Courtney Reese, WR/KR , Richmond Hill Tiger Sharks

Courtney Reese is a slot receiver/kick returner for the Richmond Hill Tiger Sharks in the United States Indoor Football League.  Reese was a three-sport athlete in high school (football, wrestling, track). Reese also wrestled and ran track at Brewton-Parker.

Courtney's first experience in indoor football started with a tryout due to his track and field background. He was invited to a Pennsylvania Steam tryout and played on the team for two years.

Courtney's first love is football, and indoor football has brought the love back that he had in high school.  Since Brewton-Parker did not have a football team, Reese was unable to get on the field and exploit his talents.

Courtney has been able to balance his job, his education, and football successfully. He works overnight six days a week while attending Ogeechee Tech. His spare time is dedicated to football.

Q: How does an athlete become a member of an arena team?

Reese: Well, experience first and foremost. Arena is much more fast paced. Most teams ask for film before you can even tryout. Athleticism is always good, they love guys that have the ability to play multiple positions.. and last but not least, if you know someone that already has their foot in the door, it makes it a lot easier as far as references go. These teams only have a 30 man roster, with 22 active players. They make their money from tryouts. They have about 15 tryouts a year, charge guys anywhere from 50-100 to tryout, but in order to get invited to camp you must stand out significantly. Out of 15 tryouts, they'll only invite about 10 of those guys.

Q: How are players compensated?

Reese: We get paid based on experience and performance. Each player has a base salary for each game. They earn the real money through stats. For example, a touchdown is worth 50 dollars, sacks are 20, interceptions are 35, etc. The base salary I get paid is 350 a game. With a good statistical game, you can really make some easy money.

Q: Let's talk about the season so far. How is this season going and tell us about some of your upcoming opponents?

Reese: So far, we're 0-2. Both close games which we should've won, but couldn't close out. Our next opponent is the #1 team in the league. The Myrtle Beach Masters. #1 offense and #1 defense.

Q:  Who have been some of the standout players for Richmond Hill?

Reese: Former Baltimore Raven Dexter Moody, recent indoor football champion QB George Grant, slot receiver (former SHS runningback) Zach Grant, and myself leading the league in yardage per return and returned touchdowns

Richmond HIll will be back in action on Saturday, July 29th. All games are at the Savannah Civic Center.