Greyhounds Sign Four to Contracts

February 8, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Ohio Valley Greyhounds News Release


The Ohio Valley Greyhounds today announced the signing of (4) four players to their roster. One of the players is a returning offensive standout from the 2006 season and the other three will be new to the Greyhound organization. The players are wide receiver Darrell Dowery, wide receiver Dwayne Hodge, offensive lineman John Sloan, and defensive lineman Michael Major.

The returning Greyhound is wide receiver Darrell Dowery, 5' 11". 180 lbs .Darrell was a graduate of Kent State University and a native of Washington DC. Darrell returns for his second year for the Greyhounds. Darrell had a tremendous year in his rookie season in 2006 finishing 3rd in the UIF in receiving yards, and first in the league with most TD receptions in one game (6), and first in the league with most points scored in a single game (36). "Darrell's return to the Hounds to rejoin already signed veteran wide receiver Willie Austin will really give us a very strong passing game" said new Head Coach, Ervin Bryson. "The Greyhounds led the UIF in almost every passing category and we expecting big things again this season with an even stronger receiving corps." he continued.

New to the Greyhound organization for 2006 and expected to make a major contribution on defense line is Michael Major 6' 4" 310 lbs. Michael is from Hilton Head High School where he led the team in tackles in one year and sacks for three years. Two of those years he was an All-American Defensive End and Defensive Tackle and was rated as one of South Carolina's top 50 athletes. Michael attended Savannah State University and became Freshman of the Year and two-time All American in the MEAC through 2001-2004. Major played in the AFL for one season with the Birmingham Steel Dogs.

Also new to the "Hounds for 2006 is offensive lineman John Sloan 6' 3" 320 lbs from Landers, California. He attended Yucca Valley High School where as a senior he recorded 72 tackles and 7 sacks. In 2004 he starred for the Inland Empire Blitz of the Southwest Football League (SWFL) where he recorded 56 tackles, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries. In 2005 he played for the Tri-County Titans of the where he recorded 30 tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. In 2006 John played in the All American Bowl in Las Vegas where he recorded 7 tackles in the game. Also in 2006 John played in Europe for the Cineplexx Blue Devils of the (AFL) and then the Inglewood Blackhawks of the (LCFL) where he recorded 18 tackles, 2 sacks, a blocked field goal and a safety to help lead Inglewood to the LCFL championship with an 18-3 record and ranked as the #1 team in the Western Region.

Another new Greyhound is wide receiver Dwayne Hodge 6' 2" 205 lbs. from Baytown, Texas. Dwayne attended Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi where he garnered the following honors during his playing career:

- 2004 Mid-South All-Conference Team

- Preseason's NAIA "Super Six" team

- Mid-South Conference All-American Player of the Year

- 2005 First Team All Conference

- 2005 NAIA Football All American

- 2005 Don Hansen's NAIA All American

- Mississippi Hall of Fame Senior of the Year (Belhaven College)

Training camp for the Greyhounds begins March 9, 2007. The Greyhounds 9th season opens Saturday March 24, 2006 with a Home Opener against the Lexington Horsemen at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling with kickoff at 7:00 pm.

The Greyhound organization has announced that at all home games this year, all Greyhound ticket holders will be welcome Free of Charge to attend a Collegiate or High School Indoor Lacrosse match which will take place from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at WesBanco Arena prior to each Hound home game. Lacrosse has become the fastest growing sport in the country today and like indoor football is a phenomenal spectator sport. Speed, skill, strength and toughness are just a few of the qualities that make this sport the fastest game on two feet. Indoor Lacrosse is filled with amazing passes, bruising hits, outstanding goaltending, stunning passing, and poetic grace and agility.

After the Lacrosse game ends at 5:30, fans can view the Greyhounds and the opposing team go through their warm-ups prior to kick-off. Also the Arena vestibule will feature activities for the entire family including top-notch, live entertainment from around the region, a pre-game pep rally, fun play activities for the kids, face painting for adults & children, photo-ops with Blitz the Mascot and other special guests, and lots of unannounced surprises prior to the 7:00 pm Greyhounds kick-off.

New season tickets are now on sale for all 7 home games and may be purchased by check, money order, or credit card. Season tickets may be purchased at the: Wesbanco Arena Box Office - 2 Fourteenth Street - Wheeling, WV (304) 233-4470

The Greyhound office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am.to 5:00 pm and may be reached by calling (304) 232-1918 for additional information.



United Indoor Football Association Stories from February 8, 2007


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