Ingold Hopes New Addition \'Kicks\' 0-2 Problem
Published on April 16, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
The choice was tough; one that Quad City Steamwheelers head coach Rich Ingold wasn't so hot about making. But when you lose your first two games by a combined four points, a lot of it having to deal with missed PAT's and missed field goals coming from the foot of Brian Hegnauer, sometimes you don't have a choice.
The decision was made to bring in someone to challenge Hegnauer for the starting role. The challenge came in the form of Rich Ehmke. Ehmke's resume includes stints with the Chicago Bears and a tryout with the AFL San Jose Sabercats.
Due to a booked solid MARK of the Quad Cities, (when the Quad City Mallards (UHL) lost on Tuesday night, it forced a game five to be held at The MARK on Thursday night) this forced Ingold and the kickers outside to Brady St. Stadium. Brady St. is artificially turfed, therefore providing the kickers with a similar situation that they would have in the arena.
The wind swirled, providing for a non-indoor type atmosphere. However the conditions were the same for both kickers. Ingold first tested the two kickers on their kickoffs, and then had them attempt PAT's and field goals. After the 35-minute workout was over Ingold wasted no time in making his decision. Ehmke had impressed the coach enough to give him the opportunity this Friday night. All of this pending on Ehmke clearing waivers and physicals.
The 37-year old Ehmke graduated from Eastern Illinois in 1987 where he was 62-65 on PAT's and 30-47 on field goals. His longest field goal was a 58-yarder, which was a NCAA I-AA record. He also earned NCAA I-AA all-American honors.
A year later he was with the Chicago Bears in the preseason where he had a kickoff that went for a touchback. That was all the game action Ehmke would see as he was competing against then Bears kicker Kevin Butler.
Ehmke, who came in for the tryout all the way from Ladera Ranch, Calif., then played two seasons with the semi-pro Southern California Storm, where he received the AFA all-America award. He was a perfect 28-28 on PAT's and 14-17 on field goals with a long of 53 yards.
He recently had a tryout with the AFL's San Jose Sabercats this past season, but the Sabercats decided to stick with their veteran kicker, Daron Alcorn, a six year arena vet.
Ehmke will make his debut at The MARK of the Quad Cities, this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. when the âWheelers will take on the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers. Both teams enter the game with 0-2 records.
Good tickets are still available and can be purchased at The MARK box office during regular business hours all the way up until kickoff or online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 563.326.1111.
arenafootball2 Stories from April 16, 2003
- Ingold Hopes New Addition âKicks' 0-2 Problem - Quad City Steamwheelers
- Pioneers Assigned Temple's Washington - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
- Xplorers Make Moves - Memphis Xplorers
- Unbeaten Wolves Look to Conquer Divisional Foes from Albany this Friday - Mohegan Wolves
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.
