Local Standout Joins Thunder
January 28, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio- The Mahoning Valley Thunder is pleased to announce the assignment of Josh Swogger by the arenafootball2 League Office. Swogger (6'5, 238), a Quarterback is a first year af2 player.
Swogger, of Vienna, Ohio was one of the most celebrated Youngstown area athletes of the past decade. After beginning his high school career at Mathews, Swogger transferred to Youngstown's Ursuline High School prior to his junior season. In two years with the Irish, Josh threw for over 3,900 yards and 30 touchdown passes, completing 60 percent of his throws. Swogger did just as much damage on the ground, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and 16 more scores, earning First Team All-SVC (Steel Valley Conference) and All-Ohio honors in both of his two seasons at Ursuline. During his senior season, Swogger lead Ursuline to a 14 and 1 record that culminated in a Division IV State Championship. For his efforts, Swogger was named the 2000 Division IV Ohio Offensive Player of the Year, CBS Sports All-American, and nominated to play in Ohio's North-South All-Star Game.
After receiving scholarship offers from Louisville, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan and Akron among others, Josh accepted a scholarship to Washington State University. Swogger began his Cougar career in the 2003-04 season as a red-shirt freshman. Josh saw action in nine games that fall completing 50 percent of his passes for 548 yards and a touchdown. As a sophomore, Josh started the Cougars first six games before being sidelined because of a foot injury. In those six games Swogger threw for 1,283 yards with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Swogger saw action in three games for WSU as a junior completing half of his passes for 147 yards and one score.
Josh transferred to Montana for his senior year in 2006. In one season with the Grizzlies Swogger averaged over 200 passing yards per game, throwing for 2,659 yards with 17 scores and 12 interceptions, helping the Grizzlies reach the Football Sub-Division (I-AA) semifinals. Following his collegiate career Josh spent time in training camp with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills along with the Colorado Crush of the AFL.
QUARTERBACK BRINGS SIZE, SMARTS UNDER CENTER
"Josh has terrific size for a quarterback, and a cannon arm. He's a real student of the game, not too many looks are going to surprise him. He's been around a number of different offenses, so he's pretty comfortable in the pocket." Said Thunder Head Coach Mike Hold. "Having a local kid under center is something this community can rally around, we're excited to bring Josh back to the Mahoning Valley and expect big things both for him and the Thunder." Hold continued.
All media outlets and Thunder fans are invited to attend a press conference introducing Swogger as the newest member of the Thunder. The press conference will be held Tuesday January 29th at 3pm at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown. Swogger and Head Coach Mike Hold will be available for comment.
The Mahoning Valley Thunder opens the season at home Saturday March 29th on Cortland Banks Field inside the Chevrolet Centre. Be a part of all the action in 2008 as the Thunder continues their climb towards the ArenaCup9 Championship. Season ticket prices start as low as $96 and are on sale now. For more information call the Thunder Offices at 330.758.4af2 (4232).
• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...
arenafootball2 Stories from January 28, 2008
- Local Standout Joins Thunder - Mahoning Valley Thunder
- Blizzard Announce Freeze Dance Team - Green Bay Blizzard
- Steamwheelers to Host Second Deck Mates Dance Team Tryouts on February 7th - Quad City Steamwheelers
- Final Amarillo Dusters open tryout announced - Amarillo Venom
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.
