Post by 50yardfan on Dec 27, 2010 20:03:12 GMT -5
2011 Line-up Takes Shape with Signings
The 2011 edition of the Harrisburg Stampede is already taking shape after some early signings by Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski. The first “Herd” members to ink deals include several arena and indoor football veterans and some rookies hoping to get their big break with the Stampede.
Scouts Inc. said, “The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There's no position that requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman. Success as an offensive football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.” The Stampede took that to heart with the signings of two veteran O-Lineman, Greg Justice, who is in his sixth year of play, and Mark Stout who will be taking the field for his tenth campaign in 2011.
The Stampede also started building its QB position with the signings of Andre’ Coles, who played for the Reading Express for two seasons, including their 2009 title team, and Brandon Preaster who will be making his pro debut, but has caught the eye of a number of pro scouts. Harrisburg also signed rookie receiver Chris Jones, who was a standout with East Los Angeles College.
Big Breaks Still Available at Open Workout
The Harrisburg Stampede has already established themselves as a quality playoff team and also a stepping stone to “the bigs” in just two seasons of play. Now you can have your opportunity to get your big break at the Stampede’s next Open Workout.
The workout will take place on Friday, January 21st at the Harrisburg Stampede’s Official Practice Facility, the "In The Net" Sports Complex of Palmyra Pennsylvania. The tryout kicks off with registration from 9:30 PM through 10:15 PM. Registration is $50 for first time attendees.
Players will be put through a series of skill tests, then individual drills, and one-on-one, three-on-three, five-on-five, and full team drills.
In the Net is located at 798 Airport Road, Palmyra, PA 17078. Visit their website at www.InTheNet.com or call 717-838-8706 or 866-838-8706 for directions. Players are asked not to bring their own drinks. Concession stand will be fully operational for the workout.
Season Tickets Now on Sale!
For 2011 the Stampede are offering a variety of season ticket prices that will make holiday shopping easy and provide fans the opportunity to see a full slate of exciting SIFL action at the Farm Show Arena located at 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. For only $90 to $120 fans can purchase a complete (six-game) season ticket package. Stampede Custom Floor Boxes are also available for only $1,920. This package includes 16 seats for every home game and is a great idea for companies to rewards top employees or treat customers to a special night of football
The Stampede will host six home games at “The Show” and kick-off the 2011 campaign against the Erie Explosion on Sunday, March 20th at 4:00 PM. They also host the Richmond Raiders on Saturday, April 2nd the Trenton Steel on Saturday, April 23rd, Erie on Saturday, April 30th, the Carolina Speed on Saturday, May 14th, and Trenton on Saturday, June 11th. All games besides the opener will kick-off at 7:30 PM.
Additional ticket information and an order form are available in the attachment included with the newsletter.
Stampede Give Fans Early Xmas Present
The Harrisburg Stampede gave their fans an early Christmas present with the announced signing of linebacker William Hines on December 23rd. Bernie Nowotarski noted, "Will is one of those quality kids returning from last year’s defense. He is again one of the kids that on and off the field demonstrates great leadership and sportsmanship. This is a nice piece for our defense scheme back for another season.”
A standout from Susquehanna Township High School and North Carolina A&T State University, Hines made his professional debut with the Stampede in 2009. Despite their 4-10 record Harrisburg ranked among the league leaders in a number of categories including total defense (2nd), scoring defense (4th), rushing defense (5th), and pass defense (4th). Hines finished ranked among the league’s top defenders finishing 26th in tackles.
In 2010 the Stampede again had one of the league’s top defenses and also finished with an outstanding 11-3 regular season record. Harrisburg then went on to win the first playoff game in franchise history before falling in the Eastern Conference Championship game. The Stampede finished fourth in scoring defense, second in rushing defense, and second in pass defense efficiency. Hines was again among the league leaders in tackles and ranked fifth in fumble recoveries.
Hines commented, “Returning this year as the defensive captain is blessing and I look forward to dominating opponents for another season!”
Profile: GM/Head Coach Nowotarski
When the Harrisburg Stampede named Bernie Nowotarski General Manager and Head Coach they knew they were hiring someone with an extensive, and successful, football record on the field, sidelines, and in the front office. Entering his sixth season of professional football as a coach and/or general manager, the Exeter, Pennsylvania resident has compiled four division championships, two conference championships and won a national title in 2009.
The Exeter High School Hall of Famer became the first employee of the then expansion Reading Express in 2005 and took his first professional coaching and front office positions as the Express’ defensive backs coach and assistant general manager. In their first year of play (2006) Reading raced through the regular season with a 12-2 record, won the first of four straight division titles and advanced to the league championship game.
Nowotarski, who also was an All-American in football and track at Kutztown University, stepped up to lead the Express’ front office in 2007 as the team’s general manager, while continuing as their DB coach. Again Reading piled up an impressive regular season record at 14-2 and proceeded to the league championship game before falling in a heartbreaking loss, 54-49, to the Lakeland (Florida) Thunderbolts. In 2008, 2009, and part of 2010, he performed double duty as the Express head coach and GM. In 2008 the Express were an overall 11-5, won their third straight division title, and advanced to the conference championship game. In 2009 Nowotarski brought Reading its first national title after compiling a 15-3 record.
