UIF Sioux City Bandits

Bandits Announce Two More Player Signings and Coaching Staff for 2008 Season

Published on January 10, 2008 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Sioux City Bandits News Release


(January 8, 2008-Sioux City, IA) The Sioux City Bandits of United Indoor Football are pleased to announce two more player signings and the coaching staff for the 2008 season announced today by Head Coach Jarrod DeGeorgia.

Drew Lewis (OL, 6'7 300lbs) Lewis started his collegiate football career at Junior College, Phoenix College, where he was a 2-year starter as a tight-end and tackle. After two years, Lewis transferred to the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA, part of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. There, he played as an offensive lineman and was named to the All-Conference. After graduating, Lewis played a year of semi-pro football in the Copperstate Football League. The Bandits will be Lewis' first professional indoor football experience. DeGeorgia says, "Lewis is a player that Bob Scott found for the team. He comes from a great Division 3 program at the University of Redlands. I look forward to him being a valuable addition to our offensive line."

Erv Strohbeen (OL, 6'4 335lbs) Strohbeen is back with the Bandits for his eighth year of indoor football. He has played Center his entire professional career. Erv has been named to the All-League teams in 2002 and 2004 when the Bandits played in the NIFL and in 2005 to the First-All UIF Team. Strohbeen has been a team captain for most of his professional career. He was named Most Valuable Offensive Lineman on a couple occasions. Strohbeen played his college football at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE where he was team captain. He is a native of Sioux City and played his high school football at West High School. DeGeorgia notes, "Erv has been a leader throughout his career. It will be different not having him snap the ball to me. I look forward to him getting back to his all-star days from the past this upcoming season. I keep thinking that he will retire, but he keeps coming back to win a championship that we feel this year we can achieve."

Also today, the Bandits announce the Coaching Staff for the 2008 Season.

Jarrod DeGeorgia has been promoted to the position of Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator from the Assistant Head Coach position. Bob Scott, Managing Partner/GM, says, "Jarrod has done a great job so far recruiting players for the upcoming season. He has worked hard to make this happen. I feel that he is deserving of his promotion to the Head Coach position. Jarrod was our search committee's number one choice from the beginning."

Mike Winklepleck has been named to the Defensive Coordinator position. Winklepleck has coaching experience with the Briar Cliff Chargers as a Defensive Coach. He played last season for the Bandits before his season-ending knee injury. Winklepleck had a superb college career with the Morningside Mustangs here in Sioux City. Before Morningside, he played his high school years at Bishop Heelan High School. Mike is a teacher in the Sioux City School System. Bob Scott quotes, "Winklepleck is an energetic, self-motivated individual. Although he has not coached a long time, we feel he is a good fit for the Bandits. I am excited to see what he can bring to the team this season."

Andy Yost has been named to the Assistant Coach position in charge of the Wide Receivers, Defensive Backs, and Line Backers. Yost is currently the Head Coach for West Sioux High School football team, in Hawarden, IA. His career record is 16-12, where in 2006, they made the state playoffs for the 3rd time in school history under his guidance. In 2004-2005, he was a coach at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA, where they had a 12-1 overall record. In 2002-2004, Yost was the Assistant Varsity Head Coach at Nampa High School in Nampa, ID. From 2000-2002 he was a coach at Creighton Prep High School in Omaha, NE. From 1997-2000, he was the Head Coach at Dell Rapids St. Mary's High School in Dell Rapids, SD. Yost played college football at Dakota State University at Madison, SD, as a tight-end, where he was the team captain and SDIC All-Conference in 1993. In high school, Andy played in Beresford, SD. Quoting DeGeorgia, "Andy comes to us with an abundance of coaching experience and still at a young age. I am excited to have him join our staff for the 2008 season. I feel he will be a great addition to the Bandits Organization."

Jason Walding has been named the Offensive Line Coach. He returns to the Bandits for the second time as a coach, with previous experience from the 2005 season. Jason will be counted on to help develop the offensive and defensive lines. Walding is a Sioux City native and played his high school football for the Bishop Heelan Crusaders. Coach DeGeorgia says, "Jason has been a loyal supporter of the Bandits since the early days. I look forward to having him work with the team."

The Bandits have scheduled a player try-out for January 13, at the Long Lines Center starting at 9am. The Bandits have also scheduled a player try-out for January 20, at "the Bubble" in Iowa City, located across the street from Kinnick Stadium, starting at 8am. The cost is $40 pre-register and $50 CASH at the try-out. You may register on-line at www.scbandits.com

**The Bandits have scheduled a pre-season game for Sunday, March 2nd, at the Tyson Events Center against the St. Joseph Ravens. Kickoff is scheduled for 3pm. Tickets are priced at $7.50 for non-season ticket holders, and $5 for season ticket holders.

The Bandits open the 2008 regular season on March 8th, at Wichita Wild, in Wichita, KS. Home opener is scheduled for March 28th, with the Billings Outlaws at the Tyson Events Center.

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