Barnstormers Sign Local Talent from Tryout
October 24, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers have signed local defensive back Austin Fest following the team's 2024 Open Tryout, Head Coach Dave Mogensen announced today.
On Saturday, October 21 the Iowa Barnstormers held their annual Open Tryout at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Over 30 athletes from across the country competed for a chance at making the 2024 Barnstormers roster. One of those hopefuls, defensive back Austin Fest, earned an invitation to Training Camp.
Fest (5-11, 195, Gustavus Adolphus) is a West Des Moines native and Valley High School graduate. Collegiately, Fest attended Gustavus Adolphus College. Fest started in 20 games with the Golden Gusties, where he collected 136 total tackles, two interceptions, 5.5 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
"Austin caught our eye quickly," said Coach Mogensen. "Just with the way he moved in drill work, you could see his athletic ability shine right away. Later in one-on-one and five-on-five sessions he was dominating against the guys we put in front of him. He clearly rose to the top of the group and stuck there the whole workout. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do in training camp this spring."
The Barnstormers saw great effort from those who competed for a spot on the team's 2024 Training Camp roster, but Fest stood out amongst the group earning his spot.
"I always appreciate the energy from guys at our open workouts," said Coach Mogensen. "It takes a lot of gumption just to take that step to show up to a workout so I give credit to those guys who showed up and showed out. It is often hard to quantify how their success from the tryout will translate to training camp with us based on the uptick in competition level, but we were excited about a few guys and have signed one already.'
Fest will enter the Iowa Barnstormers Training Camp in the Spring to vie for his place on the team's final 2024 roster.
All roster signings for the 2023 Iowa Barnstormers season are presented by Kelly's Little Nipper. The Kelly's Little Nipper menu features appetizers, tasty burgers, delicious baskets, and a variety of sandwiches and pizza options. Visit them at 1701 E Grand Ave in Des Moines.
There's still time to lock in your 2023 Iowa Barnstormers Season Tickets! Get the same great seat at the remaining seven regular season home games. Call the Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255.
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