Reading Express Tab Chris Malleo as Starting Quarterback
February 25, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (February 25, 2011) - The Reading Express indoor pro football organization has named Chris Malleo as its newest starting quarterback. Malleo will make his first appearance in an Express jersey tomorrow night during the team's season-opener against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
Malleo, a native of Manasquan, N.J., played his college ball at Northwestern University. He arrived at Northwestern as a quarterback, but his talent and versatility quickly provided the opportunity for him to contribute to the Wildcats on both sides of the football. Throughout his college career, Malleo saw action not only at the QB position, but also at Wide Receiver, Running Back and Linebacker. He was voted the team's Most Versatile Player in 2008.
With the Express, Malleo is looking forward to focusing only on the quarterback position.
"It's incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to start," said Malleo. "I worked really, really hard to get to this point. There's already a lot of character and integrity on this football team. We have a lot of guys who are incredibly resilient. We have guys who have really persevered throughout their careers. I really look forward to leading this football team."
This is not Malleo's first experience in the indoor game. His career credits include stops with the AFL's Milwaukee Iron in 2009 and the SIFL's Columbus Lions in 2010. Meanwhile, he also spent time in camp with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts last season.
The decision on the starting quarterback was not an easy one for Reading Express Head Coach Chris Thompson. Malleo, Bill Winters and Andrew Carcich are each putting up a great effort for the starting job. While Malleo gets the nod for the opener, Thompson is exactly closing the book on the others.
"Chris Malleo is going to start tomorrow night, but our fans may actually see two quarterbacks get playing time," said Thompson. "We have three great quarterbacks; two will dress for the home opener. I like all three. We just need to see how this little QB controversy is going to play out. I figure all three will probably see some action at some point in time in the next few weeks, unless we realize we have our guy."
Game Details: Saturday's kick-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. at Sovereign Center. Doors open at 6:00. Tickets are going fast, so order yours today. Call the Reading Express at 610.372.7277 to get your seats for the home opener.
Reading Express Indoor Professional Football will begin the 2011 season on Saturday, February 26, on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. Tickets are now on sale at www.expressindoorfootball.com, or you can call 610.372.PASS (7277) to order.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading will begin play as a new member of the Indoor Football League.
• Discuss this story on the Indoor Football League message board...
Indoor Football League Stories from February 25, 2011
- Vidswap.com IFL Players of the Week - IFL
- Kickoff Classic Weekend Recap - IFL
- Reading Express Tab Chris Malleo as Starting Quarterback - Reading Express
- Game Preview: Steelhawks at Express - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
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.
