Barnstormers Sign Five More Players
Published on November 5, 2009 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Football Operations John Gregory has announced the team has reached agreement with DB Tanner Varner, WR Dusty Kain, DL Jason Ripke, DL Michael Lewis and OL Steve Cully for the 2010 season. The Barnstormers now have 11 players under contract for the upcoming season, their first in Arena Football One.
Varner (6-0, 210) returns for a third season with the Barnstormers and fourth overall playing Arena Football. The standout DB from Northern Iowa is coming off his best season in 2009, as he led the league in tackles with 119.5, and was Iowa's leader in interceptions with 8. In his first three seasons, Varner has recorded nearly 300 tackles and 24 interceptions.
2010 will also be WR Dusty Kain's third with the Barnstormers. The 5-10, 175lb Simpson College Alumni joined the Barnstormers as a walk-on Free Agent in 2008. After impressing the Barnstormers coaching staff immediately, Kain made the team contributing primarily on special teams. He returned to Iowa in 2009 and cracked the lineup as the Barnstormers third receiver, finishing the year with 54 receptions for 614 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Jason Ripke (6-4, 255) will be back in 2010 for another season with Iowa. The DL from Simpson College appeared in the Barnstormers first four games in 2009 before his season was cut short by a knee injury. Ripke was off to a promising start, recording two sacks and forcing two fumbles. He should be even stronger in 2010, as his knee has already made a full recovery.
Four-Year Arena Football veteran Michael Lewis joins the Barnstormers after spending the 2009 season with the Peoria Pirates (af2). In 11 games played, he led the Pirates with 7 sacks and 7 forced fumbles. The Adrian College alumni also played two seasons for the Albany Firebirds in 2007 and 2008 where he was among the team leaders in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, QB pressures and forced fumbles. Offensive Lineman Steve Cully (6-4, 315) brings a wealth of experience to the Barnstormers. The University of Connecticut Alumni has spent time over the past several seasons playing in the AFL, af2, CFL and NFL Europe. He will provide solid depth to the Barnstormers offensive line.
All 5 players will report to the Barnstormers training camp this March to compete for a spot with the club. The 2010 Arena Football One season kicks off this spring, with the schedule to be announced in the coming weeks. Don't forget that 2010 Iowa Barnstormers season tickets remain on sale for as low as $104.00 per seat! Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Call 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com for more information.
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