Fort Wayne Freedom Announce Player Signings And Tryout Date

Published on October 24, 2007 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Fort Wayne Freedom News Release


The Fort Wayne Freedom, first-year member of the Continental Indoor Football League, have announced the signing of the first two players in team history as well as the date for their first open tryout. Head coach "Touchdown" Eddie Brown has reached agreements with running back Rocky Harvey and wide receiver/kick returner Luther Stroder to play for the Freedom in 2008.

Both players have previous experience in Fort Wayne, having played for the Freedom team that played in the NIFL and UIF from 2003-2006. Harvey (5'9", 220 lbs) is recognized as perhaps the most popular player in the history of Fort Wayne professional football, as well as the most accomplished. During the 2005-06 seasons, Harvey rushed for over 1,700 yards, including 633 yards in 2006 despite missing six games with a high ankle sprain. In 2005 he rushed for 1,095 yards and scored 33 touchdowns in the Memorial Coliseum. A resident of Indianapolis, IN, Harvey ranks fifth in career rushing yards at the University of Illinois (2,711 yards), playing running back from 1998-2001.

Stroder (5'9", 190 lbs) played parts of all four seasons the previous team was in Fort Wayne (2003-06). He amassed over 350 rushing yards, 800 receiving yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Stroder attended training camp in 2007 with the Fort Wayne Fusion and served as an assistant to head coach Eddie Brown throughout the season. Stroder capped a tremendous career at University of Saint Francis in 2002, leaving as the school's leader in career rushing touchdowns (44), as well as the single season record holder (20). In 2002 versus Geneva, Stroder set single-game records by rushing for 206 yards (2nd in school history) and scoring 4 rushing touchdowns (tied for 1st).

Brown has also announced that the first tryout for the Freedom will be held on Saturday, December 1st from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Fort Wayne Golf Dome. The Dome, located at 5702 Engle Road in Fort Wayne, IN, is the Official Practice Facility of the Fort Wayne Freedom and will also serve as the headquarters for the Freedom Force Kid's Club in 2008. All interested tryout participants will be charged a $50 registration fee and may pre-register by visiting www.fwfreedom.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Continental Indoor Football League Stories from October 24, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central