McEwen Returns Home

August 13, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release


The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz offensive coordinator Sparky McEwen turned into the former offensive coordinator of the Dawgz today. McEwen was introduced as head coach of the AFL's Grand Rapids Rampage during a press conference at Van Andel Arena on Friday. He becomes the third coach in the franchise's seven-year history.

"There is no place like home, and I feel blessed and honored to have the opportunity to be the head coach of the Arena Football League team in my hometown," McEwen said.

McEwen was the Rampage's offensive coordinator during the team's best years on the field (2001-03), which included winning an ArenaBowl championship in 2001. Overall, his offenses have scored more points and averaged more total offensive yards in the past four seasons than any other offensive coordinator in the AFL/af2.

"I've always been impressed with Sparky, and the front-office experience he received in Oklahoma City helped solidify our decision," Rampage owner Dan DeVos said.

This past season, McEwen led the Yard Dawgz offense and finished with the af2's second-best scoring team (56.8 points per game), the third-best offensive unit (276.8 yards per game) and third-ranked passing offense (260.8 yards per game). Yard Dawgz quarterback Craig Strickland led the af2 in passing touchdowns (84) and finished fifth in passing yards.

"We are all very happy for Sparky and wish him the best," Yard Dawgz Head Coach Gary Reasons said. "We know he was on borrowed time here in Oklahoma City. He is an excellent coach with AFL success and the timing was right for him to be a head coach." After reaching the playoffs the past six seasons under head coach Michael Trigg, the Rampage became the worst team in the AFL last season finishing 1-15.

"There's absolutely no doubt in my mind we will turn this thing around," McEwen said.

McEwen was a quarterback on the Rampage's inaugural 1998 season. He appeared in five games and had a 2-1 record as starting quarterback with 477 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and six rushing scores. McEwen was the starting quarterback for Ferris State University in Big Rapids from 1987-90.

Following his arena football playing days, McEwen started scouting for the NFL, XFL and the Big Ten Conference for the Rampage. He and his wife, Janelle, have three children: Charles ("Little Sparky"), A.J. and Ja'nae.



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