Former Barnstormers Coach Named 2014 Arena Football Hall of Fame Finalist
July 1, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - Former Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Football Operations John Gregory has been nominated an Arena Football Hall of Fame finalist for the Class of 2014.
The Net10 Wireless Arena Football League has announced the 2014 Arena Football Hall of Fame finalists, including Iowa Barnstormers long-time Head Coach, John Gregory. Gregory served as Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Football Operations when the franchise first joined the AFL in 1995. In six seasons (1995-2000), Gregory coached the team to five division titles and led the team to two ArenaBowls. In both 1995 and 1996, he was named AFL Coach of the Year.
When the new expansion Iowa Barnstormers returned in 2007, so did Gregory. Gregory coached the revamped franchise through the midst of the 2011 AFL season.
The League Office collected ballots from the Arena Football Hall of Fame Advisory Board, a group which consisted of former players, executives, journalists and media personnel with a long-time involvement in the game, on Wednesday, June 18. Each member selected ten candidates in the categories of players, coaches and contributors. Fans also took part in the nomination process via ArenaFootball.com.
In order to be nominated for the 2014 Hall of Fame Class, candidates must meet four criteria. If a player was active before 1989, he must have played for at least two seasons. For players after 1989, a minimum of three seasons of service are required. All players must be retired for three complete seasons by the time of induction. Coaches must have been active for a minimum of five seasons and need not be retired. There is no minimum number of seasons required for contributors, but significant advancement of the AFL is a prerequisite.
Additional candidates for the 2014 Arena Football Hall of Fame include: FB/LB Andre Bowden, HC Jay Gruden, WR Damian Harrell, WR Chris Jackson, QB Andy Kelly, FB/LB Bo Kelly, OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown, OS Steve Steve Papin, DS Omarr Smith.
Fans and current Hall of Fame members will vote on the finalists through Friday, July 25. Votes will then be turned into the Hall of Fame Operating Board of Directors. The 2014 Hall of Fame Class will be announced during the 2014 Conference Championship weekend and inductions will be held during the 2015 Arena Football League regular season.
Don't miss out on the 2nd Annual Bacon Bowl when the Iowa Barnstormers host the Pittsburgh Power at Wells Fargo Arena. This event on Saturday, July 19 will once again feature the Official Bacon Bowl Tailgate Party prior to kickoff. For more information, call the Barnstormers at 515-633-2255, or log onto www.theiowabarnstormers.com.
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