Post by 50yardfan on Apr 29, 2011 13:14:38 GMT -5
HARRISBURG, PA (April 29, 2011) - The latest chapter in the Harrisburg Stampede's three year history includes a new head coach, an All-Pro player making his debut at defensive coordinator, some fresh faces in the lineup, and a battling attitude. Harrisburg Stampede Head Coach Josh Resignalo plan is for all of that to equal a winning conclusion to the 2011 season.
"The changes that happened this week with myself, the addition of Archie [Smith]to the staff, a great practice last night and another one tonight [Thursday], I think our fans will witness a transformation taking place to finish the season strong and bring the life back to this organization," commented Resignalo.
After a 0-6 start, which fell way below expectations following a 12-4 playoff run in 2010, Stampede Co-Owner and Founder John Morris took over the General Manager reins and injected Resignalo into the head coach position.
From a life that has seen experience gained as a coach, player, and perhaps most importantly as a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of two tours in Iraq, including time as a crew chief of an amphibious armored assault vehicle during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, and as a squad leader during combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, Resignalo will bring a battling attitude to the team, exhibited in his philosophy for the team, "Protect ours and get after theirs! That goes for on and off the field."
Fan favorite player Archie Smith will also be making his debut as a defensive coordinator this week. Earlier in the week Morris noted, "His enthusiasm and love of the game will spark the defense and get the Stampede back on track."
There will also be some new faces in the line-up this week. Included is wide receiver LaRoi Johnson an All-American Tight End from Malone University and a Pittsburgh native.
Coach Resignalo stated, "LaRoi played for me in Huntington where he came to me from the Utah Blaze of the AFL. LaRoi has spent time in NFL/CFL camps and is a veteran of the indoor game. LaRoi will bring a veteran presence on the offensive side of the ball. With a few other faces that have some indoor experience, I think we will be a new and improved team."
Resignalo has also beefed up the offensive and defensive lines as offensive lineman Daniel Davis (6'5", 315, Bowie State) and defensive linemen Neil Wood (6'3", 255, Penn State) and Brandon Jones (6'2", 300, Wesley College), all indoor football veterans, will be making their Stampede debuts.
"We need to get the family mentality back with this team, and the guys welcome this fresh start," said Resignalo.
The Stampede fresh start begins Saturday, April 30th at 7:30 PM at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex Equine Arena against division and in-state rivals, the Erie Explosion (5-1).
For more information on the Harrisburg Stampede, their remaining schedule, and tickets please visit www.HarrisburgStampede.com.
"The changes that happened this week with myself, the addition of Archie [Smith]to the staff, a great practice last night and another one tonight [Thursday], I think our fans will witness a transformation taking place to finish the season strong and bring the life back to this organization," commented Resignalo.
After a 0-6 start, which fell way below expectations following a 12-4 playoff run in 2010, Stampede Co-Owner and Founder John Morris took over the General Manager reins and injected Resignalo into the head coach position.
From a life that has seen experience gained as a coach, player, and perhaps most importantly as a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of two tours in Iraq, including time as a crew chief of an amphibious armored assault vehicle during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, and as a squad leader during combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, Resignalo will bring a battling attitude to the team, exhibited in his philosophy for the team, "Protect ours and get after theirs! That goes for on and off the field."
Fan favorite player Archie Smith will also be making his debut as a defensive coordinator this week. Earlier in the week Morris noted, "His enthusiasm and love of the game will spark the defense and get the Stampede back on track."
There will also be some new faces in the line-up this week. Included is wide receiver LaRoi Johnson an All-American Tight End from Malone University and a Pittsburgh native.
Coach Resignalo stated, "LaRoi played for me in Huntington where he came to me from the Utah Blaze of the AFL. LaRoi has spent time in NFL/CFL camps and is a veteran of the indoor game. LaRoi will bring a veteran presence on the offensive side of the ball. With a few other faces that have some indoor experience, I think we will be a new and improved team."
Resignalo has also beefed up the offensive and defensive lines as offensive lineman Daniel Davis (6'5", 315, Bowie State) and defensive linemen Neil Wood (6'3", 255, Penn State) and Brandon Jones (6'2", 300, Wesley College), all indoor football veterans, will be making their Stampede debuts.
"We need to get the family mentality back with this team, and the guys welcome this fresh start," said Resignalo.
The Stampede fresh start begins Saturday, April 30th at 7:30 PM at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex Equine Arena against division and in-state rivals, the Erie Explosion (5-1).
For more information on the Harrisburg Stampede, their remaining schedule, and tickets please visit www.HarrisburgStampede.com.