Wild Solidify Quarterback Position

February 2, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Wichita Wild News Release


The Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League (IFL) has signed the likely starting quarterback for the 2009 season. Derek Rasmussen will lead the offense on field from the quarterback position. Rasmussen has professional experience as he played the 2008 season for the Tulsa Talons of Arena Football2 (af2). The Wild also signed former Friends standout quarterback Alex Malugin to the roster.

In Tulsa, Rasmussen started the season as the back-up, but did see playing time after an injury to the starter. Rasmussen started one game for the Talons and played in five others during the season. Rasmussen compiled 302 yards on 27-of-50 passing and eight touchdowns on the season.

Prior to starting his pro career, Rasmussen attended Evangel University in Lee's Summit, MO. Rasmussen started 34 games in his career for the Crusaders. In his final season in 2007, he passed for 2,507 yards and threw for 19 touchdowns during his senior campaign. As a junior in 2006, Rasmussen started nine games as injuries held him out of the final two games of the season. Rasmussen threw for 1,445 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.

In 2005, he helped lead Evangel to a 9-3 record and to the NAIA National Quarterfinals. He became only the third QB in Crusaders history to throw for over 2,500 yards in a season (2,589). Rasmussen finished 14th in the nation in passing yards per game with 215.8 yards per game. Rasmussen added 25 touchdown passes during the season.

The Lee's Summit native ended his collegiate career among Evangel?s all-time leaders in nearly every significant passing category. He is third in all-time passing yards with 6,765 and third in career touchdowns with 58. Rasmussen holds the Evangel record for career completion percentage as he completed 56% of his passes (493 of 879) over his career. Rasmussen was a three-time all conference selection in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Rasmussen graduated from Raymore-Peculiar High School in Missouri in 2003. The team went 12-1 his senior year and lost in the state championship game by one point. His 36 touchdown passes as a senior is the third most in a single season in Missouri high school football history. He was named to the All-State First Team by the Associated Press and numerous other organizations and publications. The team went 21-2 during his two years as a starter.

Melugin had a huge 2008 season for the Friends football squad. He led the team to a 10-0 regular season record and the #5 rated team in the NAIA as the regular season closed. Melugin passed for over 2,300 yards and 26 touchdowns. Melugin added seven more touchdowns rushing the ball. The Wichita native was named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the KCAC All-Conference First Team and NAIA Academic All-American team.

Melugin started six games as a junior for the Falcons in 2007. He passed for 900 yards and accounted for seven touchdowns. In 2006, Melugin started at Dodge City Community College. Melugin passed for 1,390 yards and seven touchdowns. He is the fourth leading passer in Conquistador history with 1,640 yards.

Melugin went to Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita and is the school's all-time leader in total touchdowns. He was recognized with all-state honors all four years of high school in both football and basketball.

Fans are encouraged to call the Wild office at 316-440-5044 to reserve their seats in the brand new Hartman Arena for the 2009 season. Wild season tickets start at $98 for the entire season.



Indoor Football League Stories from February 2, 2009


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