June 4, 2003

LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV standout receiver and current Arizona Rattler star Randy Gatewood was named the Arena Football League's 2003 Ironman of the Year after a vote by the sport's head coaches and fans.

Gatewood received six of 17 total votes available, beating out 2002 winner Greg Hopkins of the Los Angeles Avengers, who earned three votes this season. The league's most prestigious individual honor, the Ironman annually goes to Arena Football's best two-way player.

In his eighth season as a WR/DB, Gatewood totaled 69 receptions for 779 yards for 32 touchdowns and 198 points. Defensively he grabbed nine interceptions, including one returned for a score, made 40 total tackles, posted seven pass breakups and added a fumble recovery.

Also a first team All-AFL choice, Gatewood is the second Rebel-turned-Rattler to earn the Ironman Award as teammate Hunkie Cooper won in both 1999 and 2000.

A former junior-college transfer from Wichita Falls, Texas, Gatewood played two seasons at UNLV (1993-94). As a senior he broke two major NCAA records when he caught 23 passes for 363 yards vs. Idaho. The single-game reception total remains an NCAA record.

He currently ranks eighth all-time at the school with 128 catches for 1,832 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Arizona visits San Jose on Sunday in the AFL semifinals. The game will be shown live on NBC beginning at 2:30 PT.