Wyoming Cavalry Welcomes New Head Coach
September 26, 2012 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Wyoming Cavalry News Release
CASPER, WY - Please join the Wyoming Cavalry Professional Indoor Team in welcoming their new Head Coach, Ryan Lingenfelder - 'Coach L'. Lingenfelder enters his 15th season of coaching football, and his first season as a Head Coach.
Lingenfelder grew up in Lake Havasu City, AZ. and attended Northern Arizona University (1993-1998) where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Athletic Coaching. While attending Northern Arizona University, he was a four-year starter for the Lumberjacks football team, playing center. "I lived in the weight room," chimes in Lingenfelder. "I believe in strengthening and conditioning. I believe players have a competitive edge on the field if they have strength and conditioning supporting their athletic abilities."
During the spring of 1998, Lingenfelder was recruited by the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL. He played for the Rattlers and then the Portland Forrest Dragons before he fell victim to a career-ending knee injury.
"My one season of professional experience as a player was enough for me to know that football is, and always has been, a passion of mine," says Lingenfelder. "I knew I would do anything to continue along this career path; and I knew I would make the most out of each and every opportunity. I want the people of Wyoming to know that I am deeply committed to the Wyoming Cavalry, and I will do my very best to recruit the best men for our team. I will recruit men with a strong work ethic and strong character."
Lingenfelder is no stranger to coaching, indoor football or Wyoming. Lingenfelder spent the last four seasons with Division foe, Tri Cities Fever. Lingenfelder joined the Fever in 2009 as the 'big man' coach in charge of the FBs, LBs, and O-and D-Lines.
In 2010, he was promoted to Defensive Coordinator when the Fever moved from the AF2 to the Indoor Football League (IFL). In 2010, the Fever defense led the IFL in Defensive touchdowns. For the past two seasons, the Fever defense ranked at the top in many categories. In addition, Lingenfelder played a key role as Defensive Coordinator for the Fever in their back-to-back Conference Titles and their two appearances in the United Bowl.
"I enjoyed my time with the Fever," says Lingenfelder. "It is because of that experience that I am able to move forward in my career. I owe a great deal to 'Coach Shack' and the owners of the Fever for encouraging me to follow my passion."
"I am excited for the opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Wyoming Cavalry, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead," continues Lingenfelder. "There are many talented coaches in the IFL and I am humbled to go up against them on the field. Also, I have heard so many positive things about the fan and sponsor support in Wyoming, and the Tri Cities' owners speak very highly about the Wyoming Cavalry organization. I am eager to get out and meet everyone."
Prior to his time with the Fever, Lingenfelder spent two years as an assistant at the University of Idaho, working as an offensive line coach and as a tight ends coach for the Vandals. And, prior to his coaching time with the Vandals, Lingenfelder was the offensive coordinator at a local high school in Idaho Falls, ID.
In 2003, Lingenfelder was the Offensive Coordinator for Phoenix Junior College in Arizona. "I learned a great deal during my time at Phoenix Junior College," says Lingenfelder. "This was where I really learned about the demands placed on a coach and how important it was to manage my time. I learned very quickly how to 'make things happen'. One of my greatest accomplishments here was being able to send one of my players to play for UCLA."
Not counting the season Lingenfelder spent coaching his little brother's grid kid team, his first coaching experience was in 2002. He was the Offensive Coordinator for Cortez High School in Glendale, AZ. His time with the Cortez High School was the springboard into coaching and future opportunities.
"I believe Ryan will do very well in Casper," says Director of Business Operations, Argeri Layton. "He is a good fit for our organization. He shares the ownership group's philosophies and he understands how important the Wyoming Cavalry is to Wyoming."
"Ryan will be in town sporadically for the next few months. We will be setting up meetings and meet-n-greets with different groups - a more intimate way to introduce him to the fans and community," continues Layton.
COACH 'MAJIC' TAKES SABBATICAL
After six years as the head coach of the Wyoming Cavalry, Coach Majic has decided to take a sabbatical from coaching indoor football so that he may enjoy watching his children play sports.
"This was a difficult decision for me," says Maciejczak. "I have enjoyed my time in Wyoming; I've enjoyed the fans, the players, the organization and all that we accomplished the past 6 years. But ultimately, it comes down to what is best for my family," continues Maciejczak. "My oldest son is a sophomore and is a starter on his high school varsity football team, and my younger son is also involved in sports. I want to be in Rapid City to work with them and watch them in all that they do. Traveling back and forth between Casper and Rapid City was okay, but it started becoming very difficult. Right now, this is the best decision for my wife and kids."
Maciejczak won't be far away from coaching, as he is the head coach for Douglas High School in Rapid City, SD. "Taking a leave from coaching indoor football will give me the chance to really build the football program at Douglas High School," says Maciejczak. "It gives me the chance to really raise the level of participation."
"Coach Majic will be missed," says Mike Layton, General Manager of the Wyoming Cavalry. "He has not only been a great Coach and mentor for many players coming to Casper, but he has been a great friend to many people in Wyoming." Continues Layton, "I will miss seeing Coach wearing a Dr. Seuss hat reading to the students at University Park Elementary School. But, we are happy for him."
"Wyoming has the greatest fans in indoor football," says Maciejczak emphatically. "It will be tough to leave. But, I plan to make it to a game or two - sitting in the stands with Rebecca and my kids."
The Wyoming Cavalry is entering into their 14th year of professional indoor football, and 3rd year with the Indoor Football League. We are committed to bringing quality, family-friendly entertainment to Wyoming. Stay tuned for more information about the 2013 season. Contact our office at 307.232.8170 or email info@wyomingcavalry.com for details about season tickets, group tickets and corporate sponsorships.
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Indoor Football League Stories from September 26, 2012
- Wyoming Cavalry Welcomes New Head Coach - Wyoming Cavalry
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