Mark Steinmeyer Named Head Coach of Reading Express
August 22, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. - The Reading Express indoor professional football organization has named Mark Steinmeyer as the team's new head coach, effective immediately. Steinmeyer becomes the fourth coach in team history. He replaces Chris Thompson, who has accepted a front office position with the AFL's Philadelphia Soul.
Steinmeyer joined the Express in 2008 as defensive backs coach, and had served as defensive coordinator the past two seasons. Steinmeyer was a part of the team's AIFA National Championship effort in 2009. The promotion to head coach is the obvious next step in Steinmeyer's tenure with the Express.
"I would like to thank Ted and Lisa Lavender for the opportunity to become the next head coach of the Reading Express," said Steinmeyer, a New Jersey native who played his college ball at Kutztown University. "Since joining the Express family in 2008, I've gained the utmost respect for the organization and what it stands for. With an overall record of 73 wins and only 27 losses, the Express has established a rich tradition in winning and I am anxious to raise the level of expectations for the future. I vow to bring my passion and enthusiasm for the game of football to the Reading Express both on the field and in the community."
For Thompson, the opportunity to advance his career with a premier organization in the Arena Football League is a welcome one. He joins the Soul as Manager of Football Programs and Experiences.
The Express organization is eager to get started on the Steinmeyer era.
"Mark's commitment and dedication to the organization has not gone unnoticed," said Ted Lavender, president of the Express. "He's been an integral part of the coaching staff, and we're excited to move him up the ranks to head coach. He played a role in our championship run in 2009, and we're confident he can help bring an IFL championship to Reading."
The Express are coming off an Atlantic Division crown in their first year in the IFL. It was the team's fifth division title in its six-year history.
"We're excited about the 2012 season," added Lisa Lavender, chief operating officer of the Express. "While we've been upfront about our interest in selling the organization, we've never lost our zeal for the sport. We continue to entertain offers from potential buyers, but we also continue to move forward towards another exciting season of Reading Express football."
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In six full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 73-27 with five division championships, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading began play as a new member of the Indoor Football League and captured the league's Atlantic Division title. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
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