By Taylor Holley
 DELAND, Fla. -- Your basketball team now has Michael Jordan at shooting guard. You're lacing up your skates with Wayne Gretky. Barry Bonds takes batting practice against the left-hander on your team with the wicked curve ball. Jerry Rice is burning your teammates on defense on every post pattern in practice.

That's what it means for the Daytona Beach Thunder to be playing alongside Barry Wagner, the 15-year Arena Football League superstar veteran who signed with the World Indoor Football League Thursday.

"Anytime a man like him steps on the field it’s a big help,'' said Thunder wide receiver Cory McKinney, who leads the WIFL in receptions. "It’s also good to see someone who has been to all of these places a lot of us want to go."

McKinney and Thunder receivers Clinton Crump and Kwasie Kwaku will more than likely benefit most from Wagner’s expertise. All three are newcomers to the indoor game and with a little direction from a veteran, have the ability to achieve greatness at this level and throughout their career.
"I want to lead this team, and I want them to follow me. I’m bringing character along with leadership to turn this team around. I want to teach this team how to be dedicated to this game," Wagner said. "They need to learn that the best receivers can perform without a ball. Making good blocks, running good route, etc. are what separates the good from the great." 

While Wagner pieces things together on the field, he has been much appreciated by the coaching staff. Wagner has already showed signs of a leader in the two days he has been with the team. Getting to practice an hour early, and making speeches at the conclusion of practice may be just the medicine to heal the pain caused by the first three losses of the season.

"It feels really good. It feels like the team is getting some order back. He will be able to show these younger kid how it’s done and help them mature on and off the field," head coach Leon Bright said after practice on Thursday.