The wait is over: Rush to open season in Iowa

After a nearly two-year hiatus, the Arena Football League returns to action this weekend, and that means once again the Chicago Rush is back.

But with the return of the Rush, which open the 2010 season tonight at Iowa, come a lot of questions.

We'll try to answer a few of those here.

Q. Quarterback Russ Michna is back, but who are some the other returning players from the 2008 team?

A. All-Arena linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo is back, along with linemen Robert Boss, Joe Peters and Beau Elliott.

Q. As far as returning coaches, we know head coach Mike Hohensee is back again. Who does he have helping him out this season?

A. Coach Hohensee is back as the head coach, and Rush legend Bob McMillen returns as one of his assistants. New to the staff are defensive coordinator Troy Biladeau and WR/DB coach Tictus Pettigrew.

Q. Are there other new players on the Rush whom fans might recognize from college or other teams?

A. Chicago area football fans might recognize the name of Rush kicker Chris Gould. He is the younger brother of Bears kicker Robbie Gould.

Q. The Rush played to a full house often during the 2008 season. How have ticket sales been thus far?

A. Ticket sales have been good so far. However, since the AFL and Rush didn't announce their return until mid-December, there still are many people who don't know the league is back. The hope is as the season progresses that crowds will continue to grow.

Q. From the fans' perspective, can they expect the same level of pregame and postgame activity?

A. The Rush is hoping to match the level of fun that existed at Allstate Arena in the past. Pregame tailgating returns as does the postgame autograph show. All the elements during the games should be similar.

Q. This league is all about heart, but size does matter. Who's the smallest player on the roster? Who's the biggest?

A. The biggest is offensive lineman Thaddeus Coleman - 6-feet-8, 320 pounds. The smallest is DB Josh Ferguson - 5-7, 180.