July 28, 1999

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Six former Maryland football players are continuing their playing careers this summer within the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League. Most notable are quarterback John Kaleo (1992) and defensive back Irv Smith (1985, '86, '87, '88) who have posted impressive numbers for the AFL New England Sea Wolves and CFL Montreal Alouettes, respectively.

Kaleo, who teammed with former Terp and current Baltimore Ravens star Jermaine Lewis, has passed for 666 yards and nine touchdowns in the last two weeks. Making his first two starts in the league since 1997, Kaleo is 51-for-82 with just two interceptions in losses to Arizona and New Jersey. Opposite Kaleo on the New Jersey sideline was former Terp defensive back Henry Baker (1994, '95, '96, '97).

Against New Jersey, Kaleo was stopped short on a two-point conversion attempt 5:09 into overtime to eliminate the Sea Wolves from the AFL playoff race. The former Maryland star finished the game with 338 yards passing, five passing touchdowns and another on the ground. The Red Dogs won the game 65-64.

Smith played on Maryland's 1985 ACC championship team in the first of his four seasons with the Terps. Currently, he leads the CFL with three interceptions including a 42-yard return to clinch a season-opening win over the Toronto Argonauts.

Other former Terps active in the CFL are tackle Dave Hack (1991, '93, '94) with the defending champion Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and receiver Geroy Simon (1993, '94, '95, '96). Simon, the former ACC record-holder for receptions in a season, is currently on the injured reserve list.

Also in the Arena League is lineman Johnnie Hicks (1993, '95, '96, '97) with the Albany Firebirds.