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IFL Iowa Barnstormers

Barnstormers Continue Pettit Legacy

March 3, 2021 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


The legacy of the Iowa Barnstormers runs deep and since the team's return to Des Moines in 2008, is often thought of synonymously with the name John Pettit. When you think of the Barnstormers, you think of John and when you think of John, you think of family.

The list of John's accomplishments, successes, and accolades is quite extensive, but for those who knew him likely remember John as a family man. The Barnstormers front office, coaches, athletes, and business partners were an extension of John's family and he treated each and every member as one of his own. It wasn't out of the ordinary for John to go out of his way to help an athlete get a job interview, a young employee get their car fixed, or to spontaneously grab the coaching staff for lunch. Nothing made John happier than welcoming the team into his home, often to join him, his wife, and his daughters for a homemade meal.

It is certain that John will be sorely missed by the Barnstormers, but in honor of continuing his legacy, operations will stay in the family.

Juli Pettit was inspired by her father to pursue a career in the sports industry. She has enjoyed a lifetime of his mentoring and has spent the last eight years working alongside him in the Iowa Barnstormers front office. Today, in the wake of her father's untimely passing, Juli steps into the role of General Manager.

"There is a giant hole that is impossible to fill within the Barnstormers organization. I feel honored to be trusted to take on this title and I have every intention of continuing to run the team with the same integrity as my dad," said Pettit. "My dad taught me everything I know and I am one of very few who can honestly say I learned from the best."

In the upcoming Barnstormers season, Juli will lead a number of initiatives in her father's memory. The team's home opener at Wells Fargo Arena on May 22nd will celebrate John's legacy, revealing the team's brand-new jerseys that John designed himself. The Barnstormers will never quite be the same without John's smile on the sideline, but his passion will be carried out through his daughter, Juli.

"I have great confidence in Juli's ability to lead our organization. She learned from the best, and this experience will serve her well," said Barnstormers President Jeff Lamberti. "We will forever miss John's presence, but having Juli take the helm of the organization will ensure that his legacy and leadership remain a part of the Barnstormers organization."

Juli has held several titles within the Barnstormers organization over the past eight years, most recently as the Marketing and Sales Manager. While her title highlights her work in overseeing social and digital marketing strategies and managing the sales staff, her contributions go well beyond. Pettit has assisted, and at times oversaw, aspects of merchandising, game operations, internal operations, community relations, and media relations.

As General Manager, Juli is one of few females to represent an IFL team in that role.

The Iowa Barnstormers 2021 season kicks off on May 15 in a road contest versus the Sioux Falls Storm. The team will return to Wells Fargo Arena for the first time in over a year for their home opener on Saturday, May 22. Information regarding single game and season tickets will be available soon. For more information, visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

Written by: Bri Funte



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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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