Fourdyce Retires from Steamwheelers

March 15, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that fullback / linebacker Josh Fourdyce has retired.

One of the original Steamwheelers from the 2000 inaugural 19-0 season, Fourdyce spent all four of his af2 seasons with the Steamwheelers and coach Rich Ingold will miss what he brought to the team.

"He has had a great four-year career here and we will really miss his leadership," said Ingold.

Fourdyce said he is retiring to pursue an outstanding job opportunity in the community and at this time in his life it is something he needs to do. "This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make," said Fourdyce. "I loved the community, the fans, and all the great experiences I had with the Steamwheelers."

Fourdyce had a very productive career with the Steamwheelers playing fullback and linebacker. He leaves the Steamwheelers as their second all-time leading rusher and ranks third in all time sacks with 8.5. He was the only current Steamwheeler to be a member of the two ArenaCup Championship teams in 2000 and 2001.

In 2003 Fourdyce returned from a 2002 injury and had a very solid season rushing the ball 11 times for 33 yards and two touchdowns. His best game of the 2003 season game against Louisville in Week 10 where he tallied nine tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. This was the third week in a row he was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game.

2001 proved to be Fourdyce's best year statistically, rushing the ball 24 times for 84 yards and four touchdowns, which was second best on the team. On defense he recorded 33 tackles and 8.5 sacks during the season. His two sacks against the Carolina Rhinos are still a Steamwheelers playoff-game record.

About Arena Football League

Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, is in its 18th season. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL is currently celebrating its second season on NBC in 2004.

The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years. Several players have moved on to the NFL from the af2 including the ‘Wheelers standout defensive rush end in 2003, Asa Francis, who last month signed with the Buffalo Bills to play in NFL Europe this spring.

The Steamwheelers are gearing up for their Fifth Anniversary season as one of the charter members of the league. Season tickets are currently on sale starting as low as $54. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.



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