Muskegon Thunder Bolsters Lineup With Signing Of Horn
Published on March 27, 2008 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Muskegon Thunder News Release
MUSKEGON - The Muskegon Thunder of the Continental Indoor Football League are pleased to announce the signing of defensive back Jon Horn for the remainder of the 2008 season. Jon worked out with the team this week in preparation for Saturday night's game at Milwaukee against the Bonecrushers.
Recent injuries to receivers Nathan Wruble (leg) and Richard Gills (wrist) along with defensive back James Poole (leg) have forced the team to make several adjustments to their projected lineup. Wruble and Poole could be back in 3-4 weeks, but Gills is likely out 6-8 weeks.
Horn brings indoor experience to his new squad, having played the 2007 season with the rival Kalamazoo Xplosion. Thunder head coach Shane Fairfield remembered Horn from last season.
"I know last year when we played against him, he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time," said Fiarfield, who also assists defensive coordinator Ryan Hodges with the defense. "We'll be able to use him in several different positions."
Horn prepped at Battle Creek Central under coach Al Slammer, graduating in 2001. While with the Bearcats, he made All-Conference twice and was invited to participate in Michigan's high school All-Star game before heading to Northwood University.
At Northwood, under coach Pat Riepma, Horn continued to excel, garnering Freshman of the Year honors along with All-Conference selections on three occasions. As a senior, he made honorable mention All-American and was included on the All-Region first team.
Horn loved his experience during practice this week at Lakeshore Sports Centre in Muskegon.
"I loved all the guys," exclaimed Horn, who was invited to work out with the Detroit Lions in 2006. "The other DB's welcomed me and we helped each other with techniques."
Horn will join fellow defensive backs Maurice Simpson, Dominic Thocher, Tim Gough, Corey Sullivan and Poole on the roster.
"This is a great opportunity," continued Horn who earned two management degrees in college.
"It is a privilege to step in and help be a part of this first-class organization. It's a great feeling."
Coach Fairfield finished off Wednesday's practice with a challenge to follow up on commitments, whether to your teammates or your community. That was music to Horn's ears.
"I loved when (Fairfield) was talking about doing things the right way," said Horn. "I think if we can get that going this team can do some big things.
"Not just on the field, but in the community. I'm an inner city kid myself and I know they look up to us."
Horn also liked the up-tempo practice that is a trademark of the Thunder coaching staff, and the positional knowledge and intensity of Coach Hodges.
"It's nice to have a coach who knows what he's talking about," added Horn of Hodges who played DB at Ferris State. "He was teaching me things in one night I didn't get anywhere I've played before. He has a great personality, too."
Coach Fiarfield liked what he saw and included Horn on this week's 21-man active roster for the trip to Milwaukee.
"He seems like a real coach's player," he added. "He definitely has a love for the game."
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