Post by 50yardfan on Jan 27, 2011 23:30:28 GMT -5
Harrisburg Stampede Add to Arsenal with Kicker Cipra
HARRISBURG, PA (January 27, 2011) - J.R. Cipra, a four-time All-Pro kicker, who has led league kickers in scoring three straight seasons, has been signed by the Harrisburg Stampede. In 2010 Cipra helped lead the Baltimore Mariners to an undefeated national championship with several key field goals.
Cipra first gained notice as a kicker for Mayfield High School of Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He twice was named to the All-Greater Cleveland Conference team and as a senior in 1996 was named second team All-State. His longest field goal for Mayfield was 52 yards.
He then went on to letter for four seasons at Ohio Northern University where he was named All-Ohio Athletic Conference in 1999 and 2000, received national player of the week honors in 2000, and was named Division 3 All-American as a senior. He still holds a host of Ohio Northern records including longest field goal (47 yards) and most field goals in a career (19).
Cipra made his pro debut with the Peoria Pirates of the Arena Football League 2 (af2) in 2001. Between 2005 and 2008 he shuffled between Erie, Pennsylvania and Canton, Ohio playing for Erie in 2005, 2007, and 2008 and the Canton Legends in 2006 and part of 2007. With Canton he won his first league championship.
In 2009 he signed with the Baltimore Mariners. In his first attempt as a Mariner he booted a 57-yard field goal against his former team, Erie, in a 60-32 Baltimore win. He finished his first season in Baltimore with 191 points.
In 2010 he continued to rack up points for the Mariners and be a nemesis to his former team as he booted Baltimore to a last second 39-37 wins over Erie on June 13, 2010 with a 43-yard field goal as time expired. The win over Erie proved to be the Mariners' closest call of the season, keeping Baltimore's win streak alive on a way to an undefeated (16-0) season.
A four-time All-Pro, Cipra has led league kickers in scoring five times (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010), led the league in scoring in 2005, and has won two national championships.
"Not much I can say. J.R. is arguably the best kicker in the League and I have seen what he can do to a game. He is an offensive weapon and his Uno accuracy helps our defense incredibly. J.R. works hard at his game and just as hard in the gym. He is dedicated and passionate about his football. During the day he shows that same passion and dedication in his teaching profession. Again, the type of player we look for, a true professional on and off the field," said Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski.
For information on 2011 Harrisburg Stampede please visit www.harrisburgstampede.com.
HARRISBURG, PA (January 27, 2011) - J.R. Cipra, a four-time All-Pro kicker, who has led league kickers in scoring three straight seasons, has been signed by the Harrisburg Stampede. In 2010 Cipra helped lead the Baltimore Mariners to an undefeated national championship with several key field goals.
Cipra first gained notice as a kicker for Mayfield High School of Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He twice was named to the All-Greater Cleveland Conference team and as a senior in 1996 was named second team All-State. His longest field goal for Mayfield was 52 yards.
He then went on to letter for four seasons at Ohio Northern University where he was named All-Ohio Athletic Conference in 1999 and 2000, received national player of the week honors in 2000, and was named Division 3 All-American as a senior. He still holds a host of Ohio Northern records including longest field goal (47 yards) and most field goals in a career (19).
Cipra made his pro debut with the Peoria Pirates of the Arena Football League 2 (af2) in 2001. Between 2005 and 2008 he shuffled between Erie, Pennsylvania and Canton, Ohio playing for Erie in 2005, 2007, and 2008 and the Canton Legends in 2006 and part of 2007. With Canton he won his first league championship.
In 2009 he signed with the Baltimore Mariners. In his first attempt as a Mariner he booted a 57-yard field goal against his former team, Erie, in a 60-32 Baltimore win. He finished his first season in Baltimore with 191 points.
In 2010 he continued to rack up points for the Mariners and be a nemesis to his former team as he booted Baltimore to a last second 39-37 wins over Erie on June 13, 2010 with a 43-yard field goal as time expired. The win over Erie proved to be the Mariners' closest call of the season, keeping Baltimore's win streak alive on a way to an undefeated (16-0) season.
A four-time All-Pro, Cipra has led league kickers in scoring five times (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010), led the league in scoring in 2005, and has won two national championships.
"Not much I can say. J.R. is arguably the best kicker in the League and I have seen what he can do to a game. He is an offensive weapon and his Uno accuracy helps our defense incredibly. J.R. works hard at his game and just as hard in the gym. He is dedicated and passionate about his football. During the day he shows that same passion and dedication in his teaching profession. Again, the type of player we look for, a true professional on and off the field," said Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski.
For information on 2011 Harrisburg Stampede please visit www.harrisburgstampede.com.