Capitols Player to Capitols Coach
November 18, 2004 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lincoln Capitols News Release
Lincoln, NE. - - The Lincoln Capitols, member of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), are pleased to announce that Pat Schaben has accepted the position of Head Coach for the Lincoln Capitols football team.
After mulling over many highly qualified candidates, Lincoln Capitols owner Bruce Bailey kept coming back to Pat.
"Personally, I feel Pat has a true understanding of what it will take to return the Capitols back to the high level that indoor fans in Lincoln are not only used to, but expect. With his many years of experience playing indoor football and his long-standing local ties, I am very excited to see what Pat can put together. With a full off-season of preparation and the support of a coaching staff that he is presently in the process of selecting, I think Lincoln fans will have reason to be excited as well."
Schaben was a Seward Bluejay that went on to play his college ball at the University of Nebraska Kearney, where he was a 3-year starter and a team co-captain for his senior year. Pat has been part of indoor football in Lincoln, playing for all three professional leagues, the IFL, AF2, and finally for the NIFL Lincoln Capitols. During this time, he has been part of one of indoor footballs most dominating offensive lines. Star NIFL running backs like Damon Benning, Rayshawn Askew and John Hall have benefited from running behind the line that Pat has manned. In fact, in 2003 he was part of the Caps offensive line that helped John Hall lead the NIFL in rushing as Hall ran for over 1100 yards, only the second back in the league to rush for over 1000 yards in a single season.
Pat also helped the Capitols out in a time of dire need last season. When the team decided to change directions, Pat, whose season had just ended in injury stepped up and became the interim Head Coach. Pat continued the season as it had started without the aid of official assistant coaches and battled a season where the players ran into many more injuries than most teams in the league combined.
Pat has played and will coach with the full support of his family and biggest fans, his wife, Tina, his young son, P.J. and his parents Gerry and Lee Ann. You will see the Schaben clan cheering Pat and the Capitols at almost every game, at home or on the road.
In his other life, Pat works as a sales representative for Bauer Built Tires in Lincoln, NE., whose support of his involvement with the Lincoln Capitols has been very important and very much appreciated.
Schaben's goal for the 2005 season is simple; to field a team of local players that have collegiate experience, still love the game and want to play at a highly competitive level. Pat also feels it's important for his team to have community interaction and backing both on and off the field of play. Pat and his players have been involved in numerous fundraisers this off-season and look forward to participating in many more.
Tryout dates for the 2005 Lincoln Capitols will be announced soon.
The Lincoln Capitols have more great deals available for 2005 season tickets. You can call the Capitols' office for more details at 477-8888 or e-mail at lincolncapitols@hotmail.com.
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