Battle for Steamwheelers Quarterback To Be Tight
March 19, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa âThe Quad City Steamwheelers are only two days into camp and the competition is tight.
In what some are considering the best group of players that coach Rich Ingold has brought into camp in his three year tenure, players at all positions are battling for a spot on the 21-man roster.
Of the 33 players who are currently in camp, three will not make it to Sunday. arenafootball2 mandates that the roster be cut down to 30 by the end of Saturday.
"I will know more (after Saturday's scrimmage) and after I take a look at the numbers," Ingold said of making the first cuts.
Among the talent, there are three solid quarterbacks. Two of the three bring Arena Football experience to the table.
The other is a man who has broke myriad records at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, some of which were formerly held by Ingold.
What does a coach do with all of this talent? "The chemistry is hitting," Ingold said. "(Fullback/linebacker) Brian Berg was out here watching the skill guys and couldn't believe how this was the second day and how crisp and sharp that everybody is looking."
One name that is familiar to the Quad Cities is that of veteran Ronnie Gordon. Last season, Gordon backed up af2 Offensive Player of the Year Tony Zimmerman. Zimmerman now spends his days with the Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League.
In limited minutes last season, Gordon completed 8 of 12 passes for 145 yards with four of those going for touchdowns. He finished the season with the league's best quarterback rating.
Gordon has been dubbed by Ingold as the man to beat in camp and likes his progress so far.
"He's focused, he's a leader and is throwing the ball real well," Ingold said.
Gordon likes the opportunity that he has in front of him and is happy that guys are looking to him when they have questions.
"It's a welcomed felling to come in with everybody depending on me in order to play well," Gordon said. "I am looking forward to the challenge, I know the system, what coach wants, now it's up to me to go out and make it happen."
Gordon is quick to point out that he knows that there is some tough competition right behind him.
"Both those guys are good," Gordon said. "They both throw the ball good and are smart.
"They are here for a reason; coach Ingold does not bring in bad quarterbacks (to camp)."
Brian Eyerman is still adjusting to the confines of the indoor game after a stellar four-year career at IUP. Eyerman holds 11 passing records at IUP, including the most career yards from scrimmage (7,779). Other career records that have Eyerman's name tagged along with it are: career touchdowns (89), passing yards (8,409) and most passing attempts (536).
Some of those records used to belong to Ingold.
"He deserves it," Ingold said. "He is a very intelligent player, the guy has been a helluva player."
As a master of the outdoor game, what did Eyerman think once he saw the size and the style of the Arena game?
"It's quick and it was a little frustrating at first," Eyerman said. "It's a fast paced game and I am not used to that.
"I am used to sitting back and being able to make all of my reads...you can't do that here, there is a lot less chance for error."
Since Eyerman is the only one of the three quarterbacks without Arena Football experience, he is getting a lot of help from his competitors.
"They have been helping me out a lot," he added. "I am just trying to get better and get some tips."
One of those guys who is providing the help is the other Arena Football vet, Matt Pike.
Pike, who spent time with the Tampa Bay Storm of the AFL in 1997 and 1998, also spent time with the Steamwheelers divisional rival Peoria Pirates.
After starting the season with the af2's Louisville Fire, Pike was reassigned to the Pirates. He spent a year and a half with the Pirates prior to severely injuring his back, limiting his play.
In 2002, he completed 8 of 22 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in five games.
But now, Pike is back, in full health and enjoying camp.
"All of us are talented," Pike said. "I am looking forward to the challenge and I am here to play and have some fun and hopefully we can win some games."
And the experience always helps. Pike can relate to Ingold's style of coaching.
"(Having the experience) is very helpful," Pike said. "Coach runs the same stuff that I had in Tampa when I was in the AFL, so I can jump right in and start going."
And the quality of the receivers that these guys get to throw to is potentially the best in the af2.
"We're so lethal at receiver it's not even funny," Pike added. "Talent wise it's just up there, it's great; you can't beat it."
The competition will be tough and will be fun to watch. Who will start at quarterback for the Steamwheelers? We'll only have to wait and see.
About Arena Football League
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, is in its 18th season. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL is currently celebrating its second season on NBC in 2004.
The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.
Several players have moved on to the NFL from the af2 including the âWheelers standout defensive rush end in 2003, Asa Francis, who last month signed with the Buffalo Bills to play in NFL Europe this spring.
The Steamwheelers are gearing up for their Fifth Anniversary season as one of the charter members of the league. Season tickets are currently on sale starting as low as $54. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.
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