In Nowotarski’s four plus seasons with Reading, the Express tallied a 60-19 record, won four division titles, two conference championships, and a national title and led the league in attendance every season. In 2009 he was named Coach of the Year, GM of the Year, the Most Influential Person in Indoor/Arena Football, and the Berks County Coach of the Year.
Nowotarski also gained valuable pro experience as a player. After his standout prep and college careers he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks in 1981 and later traded to the Detroit Lions. He went on to play for the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL) following the NFL players’ strike.
In addition to being a member of the Exeter High and Kutztown University Halls of Fame, Nowotarski has been inducted into the Berks County Coaches Hall of Fame, Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame and has been named to the Berks County All-Century Football Team as a starter and was named Top Male All-Around Athlete in Berks County History.
Stampede by the Numbers:
In 2010, in just their second season of play, the Stampede compiled an 11-3 regular season record, earned and won their first playoff game, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship Game!
2011 Stampede Schedule
Erie Explosion March 20th
@ Fayetteville Force March 27th
Richmond Raiders April 2nd
@ Carolina Speed April 8th
@ Erie Explosion April 15th
Trenton Steel April 23rd
Erie Explosion April 30th
@ Trenton Steel May 7th
Carolina Speed May 14th
@ Trenton Steel May 21st
@ Erie Explosion June 4th
Trenton Steel June 11th
Stampede on the Move to SIFL
When the Harrisburg Stampede take the field for the 2011 season they will have some new friends to the south, as they became a member of the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) this offseason. The SIFL consists of 16 teams which stretch from New Jersey in the north to the gulf coast of Texas.
The Stampede will be part of the Eastern Conference’s Northeast Division with the expansion Trenton Steel and the newly named Erie Explosion.
Also in the Eastern Conference will be the Carolina Speed, Fayetteville Force, and Richmond Raiders of the Mid-Atlantic Division and the Albany (GA) Panthers, Columbus (GA) Lions, and Alabama Hammers in the South Division.
The Western Conference will include two divisions. The Gulf Coast Division includes Mobile (AL) Bay Tarpons, Lafayette (LA) Wildcatters, and Louisiana Swashbucklers. The Southwest Division includes the Abilene (TX) Ruff Riders, Corpus Christi (TX) Hammerheads, Houston Stallions, and Rio Grande Valley (TX) Magic.
The 2011 edition of the Harrisburg Stampede is already taking shape after some early signings by Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski. The first “Herd” members to ink deals include several arena and indoor football veterans and some rookies hoping to get their big break with the Stampede.
Scouts Inc. said, “The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There's no position that requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman. Success as an offensive football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.” The Stampede took that to heart with the signings of two veteran O-Lineman, Greg Justice, who is in his sixth year of play, and Mark Stout who will be taking the field for his tenth campaign in 2011.
The Stampede also started building its QB position with the signings of Andre’ Coles, who played for the Reading Express for two seasons, including their 2009 title team, and Brandon Preaster who will be making his pro debut, but has caught the eye of a number of pro scouts. Harrisburg also signed rookie receiver Chris Jones, who was a standout with East Los Angeles College.
Big Breaks Still Available at Open Workout
The Harrisburg Stampede has already established themselves as a quality playoff team and also a stepping stone to “the bigs” in just two seasons of play. Now you can have your opportunity to get your big break at the Stampede’s next Open Workout.
The workout will take place on Friday, January 21st at the Harrisburg Stampede’s Official Practice Facility, the "In The Net" Sports Complex of Palmyra Pennsylvania. The tryout kicks off with registration from 9:30 PM through 10:15 PM. Registration is $50 for first time attendees.
Players will be put through a series of skill tests, then individual drills, and one-on-one, three-on-three, five-on-five, and full team drills.
In the Net is located at 798 Airport Road, Palmyra, PA 17078. Visit their website at www.InTheNet.com or call 717-838-8706 or 866-838-8706 for directions. Players are asked not to bring their own drinks. Concession stand will be fully operational for the workout.
Season Tickets Now on Sale!
For 2011 the Stampede are offering a variety of season ticket prices that will make holiday shopping easy and provide fans the opportunity to see a full slate of exciting SIFL action at the Farm Show Arena located at 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. For only $90 to $120 fans can purchase a complete (six-game) season ticket package. Stampede Custom Floor Boxes are also available for only $1,920. This package includes 16 seats for every home game and is a great idea for companies to rewards top employees or treat customers to a special night of football
The Stampede will host six home games at “The Show” and kick-off the 2011 campaign against the Erie Explosion on Sunday, March 20th at 4:00 PM. They also host the Richmond Raiders on Saturday, April 2nd the Trenton Steel on Saturday, April 23rd, Erie on Saturday, April 30th, the Carolina Speed on Saturday, May 14th, and Trenton on Saturday, June 11th. All games besides the opener will kick-off at 7:30 PM.
