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IFL Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

New Head Hawk Lands in Lehigh Valley

December 7, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks announced today at a press conference at the Sam Adams Grille inside the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Breinigsville that the new head coach and leader of the football program for the 2012 season will be Chris Thompson.

Thompson joins the Steelhawks organization after most recently being with the Philadelphia Soul (AFL) as the Manager of Football Programs & Experiences. But Steelhawk fans may know Thompson better as the Head Coach and Assistant General Manager of the Reading Express in 2011. Thompson spent four seasons with the Express as a player and then coach where he amassed an amazing 54-14 record. He had responsibilities that ranged from selling sponsorships/partnerships, group tickets, helping with marketing, merchandise, game day operations, and recruiting players. In his one season as head coach, Thompson coached the Express to an 8-6 regular season record, clinched an Atlantic division title, and dominated a first round playoff win over the Chicago Slaughter 76-33.

While with the Express, he helped guide them to four Northern Division Championships in 2006 - 2009, an Eastern Conference Championship in 2009, and a League AIFA National Championship in 2009 winning 65-42 in Casper, Wyoming. Thompson has coached several players who have made it to the next level, signing contracts in leagues such as the AFL and NFL. This will be Thompson's 11th season involved with professional sports as a player, coach, or front office personnel.

Thompson had a successful playing career as well. He played Professional Arena Football in the various leagues for 5 years including AF2, AIFA, CIFL, AIFL, and NIFL. He played with the Cape Fear Wildcats in 2004, Johnstown River Hawks in 2005, with the Reading Express in their 2006 inaugural season, and with the Chesapeake Tide in 2007. Prior to his pro career, Thompson attended Bloomsburg University on a football scholarship. As quarterback and captain of the Bloomsburg football team, Thompson led the team to the PSAC championship and a berth in the NCAA Playoffs in 2001. He graduated from Bloomsburg in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Concentration in Business Management.

Thompson is a native of Manheim, PA. He currently resides in Ephrata, PA with his wife Leeann and daughter Haley, as they await a new addition to their family.

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are also excited to announce, according to fan vote, the name of the Official Steelhawks Mascot, presented by PA Podiatry and Dr. Thomas Rocchio. After an online fan vote that saw over 600 submissions, Talon was the resounding popular choice. Talon will be making appearances throughout the Valley from now and through out the season.

As well as the exciting addition of Coach Thompson, there are some more additions to the Steelhawks 2012 roster taking place. Wide Receiver Jeff Willis, whom the Steelhawks traded for at the end of last season, signed his Steelhawk contract today. Willis was part of last seasons Reading Express team. He led the Express with 623 total yards and 16 touchdowns, good for sixth in the league. Willis adds another offensive weapon to the Steelhawks arsenal.

Also signing a contract today is another former Express player, free agent Sean Tetreault. The 6'3", 315 pound Offensive Lineman is a great addition to an increasingly solid offensive line. This will be Tetreault's second year in the league. He played college ball at Lebanon Valley College where he was a two-time First-Team All-MAC selection, D3football.com Second-Team All American, D3football.com First-Team All-Region. He started every game in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The Steelhawks are thrilled with the how the 2012 season is looking and look forward to the contributions of the new faces added to the organization.

The Steelhawks will be bringing back the fast paced, exciting action of Indoor Football to Stabler Arena at the beginning of 2012. Season tickets are now available. For more information about tickets, please call the Steelhawk Office at 610-282-3100 or by email at tickets@lvsteelhawks.com.



Indoor Football League Stories from December 7, 2011


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.

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