Rich Ingold Named Sportexe AF2 Coach of the Year
August 18, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release
CHICAGO - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers' Head Coach RICH INGOLD has been named the Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year, as selected by a vote of his fellow arenafootball2 head coaches and media members.
Ingold, in his second season at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, guided the Pioneers to a 14-2 regular season record and an East Division title in 2007. He has also led the team to two playoff victories and an appearance in the American Conference Championship game, which will take place later on today.
When the Pioneers defeated the Tri-Cities Fever, 57-54, in the first round of the American Conference playoffs, Ingold became the all-time winningest coach in af2 history, notching his 58th win. The previous all-time leader was 2006 af2 Coach of the Year, CHRIS SIEGFRIED (57 career wins). Ingold's all-time head coaching record now stands at 59-26. Also of note, Ingold becomes the second Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach to take home the Coach of the Year honor, joining LES MOSS (2004).
Ingold's team came out of the gate firing in 2007, rattling off 13 consecutive wins to begin the season. The Pioneers' offense ranked second in the league, averaging 57.5 points per game. The team reached at least 70 points in five games this season. The defense, led by Spalding Rookie of the Year CHRIS ROYAL, caused 45 turnovers and held opponents to 40 points or less on seven different occasions in 2007. The Pioneers also featured Havoc Kicker of the Year, DAVID DAVIS. In addition, five Pioneers, including Davis and Royal, were named to the American Conference All-af2 First Team earlier this week.
Earlier this season Ingold became only the fourth head coach in af2 history to collect 50 wins in his career. In addition to his current job in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Ingold spent 2002-2004 as the head coach of the Quad City Steamwheelers.
The 2007 ArenaCup playoffs continue tonight with the American and National Conference Championship games. In the American Conference Championship, the Green Bay Blizzard will travel to take on Rich Ingold's East Division Champion Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers at 7:00 EST. The National Conference Championship will feature the Central Division Champion Tulsa Talons playing host to the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings at 8:00 EST. The winner of each Conference Championship will meet at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, La. on Saturday, August 25 for ArenaCup8.
Tickets are going fast, but for a limited time, fans can purchase four (4) Sideline ArenaCup Tickets and get two (2) FREE Roundtrip Airline Tickets to any one of over 30 fantastic getaway destinations! The traveler is entitled to two complimentary roundtrip airline tickets when staying at one of the participating hotels or resorts for a minimum number of nights and paying standard hotel rates. Air, hotel and resort reservations must be made through Fly Free America. For complete information call 888-277-5526 or visit www.flyfreeamerica.com/arenacup. Certain restrictions apply.
About SPORTEXE
As one of the global leaders in the synthetic turf system industry, Sportexe began their Coach of the Year Awards in 2006. They annually award coaches nationwide on all major levels from high school, college and professional ranks that demonstrate the same quality, integrity and performance that has become synonymous with the Sportexe brand.
arenafootball2 Stories from August 18, 2007
- Wings Tumble in Tulsa - Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings
- Terry Karg Named SFC Assistant Coach of the Year - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
- Rich Ingold Named Sportexe AF2 Coach of the Year - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
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