June 2, 2006

LAS VEGAS - For the second time in his Arena Football League career former Rebel and current Arizona Rattlers WR/DB Randy Gatewood was selected as the U.S. Army Ironman of the Year as voted by the league's head coaches, players, fans and AFL Writers Association (AFLWA).

Gatewood also won the award following the 2003 season, which makes him only the third multiple winner in AFL history along with six-time winner Barry Wagner and another former Rebel, two-time Ironman Hunkie Cooper.

Gatewood starred for two seasons at UNLV, finishing with 128 receptions for 1,832 yards and 13 touchdowns in 1993-94. His 88 catches in 1994 still stand as a Rebel single-season record. The Texas native set two major NCAA records vs. Idaho on Sept. 19, 1994, when he hauled in a stunning 23 catches (still the record) for 363 yards (since broken).

Currently in his 11th season with Arizona, Gatewood posted 89 catches for 1,175 yards and 35 touchdowns (sixth in the AFL). On defense he recorded 64 total tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

ALL-TIME IRONMAN OF THE YEAR WINNERS
YEAR   PLAYER, TEAM2006   Randy Gatewood, Arizona Rattlers2005   Kevin Ingram, Los Angeles Avengers2004   Cory Fleming, Orlando Predators2003   Randy Gatewood, Arizona Rattlers2002   Greg Hopkins, Los Angeles Avengers2001   Dameon Porter, Chicago Rush2000   Hunkie Cooper, Arizona Rattlers1999   Hunkie Cooper, Arizona Rattlers1998   Chad Dukes, Albany Firebirds1997   Barry Wagner, Orlando Predators1996   Barry Wagner, Orlando Predators1995   Barry Wagner, Orlando Predators1994   Barry Wagner, Orlando Predators1993   Barry Wagner, Orlando Predators1992   Barry Wagner, Orlando Predators1991   Milton Barney, New Orleans Night1990   Thomas Monroe, Pittsburgh Gladiators1989   Carl Aikens, Chicago Bruisers1988   Dwayne Dixon, Detroit Drive1987   Billy Stone, Chicago Bruisers