Sting Name Local NFL Star Director of Player Development
Published on January 18, 2011 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Saginaw Sting News Release
The Saginaw Sting's commitment to the Great Lakes Bay Region community became much more apparent today with the announcement of their new Director of Player Development, Stuart Schweigert. "I have a great deal of pride for the Saginaw area and a passion for football. Being involved in these two things that I love made the decision very easy," said Schweigert, "As a member of the front office of this organization, I feel confident that we will make a positive impact on the perception of Sting football in Saginaw."
Sting CEO Mike Esposito commented that "this will be the best franchise in the UIFL and ran in a professional manner that everyone can be proud in our community - Stuart is in a position that can easily put our franchise in the league's upper echelon, since our goal is to place players at the next level. Rob Licth and Bill Wheeler have done an outstanding job resurrecting this franchise and getting great people involved like Stuart".
Schweigert, born and raised in Saginaw, played quarterback and safety for Heritage High School. A four-star recruit for the Hawks, Stuart went on to be a four-year starter for the Purdue Boilermakers. As a defensive back for the Boilermakers Schweigert accumulated 17 career interceptions, breaking the previous record set by former Pittsburgh Steeler and NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson. Earning several other accolades (including Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten 1st Team, All-Big Ten Academic 1st Team, and Playboy All American) while at Purdue put Stuart in a position to take his talent to the next level.
In the 2004 NFL Draft Schweigert was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round (67th overall). In four years with the Raiders he started a total of 52 games racking up 315 tackles, 4 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries. Stuart was later signed by the Washington Redskins and New York Giants before returning to his home state to play for the Detroit Lions in 2008. After 6 years in the NFL, Schweigert signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.
Schweigert will serve in his role within the Sting organization by providing players with support and guidance to help them prepare for the next level. Stu's background and knowledge of the game will help up and coming stars excel in the UIFL and increase their involvement within the Great Lakes Bay Region. One segment of their outreach will include their participation in Stu's Crew. Stu's Crew is a local non-profit organization focusing on education, athletics and community wellness. For more information on Stu's Crew visit www.stuscrew.org
Speaking of community outreach, the Saginaw Sting are proud to announce the Sting Competitive Cheer Contest where local high school cheerleading squads will compete for a grand prize of $1,000 at the end of the 2011 season!
The Saginaw Sting will open on Friday February 18, 2011.
Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from January 18, 2011
- Sting Name Local NFL Star Director of Player Development - Saginaw Sting
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