Leonard joins Stallions Coaching Staff
January 8, 2007 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Springfield Stallions News Release
The Springfield Stallions have announced their coaching staff for the 2007 season. Joining Coach Gade on the Stallions staff will be Rochester High School Head Coach Derrick Leonard, Brian Taylor, Jim Rychel, J.T. Thomas, Jeff Hunt, Jim Dodd, Charles Edmunds and Bob Perrine.
Head Coach Kevin Gade stated, ?I am very excited about the coaching staff. They bring with them a lot of knowledge and experience in the game of football. I am very much looking forward to working with them this coming season.?
Introducing the 2007 Springfield Stallion Coaching Staff:
Derrick Leonard (Quarterbacks/Receivers Coach): Coach Leonard also serves as the Head Football Coach at Rochester High School. Derrick spent his high school playing days at Sacred Heart Griffin under his father, legendary coach Ken Leonard. Following high school, Derrick spent four seasons as the quarterback at Illinois College.
Dr. Brian Taylor (Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Coach): Dr. Bryan Taylor is originally from Reno, Nevada, and currently resides in Chatham, Illinois. Taylor played his college ball at Hartnell Junior College, where he was named a JUCO All-American linebacker. Taylor then went and played at the University of Nevada-Reno, and then the University of Arkansas. Dr. Taylor continued his education at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, then Palmer Chiropractic college, in Davenport Iowa. After his college playing days Taylor was invited to NFL mini-camps by the Dallas Cowboys, and the New Orleans Saints.
Dr. Taylor has coached at the high school and collegiate level. Taylor is also a Certified strength and conditioning specialist. Dr. Taylor owns the Chatham Chiropractic Clinic in Chatham, and has just opened a new facility, The Spine and extremity Clinic in Springfield.
Jim Rychel (Assistant Defensive Line Coach): Coach Rychel was recruited by the Marine Corps for their all Marine team, which is a collection of athletes from various sports that compete against the other Armed Forces and different bases. Ryshel played Defensive End and linebacker for the Marines football team. When he left the Marines, Rychel was disappointed to discover that the NCAA considers the All Marine Team to be made up of professional athletes and therefore was ineligible to play a the collegiate level. During his four years at the University of Tennessee, Rychel was a member of the Volunteer football practice squad.
Rychel was fortunate to be coached by some of the finest coaches in college football. Coach Rychel is a Realtor for Aspen Real Estate and is also co-owner of poorducrider.com, a parts fabrication and coatings business.
J.T.Thompson (Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach): Thompson makes his way north to Springfield from Saint Louis where he spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the River City Rage of the UIF. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, he coached the number one rated offensive line in the league. An O-line that counted for 60 points a game average. He also helped develop the number 1 and 2 passers in the league. Coach Thompson is also a veteran high school coach with experience going back more than 13 years. Thompson coached at Berkeley High School and also previously served as assistant head coach at Trinity Catholic High School.
Jeff Hunt (Secondary Coach): Coach Hunt joins the Stallions coaching staff after two very successful seasons as an assistant coach with the River City Rage of the UIF. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, Coach Hunts defensive backs led the NIFL and the UIF with over 60 interceptions in two seasons. Coach Hunt has also sent two of his players to the next level. Hunt played football at Triton College and as a standout performer at the semi pro level. His performances earned him tryouts with the Dallas Cowboys and the Saint Louis Rams of the NFL and the now defunct Saint Louis Stampede of the AFL.
Jim Dodd (Special Teams): Coach Dodd is a jack of all trades when it comes to coaching. He is currently an assistant girls basketball coach at Tri-City High School. He is also the former Head Coach of the Decatur Bears. Dodd is also the former assistant softball coach at Millikin University. He has worked a variety of camps, including basketball camps at Tennessee Tech University, Vincennes University and Eastern Illinois University. He has also previously worked the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates camp. He currently is a member of the Board of Directors for the Decatur Sports Foundation. Coach Dodd is married and resides in Decatur.
Charles Edmunds (Offensive/Defensive Line Coach): Coach Edmunds comes to the Stallions from the River City Rage of the UIF. Edmunds played on the defensive line at Potomac State and Lincoln University. He has previously served as assistant coach with Team USA All Stars in trips abroad. When the Rage were members of the NIFL in 2005, his defensive line was among the NIFL?s finest, recording 39 sacks on the year to lead the league. Coach Edmunds is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is married and has three sons: Wesley, Justin and Kelby and one daughter Shawntel.
Bob Perrine (Strength and Conditioning Coach): Coach Perrine has a lifetime of involvement in competitive sports, including participation, administration, and promotion. Perrine has an extensive background, including scholastic involvement in football, track, wrestling, mixed martial arts and amateur level weightlifting and cycling. He was the USAPL Illinois Bench Press Champion in 2000 and the USAPL Great Rivers D.O.C. Bench Press Champion in 2000. Perrine has competed in over 100 power lifting meets. Coach Perrine lives in Sherman with his wife (Pam) and their four children.
The Springfield Stallions will begin the 2007 season in the CIFL in March. The Stallions will play their home games on Midwest Technical Institute Field inside the Prairie Capital Convention Center. For more information, contact Kris Underwood at [email protected] or by visiting the Stallions website at www.springfieldstallions.com.
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Continental Indoor Football League Stories from January 8, 2007
- Leonard joins Stallions Coaching Staff - Springfield Stallions
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