Chesapeake Tide Announces Coaching Staff
Published on August 31, 2006 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Chesapeake Tide News Release
(UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND) - Team officials for Maryland's first professional indoor football team to hit the field in more than 15 years rolled out a dream team of experienced coaches Thursday, August 31st, and announced their series of tryouts, the first being September 30th.
"I am extremely pleased to be introducing a former Washington Redskin and former Arena Football powerhouse as part of our coaching team, as well as a former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader as our dance coordinator," says Martin Johnson, Tide owner and executive general manager. "These are three professionals who will set the bar high for our on-field talent and make sure we bring our best game to Tide fans everywhere."
Hometown hero Matthew Steeple of Baltimore has signed as the Chesapeake Tide's Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach for the team's inaugural season in the Spring of 2007 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Steeple rides into the Tide organization with over nine years of professional Arena football experience under his belt. He played in 96 regular season games, many playoffs and was showcased in Arenabowl 10 with the Iowa Barnstormers. Steeple also coached on the defensive front for the New Jersey Reddogs, the Everett Hawks, and the Maryland Jaguars semi-pro football team.
A graduate of Northern High School in Baltimore where he was all state in football, wrestling and lacrosse, Steeple's defense experience started during his college career at Morgan State University where he led the team in tackles his junior and senior year, and went on to be a first team all-conference defensive tackle. He was bestowed as defensive player of the year that season and finished his career at Morgan as a first team Black College and D1-AA All-American.
"The Tide is energized in welcoming Matthew Steeple and all he has to bring to our rising sports organization," added Johnson. "Steeple not only is a strong presence on the field, but he also understands the importance of the fans. He will bring smash mouth football excitement to the Maryland sports scene. His leadership will be a positive example to the team and the fans will really enjoy getting to know us."
Creating a balance of power and speed, Tide management signed former Redskin Leslie Shepherd as its offensive coordinator. Shepherd, 36, spent five seasons playing in the National Football League with the Washington Redskins, catching 125 passes for 2,110 yards and 18 touchdowns from 1994 to 1998. He played for Cleveland in 1999 and Miami in 2000-01. He finished his NFL career with 183 receptions for 2,832 yards and 22 touchdowns. No stranger to indoor football, Shepherd has one year of indoor coaching experience as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Morays of the National Indoor Football League.
"Shepherd knows offense," said Jeff Golas, Tide general manager for football operations. "Indoor football is all about excitement. It's fast-paced, high-scoring and a great offense is a key to keeping the fans coming back for more. With Shepherd on board you'll definitely see our players developing a drive for quickness and a love of seeing the fans screaming in the end zone."
Shepherd hails from nearby Suitland, Maryland, where he attended Forestville High School and was acclaimed the number-one Wide Receiver in America according to Parade Magazine in 1988. He went on to become a starter on Temple University's team for three years, then signed with the Pittsburg Steelers as a free agent in 1992.
Returning home to work closer with the community, Shepherd began coaching with the Peppermills Village Boys and Girls Club and was hired by Gwynn Park High School in 2003 as a Wide Receiver coach. In 2005 he was promoted to Offensive Coordinator and assisted in leading Gwynn Park to a 14-0 season and their first State Championship.
Ben Thompson will be the Tide's defensive coordinator in 2007. Thompson is also the defensive coordinator and linebacker's coach at Old Mill Senior High School in Millersville, MD. He has helped lead the Patriots to an Anne Arundel County record of seven consecutive state playoff appearances, including the 2005 4-A East Regional Championship.
Thompson played locally at Good Counsel High School and Montgomery Junior College, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He currently lives in Baltimore County and is employed as an assistant utilities team manager for Anne Arundel County Dept. of Public Works.
Other members of coaching staff signed to date include, Robert N. Holmes, Jr. as Assistant Defensive Coordinator and Director Player Scout; Chris Russell, Offensive Line Coach; and Grady Baker, Quarterback Coach.
Adding a bit of pizzazz to the coaching team is Jaime Morris leading the Tidal Wave Dance Team as Director. Morris brings to the Tide an extensive cheerleading and dance background, which includes a three year stint as a member of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens Dance Team. "Jaime's entertainment experience will bring a whole lot of sizzle to an already hot sport," said Johnson. "She's top-notch in every sense of the word." A New Jersey native, Morris now resides in downtown Annapolis. She danced and cheered her way to college where she earned a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications from Towson University. Morris aims to put together a highly entertaining and talented group of women that will keep the fans pumped.
For more information, visit www.chesapeaketide.com
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from August 31, 2006
- Chesapeake Tide Announces Coaching Staff - Chesapeake Tide
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