IFL Sioux Falls Storm

Blackburn Re-signs

Published on February 18, 2009 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Sioux Falls Storm News Release


The Sioux Falls Storm of Indoor Football League (IFL) has re-signed one of the most feared linebackers in indoor football as Mark Blackburn will return for his seventh season in 2009. Blackburn has been involved in 624 tackles in his career and has led the team in tackles each of the last five seasons. Since Blackburn became a member of the Storm in 2003, the team compiled a record of 82-20 and have been in five consecutive league championship games.

Blackburn tied for 2nd in the UIF in forced fumbles in 2008 with (3). Blackburn was again named to the UIF All-Star team. Blackburn has been named a UIF All-Star in each of the four seasons the UIF has existed. Blackburn also added three interceptions and 2.5 sacks in 2008. In the 2008 Playoffs, Blackburn averaged 4.8 sacks per game and had one interception to help the Storm get one step closer to winning their fourth title.

In 2006, Blackburn finished fourth in the league in tackles with 94.5. He led the defense to the first and only shutout in UIF history with a 71-0 victory over Peoria on June 10, 2006.

The former University of South Dakota athlete finished the 2005 season with 97.5 tackles, which ranked third in the UIF.

Storm President Colin Steen says "Having Mark back is going to provide so much more than just tackles and statistics. The players have voted him team captain for a reason and his leadership and intensity is unmatched by any player in our league."

Season tickets for the 2009 season are on sale now. Call the Storm office at 332-4225 to reserve your seats for "The Biggest Show in Town" as the Storm look for their fifth championship in a row in 2009.

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