01/02/03 Night Train Press Release

            Three-year NIFL veteran wide receiver Alton Walker made a lasting impact on the La Crosse Night Train final weekend of open tryouts on Saturday and Sunday. The Tampa, Florida, native fittingly took a train from Florida to La Crosse in hopes of signing a contract. Walker’s trip was well worth it.

            Walker, who played briefly with the Tri-City Diesel in 2002, impressed Head Coach Mike Brown with a 4.47 40-yard dash time. He also showed excellent catching ability in receiver drills.

            “I was impressed with his speed as well as his one-on-one ability. He is definitely worth an invite to camp,” Head Coach Mike Brown said. “In addition to Alton, the players that we have invited to camp from the past two weekends ensure a high level of competition at every position.”

            The Night Train has invited seven players from open tryouts to this year’s training camp which will open on March 1. Four were invited from last week’s workouts and an additional three were invited after Sunday. UW-Oshkosh defensive lineman Brendan Burns (6’2, 260 lbs.), a three-year starter at defensive tackle, and Chris Mason (6’3, 225 lbs.) a wide receiver from Florida A&M were the other camp invitees.

            La Crosse will open its 2003 season on March 14 at home against the Sioux City Bandits. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.