi-pro
89 Sergio Garza DE 6'1 250 Medina Valley High 2-Semi-pro
90 Adam Miller LB 5'7 240 Sam Houston / Hou. Tillitson 3-Semi-pro
99 Morris Debrow LB 5'10 250 Brackenridge / Blinn Jr. 1-Semi-pro
*** = Injured Reserve
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| ..CLICK ON CAMERA TO SEE PHOTO'S..
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THUNDER GAME PHOTOS BY Z-NUTRICIAN
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| Z-Nutrician.com or ThunderZ.com
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For the very best and ALL of the Thunder game photos click on this camera image to transfer to the photo site. Once at the site, click on the game which you choose to view. See the players, coaches, staff and much more as you visit this site.
Photos provided by Don Varney and his wife at Z-Nutrician.com / WWW.Thunderz.com
Thanks Don!
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