Familiar names on Rush roster

The Chicago Rush returns to action in 2010 with a roster that includes five players from its 2008 Central Division championship team -- including quarterback Russ Michna and All-Arena linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo, the team announced today. Joining Michna and Alfonzo back in Rush blue are linemen Robert Boss, Beau Elliott and Joe Peters.

In addition to the five returning players, the Rush 23-man roster features four other AFL veterans -- wide receiver Kenny Higgins and defensive back Chris Martin, both of whom played with Grand Rapids in 2008, linebacker Clifton Smith, who won an ArenaBowl title with Philadelphia in 2008 and wide receiver Nichiren Flowers.

Martin was acquired Saturday in a trade with Spokane that sent lineman Rob McMackin to the Shock.

To get down to the league-mandated 23-man roster, the Rush waived quarterback Chad Friehauf, linemen James McClinton and CJ Niusulu; linebackers Charles Bryant, John Jackson and Carl Walker, defensive back Nick Sanchez and wide receivers Brian Allbrooks and Dante Ridgeway.

In addition, the Rush traded FB Damian Walker to Milwaukee for future considerations and placed defensive back Trey Bell and defensive lineman Mark Weivoda on the league's Physically unable to Perform list.

The Rush opens its 2010 season at 7 p.m. this Friday, April 2, when it travels to Des Moines to take on the Iowa Barnstormers. The game will be broadcast nationally on the NFL Network, and fans will be able to follow the game by streaming a live play-by-play broadcast at www.arenarush.com.