AFL standout key cog for division champs
Chicago Rush center Beau Elliott, a Highlands graduate, spent most of the first half of the Arena Football League season rehabilitating an injured knee and longing to line up with his teammates.
Being hurt was especially frustrating for Elliott because he was one of the Rush players awarded a "franchise tag" during the offseason.
With a higher salary than the league average, he was eager to prove his worth.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Elliott missed about two months before returning to start the past eight games and help the Rush (13-4) wrap up the Central Division title last weekend.
"There were some tough weeks, trying to stay into it mentally," Elliott said about the injury. "You want to get back as soon as you can. I've started the last eight games, and I've been feeling well."
Elliott injured his right knee last year. He was wearing a brace when he was reinjured in the season opener and continued using a brace when he returned.
"I feel like the strength is there," Elliott said. "I'm back close to 100 percent. The brace is there mainly for precautionary reasons."
The 28-year-old Elliott is in his third season with the Rush. He earned All-Rookie honors in 2008 and All-AFL Second Team honors last season. The 2009 season was canceled because of financial difficulties.
Chicago and the first-year Pittsburgh Power, who were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend, won't meet this season.
"I would have liked to have played in Pittsburgh, in the regular season or the playoffs, but that's not the way it was," Elliott said. "They had some success this year. I followed their attendance. I hope it catches on. I hope (the AFL) catches on more, as a whole. There's talk of three or four new expansion teams."
Chicago will finish the regular season by hosting Milwaukee (6-11) on Saturday.
The Rush also will open the playoffs at home against Dallas (11-6) on July 29. Elliott and his teammates need to win two postseason games to advance to Arena Bowl XXIV.
"I spoke to my quarterback (Russ Michna) and teammates, and told them that you have to absolutely enjoy every win," Elliott said. "It's hard to win, no matter what level you're at. It takes time and commitment."
Additional Information:
The Elliott file
Beau Elliott
High school: Highlands (2001 graduate)
Team: Arena Football League's Chicago Rush
Age: 28
Fast fact: In addition to playing in the AFL in late winter, spring and summer, Elliott is an assistant coach at Highlands High School in the fall and will be working mainly with the junior varsity team.
