UIF Sioux Falls Storm

Wampler and Kelly to be Honorary Captains as Storm Battle Beef

Published on May 12, 2006 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Sioux Falls Storm News Release


The Sioux Falls Storm of United Indoor Football (UIF) is pleased to announce that Jake Wampler and Nick Kelly will serve as honorary captains for this Saturday's game against Omaha. Both young men are seniors at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls and both have fought for their lives over the past couple of years. Wampler's heart stopped and he suffered brain injury after collapsing while practicing football at Lincoln High School. Kelly is recovering from a year-long battle with leukemia.

Since each missed many months of school they will fall just short of having enough credits to graduate with their friends at Lincoln. Last month, the Sioux Falls School Board decided to exclude them from graduation ceremonies even though Wampler is only 5 credits short and Kelly is 1.25 credits shy of graduation requirements. This past Monday, the school board changed its mind amid public pressure to allow the students to participate in the ceremony.

In the game, the undefeated Storm will battle the 3-3 Omaha Beef. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM at the Sioux Falls Arena. Starting with this week's game and for the remainder of the Storm season, the radio broadcasts will be heard on KELO-AM 1320 with pre-game action starting at 6:45.

Offensively, the Storm continues to be led by quarterback Terrance Bryant. Bryant has spread the ball around in workman like fashion as he has thrown 20 touchdowns total to six different receivers. Bryant was named UIF Offensive Player of the Week for his performance last week versus Fort Wayne. The Storm offense is averaging 44.1 points per game, which is second in the UIF.

The Storm is also second in the league in least points allowed at 25.8. The defense is led by Mark Blackburn, who was named UIF Defensive Player of the Week for the efforts last week against Fort Wayne. Blackburn's 10 tackles versus the Freedom gives him a team leading total of 44, which ranks him fourth in the UIF. Justin Landis is also having a very solid season as he has racked up 39 total tackles. Strong Safety, Brian McIntire will make another start for the Storm after a solid performance last week as he had eight tackles and one interception versus the Freedom.

Omaha is led by running back RJ Rollins who leads the UIF in touchdowns with 14 and is second in the league in rushing yards per game with 51.3. Rollins also leads the team in receptions with 20. The Beef offense is averaging 38.5 points per game, which is good for 5th in the UIF.

On the defensive side of the ball, former Storm linebacker Chris Eads, who has won two UIF Defensive Player of the Week honors this season, is third in the UIF in tackles with 46.0. Defensive back Clint Brown is second in the UIF in interceptions with 5. The Beef defense is allowing 37.8 points per game, which ranks 4th in the league

Sioux Falls hits the road next week weekend, Saturday, May 20, as they travel to Sioux City to take on the Bandits. There are a limited number of seats available on the "Storm Chaser" bus to Sioux City. Call the Storm Office at 605-332-4225 by noon on Monday to reserve your seat.

The Storm returns home on Saturday, June 10 when the Peoria Rough Riders come to town. It is Kid's Night sponsored by Avera McKennan Hospital where kids will receive a 2006 Sioux Falls Storm Team Poster. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Individual game for any game can be purchased at the Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. They can also be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Season tickets are still on sale at the Storm Front Office, which will give you the first right or refusal for any home playoff games this season.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Indoor Football Association Stories from May 12, 2006


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.

OurSports Central