Laredo Lobos named Mark Stoute new head coach
November 10, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Laredo Lobos News Release
LAREDO, TX - The expansion Laredo Lobos have named veteran AFL and af2 coach Mark Stoute as the team's new head coach. Stoute, known as an intense leader who stresses preparation and attention to detail, has been a head coach at both the AFL and af2 level and boasts 13 years of Arena Football experience.
"When we were looking for a coach, we wanted somebody with extensive experience in the af2 and also someone with ties to the AFL," said Lobos President and General Manager Roque Vela, Jr. "With Coach Stoute, we got the best of both worlds. And on top of that, he's a winner. We're extremely happy to have him and look forward to a great season."
Stoute comes to Laredo after spending the 2006 af2 season as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator with the American Conference Champion Green Bay Blizzard. Stoute's presence helped the Blizzard offense to a No. 1 league ranking in rushing offense (627 yards - 39.2 yards per game) and rushing touchdowns (46). The unit also ranked among the af2's elite in total offense (8th - 4,413 yards - 275.8 yards per game).
"It's a pleasure to be named coach of the Laredo Lobos," said Stoute. "I'd like to thank the Vela family, Doug MacGregor and the entire af2 Texas Holdings group who have presented me with this opportunity. The Laredo community presents a unique opportunity in that it's one of the fastest growing cities in America. I look forward to bringing a championship-caliber football team to the fans of this great area."
Before his stint with Green Bay, Stoute served as the fullback/linebackers coach and special teams coordinator for the AFL's Tampa Bay Storm in 2005. Prior to joining the Storm, Stoute was the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the Indiana Firebirds in 2004 where he also worked as the director of player personnel, helping mold QB Adrian McPherson into the league's Rookie of the Year.
In 2003, Stoute served as the head coach of the Mohegan Wolves (af2). He took over a team that won just three games in 2002 and turned them into a 10-6 squad that also earned its first trip to the playoffs in franchise history.
Stoute's Arena Football career began in 1995 when he landed a job with the Connecticut Coyotes as Assistant Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. A year later he switched over to the other side of the ball, taking over as offensive coordinator and receivers coach for the Charlotte Rage.
Stoute got his first front office opportunity in 1997 with the AFL's Florida Bobcats, where he served a two-year stint as the team's Director of Player Personnel and also was an Offensive Assistant. He then took over as the New England Sea Wolves' Director of Football Operations/Player Personnel in 1999 and stayed with the franchise through its move to Toronto, where they became the Phantoms. He was named the Phantoms' Head Coach and General Manager in 2001, guiding them to a 13-15 record over two seasons and an Eastern Division championship in 2001.
A Barbados native, Stoute got his first coaching opportunity in 1992 when he was hired to work with the special teams at Southern Connecticut State University.
Stoute was a four-year letterman as a kicker at Kentucky State University. After graduating from college, he went on to play in the USFL with the Boston Breakers and New Jersey Generals.
Laredo Lobos season tickets are currently on sale. Ticket prices range from $320 to $112 with the two higher tier prices including parking. To become a part of your team contact the Lobos office at (956) 724-5626.
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