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AFL Iowa Barnstormers

Barnstormers Announce 2012 Team Award Winners

July 24, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers are proud to announce the winners of their 2012 team awards. Five awards were handed out a private post-season party on Monday night after a vote by Barnstormers players and coaches. The winners are listed below.

2012 Team MVP: J. J. Raterink

Offensive Player of the Year: Jesse Schmidt

Defensive Player of the Year: Jason Simpson

Lineman of the Year: David Bedford

Special Teams Player of the Year: Darnell Carter

Quarterback J.J. Raterink was named the Barnstormers 2012 team MVP. The 2012 season was his first with the Barnstormers and he did not disappoint. Raterink set several team single season records, including touchdowns (93) and yards passing (4,870). The University of Wyoming Alumni appeared in 17 games this season. His TD-Int. ratio (93-7) was an AFL best.

Wide Receiver Jesse Schmidt was voted as the Barnstormers 2012 Offensive player of the year. The Buena Vista alumni broke every significant Barnstormers receiving record for the second straight season. In 2012, Schmidt collected 172 receptions, 2,218 yards and 58 touchdowns, leading the AFL in all 3 categories. He is a strong candidate for AFL receiver of the year.

Jason Simpson was voted Defensive Player of the Year. Simpson starred at both Jack Linebacker and Defensive back and was the team's outspoken verbal leader. He finished the year second on the team with 106 tackles and set a Barnstormers team record for most interceptions in one season with 10.

Offensive / Defensive Lineman David Bedford was named Barnstormers lineman of the year. Bedford appeared in 17 games during 2012. Bedford was brought in primarily to play defense, where he recorded 14 tackles and one sack. However when injuries occurred, Bedford was switched to offense, where he played on the offensive line and fullback. His versatility makes him a great team player and teammate.

Finally, Darnell Carter was named the Barnstormers special teams player of the year. Carter was a key contributor on both kickoff coverage and returns, however he became most valuable for his long snapping abilities on field goals and extra points. The Barnstormers entered the season without a clear-cut long snapper, before turning the duties over to Carter. The rookie from Virginia took the job and Iowa's kicking game improved dramatically as the season went on.

The Barnstormers would like to thank all of their fans for a great 2012 season. Planning is already underway for the Barnstormers 2013 season. Season ticket packages are already on sale, with tickets starting at just $99.00. For complete updates and the latest team information, continue to check out www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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