Additional ticket information and an order form are available in the attachment included with the newsletter.
Stampede Give Fans Early Xmas Present
The Harrisburg Stampede gave their fans an early Christmas present with the announced signing of linebacker William Hines on December 23rd. Bernie Nowotarski noted, "Will is one of those quality kids returning from last year’s defense. He is again one of the kids that on and off the field demonstrates great leadership and sportsmanship. This is a nice piece for our defense scheme back for another season.”
A standout from Susquehanna Township High School and North Carolina A&T State University, Hines made his professional debut with the Stampede in 2009. Despite their 4-10 record Harrisburg ranked among the league leaders in a number of categories including total defense (2nd), scoring defense (4th), rushing defense (5th), and pass defense (4th). Hines finished ranked among the league’s top defenders finishing 26th in tackles.
In 2010 the Stampede again had one of the league’s top defenses and also finished with an outstanding 11-3 regular season record. Harrisburg then went on to win the first playoff game in franchise history before falling in the Eastern Conference Championship game. The Stampede finished fourth in scoring defense, second in rushing defense, and second in pass defense efficiency. Hines was again among the league leaders in tackles and ranked fifth in fumble recoveries.
Hines commented, “Returning this year as the defensive captain is blessing and I look forward to dominating opponents for another season!”
Profile: GM/Head Coach Nowotarski
When the Harrisburg Stampede named Bernie Nowotarski General Manager and Head Coach they knew they were hiring someone with an extensive, and successful, football record on the field, sidelines, and in the front office. Entering his sixth season of professional football as a coach and/or general manager, the Exeter, Pennsylvania resident has compiled four division championships, two conference championships and won a national title in 2009.
The Exeter High School Hall of Famer became the first employee of the then expansion Reading Express in 2005 and took his first professional coaching and front office positions as the Express’ defensive backs coach and assistant general manager. In their first year of play (2006) Reading raced through the regular season with a 12-2 record, won the first of four straight division titles and advanced to the league championship game.
Nowotarski, who also was an All-American in football and track at Kutztown University, stepped up to lead the Express’ front office in 2007 as the team’s general manager, while continuing as their DB coach. Again Reading piled up an impressive regular season record at 14-2 and proceeded to the league championship game before falling in a heartbreaking loss, 54-49, to the Lakeland (Florida) Thunderbolts. In 2008, 2009, and part of 2010, he performed double duty as the Express head coach and GM. In 2008 the Express were an overall 11-5, won their third straight division title, and advanced to the conference championship game. In 2009 Nowotarski brought Reading its first national title after compiling a 15-3 record.
In Nowotarski’s four plus seasons with Reading, the Express tallied a 60-19 record, won four division titles, two conference championships, and a national title and led the league in attendance every season. In 2009 he was named Coach of the Year, GM of the Year, the Most Influential Person in Indoor/Arena Football, and the Berks County Coach of the Year.
Nowotarski also gained valuable pro experience as a player. After his standout prep and college careers he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks in 1981 and later traded to the Detroit Lions. He went on to play for the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL) following the NFL players’ strike.
In addition to being a member of the Exeter High and Kutztown University Halls of Fame, Nowotarski has been inducted into the Berks County Coaches Hall of Fame, Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame and has been named to the Berks County All-Century Football Team as a starter and was named Top Male All-Around Athlete in Berks County History.
Stampede by the Numbers:
In 2010, in just their second season of play, the Stampede compiled an 11-3 regular season record, earned and won their first playoff game, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship Game!
2011 Stampede Schedule
Erie Explosion March 20th
@ Fayetteville Force March 27th
Richmond Raiders April 2nd
@ Carolina Speed April 8th
@ Erie Explosion April 15th
Trenton Steel April 23rd
Erie Explosion April 30th
@ Trenton Steel May 7th
Carolina Speed May 14th
@ Trenton Steel May 21st
@ Erie Explosion June 4th
Trenton Steel June 11th
Stampede on the Move to SIFL
When the Harrisburg Stampede take the field for the 2011 season they will have some new friends to the south, as they became a member of the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) this offseason. The SIFL consists of 16 teams which stretch from New Jersey in the north to the gulf coast of Texas.
The Stampede will be part of the Eastern Conference’s Northeast Division with the expansion Trenton Steel and the newly named Erie Explosion.
Also in the Eastern Conference will be the Carolina Speed, Fayetteville Force, and Richmond Raiders of the Mid-Atlantic Division and the Albany (GA) Panthers, Columbus (GA) Lions, and Alabama Hammers in the South Division.
The Western Conference will include two divisions. The Gulf Coast Division includes Mobile (AL) Bay Tarpons, Lafayette (LA) Wildcatters, and Louisiana Swashbucklers. The Southwest Division includes the Abilene (TX) Ruff Riders, Corpus Christi (TX) Hammerheads, Houston Stallions, and Rio Grande Valley (TX) Magic.