Another Pioneer to Return in 2005

February 17, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release


Wilkes-Barre, PA- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers are proud to announce the reassignment of J.R. Thomas to their 2005 roster. Thomas had attended Chicago Rush training camp earlier this year.

"We are extremely excited to have J.R. back this season," said Coach Moss. "He is one of the most explosive offensive specialists in the league. It's unfortunate that he didn't make the Chicago Rush team, but with one more year in the af2 he will be ready to play anywhere in the AFL."

Thomas was the af2 Rookie of the Year last season. In his first af2 season, Thomas played in 12 games for the Pioneers, posting 97 receptions for 1,316 yards and 26 touchdowns. He returned 33 kickoffs averaging 24.5 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns. Thomas ended the season with a total of 2,124.5 yards.

Thomas spent one year each at Potomac State and Montgomery Community College. J.R. concluded his collegiate career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was one of 22 players in school history to have 1,000 or more receiving yards. He is also tied in 10th place for the school record of touchdown receptions at 12. Thomas was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West (PSAC) second team all-star for the 2001 and 2002 seasons at IUP. He averaged 54.5 yards a game with 12 touchdowns in 22 games played. Thomas was also named special teams player of the year and was an All-American nominee

Thomas, an Ohio native, attended Martins Ferry High School lettering twice for football. He was named all-conference and all-district following his senior football season. He completed a total of 28 catches for 737 yards with 10 touchdowns over his two seasons playing for Martins Ferry.

The Pioneers are holding their final free-agent tryouts February 19th and March 5th. For additional information regarding tryout camps, registration and times please contact the team's Director of Media, John Sunshine, at (570) 270-5812 or (570) 760-3604.

Pioneers season tickets are now on sale. Anyone interested in season ticket packages should call the team's ticket sales office at (570) 270-5811 or (570) 270-5813. Season ticket packages start for as low as $40.



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