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| Ira Gooch #1 Cental Michigan |
| OS 6'0" 190 2nd yr |
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2002: Put up numbers worthy of League MVP consideration. Set a new af2 and Steamwheelers record for all-purpose yards in a season with 3,472. Led the league with an average of 217 all-purpose yards per game. Also set af2 records for his 288 combined kick return yards vs. Wichita May 18 (169 kickoff, 119 missed field goal) and his nine games of 200 or more all-purpose yards in a season. Led the league in number of combined kick returns (99), total kick return yards (1,576), missed field goal return yards (317), missed field goal return average (26.4) and most missed field goal return yards in a single game (119). Finished second in the league in scoring (226) and touchdowns (37; 32 receiving, three kick returns and two rushing). Was seventh in pass receptions (100) and receiving yards (1,533). The other half of a Steamwheelers receiving duo that became the only one in Arena Football History to each record at least 100 catches, 1,000 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns in a single season. His 57-yard kick return for a TD (Wichita, May 18) set a new team record. Received Game MVP awards vs. Hawaii, Wichita, at Memphis, at Tennessee Valley and at Hawaii. One of five Steamwheelers to play in every game. College: As a senior, led the Chippewas with 992 all-purpose yards, including team bests in kick returns (15/331/22.1) and punt returns (16/211/13.2). Caught 24 passes for 392 yards and a team-leading 16.3-yard average. Rushed for 438 yards and two TDs his junior year. Also threw two passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns and had an 82-yard kick return for a TD. Was a Junior College All-American at Ellsworth Community College in 1998. Personal: Earned three letters in football and basketball from Davenport West High School, where he rushed for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. Born December 19, 1978.
ALL PURPOSE G Rush Rec FG KOR IR Tot Avg/G
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GOOCH, Ira 16 46 1533 317 1576 0 3472 217.0
|------ PATs ------|
SCORING TD FGs Kick Rush Rcv Pass 2PT Saf Points
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GOOCH, Ira 37 0-0 0-0 0-0 2 0-0 0 0 226
RECEIVING GP No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
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GOOCH, Ira 16 100 1533 15.3 32 45 95.8
FG RETURNS No. Yds Avg TD Long
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GOOCH, Ira 12 317 26.4 1 56
KICK RETURNS No. Yds Avg TD Long
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GOOCH, Ira 77 1576 20.5 2 57
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| Eric Thigpen #2 Univ. Of Iowa |
| DS 6'1" 205 2nd yr |
| 2002: Finished as the teams second-leading tackler with 52, despite missing five games. Recorded three tackles for losses of 25 yards. Had 10 pass breakups and recovered a fumble. Returned his only interception of the year 21 yards for a touchdown against Louisville. Professional Experience: A sixth-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons. Played free safety during the 1999 NFL season. College: A pre-season All-American defensive back at the University of Iowa and a second team All-Big Ten performer his senior year in 1998. Completed his senior season by being named defensive MVP of the Hula Bowl and receiving the Coaches Appreciation Award Personal: Attended Thornridge High School in Dolton, