Former Yard Dawgz Quarterback Craig Strickland Named Best All-Time
March 13, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - The arenafootball2 league announced today quarterback Craig Strickland has been named the league's top quarterback of all-time. The announcement comes as part of a series of releases by the af2 league office recognizing the league's top ten games, teams, coaches, and players by position in honor of the league's 10 th anniversary. Strickland was selected by a group of af2 head coaches past and present, members of the media, and fans throughout the country.
"Craig was a super talent in our league and is very deserving of this honor," said af2 President Jerry Kurz. "He was a great competitor and a great leader during his playing career, two traits that have certainly served him well as a coach."
Strickland played six seasons in the af2, finishing his career in 2006 with the Yard Dawgz as the league's all- time leader in pass completions (1,736), pass attempts (3,029), passing yards (22,688) and touchdown passes (481). Strickland spent his entire career within the state of Oklahoma, beginning with the Tulsa Talons (2000- 01, 2003) and finishing with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (2004-06). In 2003, Strickland led the Talons to their first ArenaCup Championship. Strickland was named to the All-af2 First Team in 2004 and All-af2 Second Team in 2003 and 2006.
"I feel that this award is well deserved for one of the classiest players that I have ever coached in the AFL or af2," commented Yard Dawgz Head Coach Sparky McEwen.
As a member of the Yard Dawgz, Strickland led the team to a 31-17 regular season record and three playoff appearances. He holds Yard Dawgz career passing records in both yards (12,179) and touchdowns (269). Strickland also holds the single season touchdown record with 98 TD's. Strickland's #9 jersey was retired by the Yard Dawgz on July 19, 2008. His number remains the only retired jersey for Oklahoma City to date.
"Strick (land) was and still is extremely competitive and brought to the field great leadership and knowledge of the game, "said Yard Dawgz General Manager Christie Cook. "A talent like Strick is not easily replaced."
Strickland is a graduate of Carl Albert High School in Midwest City. He spent two seasons at Oklahoma State University followed by stints at Butler County Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso.
Yard Dawgz season tickets are available now, starting as low as $56! The home opener is April 4, 2009 at the Cox Convention Center versus the South Georgia Wildcats. The Yard Dawgz Block Party will begin at 5:00 PM on Reno and kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM. For additional information, please call (405) 228-3294 or visit www.okcyarddawgz.com.
Contribut ions by Marc Lestinsky, Director of Media Services for arenafootball2
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