Defensive Rookie of the Year Winchester Returns to BlueCats
January 29, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Evansville BlueCats News Release
EVANSVILLE, IN: The Evansville BlueCats are pleased to announce that 2006 UIF Defensive Rookie of the Year John Winchester will return to play linebacker for the Evansville BlueCats in 2007. In addition to Rookie of the Year honors, Winchester also earned 2006 UIF Defensive MVP "Honorable Mention" honors and was named the 2006 UIF First Team All-Star at linebacker.
During his first season with the Evansville BlueCats, John Winchester accumulated a total of 112.5 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss (58 yards), 3.5 sacks (24 yards), 7 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown. He spent most of the season ranked either 1st or 2nd in the league in tackles. He finished the season as the league's second leading tackler and ranked 4th in tackles for loss in the regular season. He earned UIF Defensive Player of the Week "Honorable Mention" honors four times during 2006 for his performances in Week 1, Week 2, Week 5, and Week 7.
His 19 tackles for a loss and 87 solo tackles in 2006 not only led the team, but both numbers were new BlueCats single season team records. Winchester also holds the team record for most tackles in a single game, with 14.
Winchester suffered a season-ending knee injury during the first half of the BlueCats regular season finale against the Sioux Falls Storm last July 8th and was unable to participate in the playoffs last season.
In college, Winchester started at linebacker for four years at the University of Louisiana - Monroe from 2001-2004 after redshirting as a true freshman in 2000. He earned all conference honors during his junior and senior seasons, and was named an Academic All-American for his work in the classroom as he earned his degree in Mathematics. In the spring of 2005, he signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns and attended Rookie Mini Camp.
John Winchester was scouted and placed by the coaches and staff of the indoor football scouting bureau, the official scouting service of the Evansville BlueCats.
Catch the Excitement of Evansville BlueCats professional indoor football with season tickets for the 2007 season. Get your tickets early to reserve your seat for next season. 2007 season ticket holders get 50% off on all BlueCats merchandise while supplies last. For ticket information or to purchase 2007 tickets, call the season ticket hotline at (812) 437-CATS or stop by the BlueCats office to pick your seat in person. For more information on the Evansville BlueCats and 2007 season tickets, please visit the website at www.evansvillebluecats.com.
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from January 29, 2007
- Defensive Rookie of the Year Winchester Returns to BlueCats - Evansville BlueCats
- Storm Add Two Local Standouts for 2007 Season - Sioux Falls Storm
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