YPSILANTI, Mich. — Former Eastern Michigan University football player Tom Kaleita (Kingsley, Mich.-Kingsley) is back in action and making a name for himself on the gridiron once again.
Kaleita, an outstanding offensive lineman for the Eagles from 2002-2004, has played a vital role in the Tampa Bay Storm's regular-season success and the team now looks to heat up the intensity as it charges into the Arena Football League playoffs in a battle to reach the Mitsubishi Motors Drive to Arena Bowl XXI New Orleans. A complete schedule detailing the dates/times of the Arena Football League playoffs is listed below. For more information on the Arena Football League, the website is: www.arenafootball.com.
Kaleita started his EMU career as a tight end, playing as a true freshman in four games in 2001 before being sidelined with an abdominal injury. He then moved to offensive tackle for the 2002 season and started 35 consecutive games from the 2002 season through the 2004 campaign.
In 2004, Kaleita served as the offensive captain, and started all 11 games at left tackle and graded out as the top offensive lineman on the squad. He was selected Offensive Player of the Week for the Central Michigan (Nov. 6) game, and was also singled out for Championship Performances against Buffalo (Sept. 2), Ball State (Oct, 9) and Western Michigan (Oct. 16). He was chosen for a Winning Performance four times, against Florida (Sept. 11), Toledo (Sept. 18), Eastern Illinois (Sept. 25) and Bowling Green (Oct. 30).
Kaleita also made his mark on the academic side, earning the Harold E. Sponberg Award in 2004 as the team's top down lineman who combined athletic excellence with academic achievement.
After completing his eligibility in 2004, Kaleita was a free agent signee with the Detroit Lions in 2005.
2007 Arena Football League Playoffs
Wildcard Round:
Friday, June 29 • 7:30 p.m. • Orlando at Philadelphia ESPN
Saturday, June 30 • Noon • Columbus at Tampa Bay ESPN
Saturday, June 30 • 3 p.m. • Colorado at Kansas City ESPN
Monday, July 2 • 10 p.m. • Utah at Los Angeles ESPN2
Divisional Round:
Saturday, July 7 • 3 p.m. • TBD at San Jose ESPN
Saturday, July 7 • 8 p.m. • TBD at Dallas ESPN
Sunday, July 8 • 7 p.m. • TBD at Georgia ESPN2
Monday, July 9 • 8:30 p.m. • TBD at Chicago ESPN2