LAS VEGAS, Nev. (April 20, 2005) – While others have quickly found ways to honor Al Lucas, the Arena Football League Writers Association has been more deliberate.

That's not a criticism of the league or the AFL Players Association or any others who have come up with ways to memorialize Lucas. It's just the AFLWA did not want to rush into anything nor copy anyone else's ideas.

After speaking with the league, we finally decided to start the Al Lucas Courage Award beginning this season.

Of course, courage can mean so many things to so many people, and it is best to keep it a fairly open category.

So the award can go to a player who has come back from a major knee injury, or someone who has excelled despite a life-long medical problem that would keep most from even playing. Or it could go to someone for a completely different reason.

Whichever player is selected each year should be someone who best exemplifies what the award is about — leaving it all on the field.

That is exactly what Lucas did two weeks ago, making a seemingly innocuous tackle for the Avengers against the Dragons. He didn't expect to make the ultimate sacrifice, but his example is there for all to see that while this is a fun game to watch, it's also dangerous.

One of the sadder elements to the story is that Lucas was not well known throughout the country until this tragedy. That it took something like this to bring attention to him and to the AFL is a shame.

Those of us who closely follow the league know about the many great stories that exist. This is one all of us wish never had to be told, and an award, frankly, doesn't seem like enough.

At least, through this award, Lucas' name is can live on. I already consider it more important than our Player of the Year award, and I hope the future winners view it the same way.

QUICK THOUGHTS

There is no easy transition from life and death to something trivial in comparison as the playoff races.

Nevertheless, they are heading down to the end, and here's a look at those who are in contention.

Dallas (6-4-1): Even if the Desperados hold on to win the Eastern Division, they will be gone in the first round.

New York (6-5): See Dallas.

Georgia (9-3): The Force should win the league's toughest division, which would be huge for home field. After the trade for Chris Jackson, this is the team to beat in the National Conference.

Orlando (8-4): This is a team that is breaking down, with quarterback Joe Hamilton and defensive specialist Kenny McEntyre both on injured reserve. Orlando will use home field to beat Georgia this weekend, but the injuries will soon catch up.

New Orleans (7-4): The VooDoo could give Georgia a real run for the conference championship. Don't be surprised if they play each other for the right to go the ArenaBowl.

Tampa Bay (7-4): Though this is a club loaded with talent, it's too inconsistent and can't win on the road. The Storm might even miss the playoffs.

Colorado (8-3): Stung badly by Chicago, the Crush still leads the Central Division and should keep it. Colorado's big goal should be to stay ahead of San Jose and secure home field throughout. Do that, and Colorado has an excellent shot at making the ArenaBowl.

Chicago (7-4): This is a hot team that no one should want to play right now. Don't be surprised if the Rush makes a strong showing in the playoffs.

San Jose (7-4): Never count out the SaberCats, but their difficulties on the road are alarming. With a game at Colorado this weekend, they have to win or face going back to Denver for the conference championship. Don't forget, though, San Jose struggled down the stretch last season and still won the championship.

Las Vegas (7-5): The Gladiators have the league's best offensive specialist (Marcus Nash) and a quarterback on the short list (Clint Dolezel), but have underachieved. Suddenly, however, the Gladiators are building momentum and should make the playoffs. The problem is they probably will need back-to-back road victories to make the ArenaBowl, and that's too much to ask.

Los Angeles (6-5): Who knows what's going to happen to this team? Maybe the loss at Nashville was a sign that the Avengers are too emotionally wrought to think about the playoff race. Or maybe that game came too quickly after Lucas' death, and the team can gather itself to try to win in his memory.

Mark Anderson is the AFLWA executive director. He also covers the Gladiators for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.