The Tampa Bay Storm are pleased to announce the acquisition of offensive linemen Tom Kaleita and Ryan McDonald, announced Head Coach Dave Ewart. "The addition of Tom and Ryan add experience to the offensive line," said Ewart. "Obviously Tom returning is big. Ryan is a guy that has some experience at the NFL level and will make us more competitive." Kaleita, (6-foot-6, 325 lb., Eastern Michigan) returns for his third season with the Storm. He earned All-AFL honors last season as he allowed only one sack in 19 games. Kaleita also caught four passes and scored two touchdowns last season. McDonald (6-4, 295, Illinois) enters his rookie season with the Storm. He signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009 and was a member of the practice squad until his release during the 2010 season. A four-year starter at Illinois, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and first-team Academic All-America honors his senior season. He currently holds the Illini record for most career starts, 48, with Tim Simpson. In other transactions the team placed defensive back Ken Heatly and defensive lineman Cedrick Fisher on the PUP list. The Storm hosts the Orlando Predators Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 PM in the team's final preseason game before traveling to New Orleans to take on the VooDoo Friday, March 11. The preseason game is free for all fans, doors open at 6:30 PM. The Storm are universally recognized as one of the leading teams in the Arena Football League, setting numerous attendance records in its 23 years. The team won world championships in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 2003, winning the last championship in front of a sell-out crowd of 20,496 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2011 Tampa Bay Storm season by calling 813.301.6600 or visiting tampabaystorm.com. Season ticket packages start as low as $75.
