Three Believers selected to All-Stars
July 30, 2004 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
RiverCity Rage News Release
Former Westminster College teammates Justin Peery and Scott Pingel joined forces again earlier this week when they were named to the National Indoor Football League's Atlantic Conference All Star Team. Peery was named as the All Conference quarterback while Pingel was selected as one of three All Conference wide Receivers.
Peery also walked away with one of the league's top honors when he was selected as the Atlantic Conference Most Valuable Offensive Player. Joining Peery in one of the other top prizes was Believers Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt who was named as the Atlantic Conference All Star Coach. The NIFL does not pick an overall MVP or Coach of the Year, but rather, selects one for each of the two conferences, Atlantic and Pacific.
The trio had previously been named at Atlantic North Division All Stars along with offensive lineman Chase Denton and cornerback Rob Findley.
Scott Pingel continued his record setting career in 2004 by establishing a new NIFL record for receiving yards at 1,415 yards. He also added an NIFL record 118 catches, as well. Pingel led the receiving category through much of the 2004 season with the next highest competitor trailing his total by 337 yards. He was also the only receiver to go over the 100 mark in receptions while still averaging 12.0 yard per catch.
Pingel is no stranger to setting records. He still holds a number of receiving records in college football including the all-time career receiving mark while he was a 3 time NCAA III All American and Melberger Award winner at Westminster College.
Pingel repeated his All Conference distinction from 2003 when he was named as a NIFL Pacific Conference All Star. The Believers were in the Pacific North Division in 2003.
Justin Peery may have been a surprise to many this season, but most who knew the former Westminster star expected he'd make his mark if given the opportunity. Peery had played for the Believers in 2003, but did not get his start until the mid-season and was slowed by an injury late in the year. But, in 2004, Peery came out of the chutes as the starter and quickly established himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Peery led the NIFL in total offense with 3,555 yards and in passing offense at 3,227 yards. He was the only quarterback in the league to surpass 3,000 yards in either category in 2004. Peery also accounted for a mind-boggling 81 touchdowns, passing for 59 and rushing for 22.
Peery had also distinguished himself as a collegian at Westminster College where he was a two-time NCAA III All American. He also holds several college football records and ranks as the #3 all-time career passer, trailing Steve McNair and Ty Detmer in that list.
First year Believers Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt picked up honors as the Coach of Year in the Atlantic Conference by guiding the Believers to their best season in franchise history, going 9-5 and losing in the NIFL Atlantic Conference Quarterfinal Playoffs. The team had never won more than 4 games in any one season and was 7-33 prior to his arrival. Wyatt also developed and offense that set new NIFL records for total offense (4,277 yards), first downs (261) and non-kick scoring (716 points). The team also finished 2nd in passing offense, 3rd in scoring offense, and 6th in rushing offense.
Wyatt took over the helm with the Believers after having spent the last 13 years coaching in Europe, most recently in Germany where he set numerous offensive records. Peery and Pingel had teamed with Wyatt in Germany in 2001.
"Justin and Scott had tremendous seasons for us, but that is something that I have come to expect from both of them. They are as fine at their craft as any players in any league and it has been my pleasure to work with them again, here with the Believers." Stated Wyatt in regard to the Believers dynamic duo.
"In regard to the coach of the year honors, I happily accept in on behalf of the assistant coaches, management, and ownership of the Believers, but most of all, the team. As I have said before, it isn't the âx's and âo's', but the Jimmies and Joes that make a good coach." Wyatt added.
National Indoor Football League Stories from July 30, 2004
- Beef end season 11-6 - Omaha Beef
- Three Believers selected to All-Stars - RiverCity Rage
- Heard Represents Bucks on All-Conference Team - Houma Bayou Bucks
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.
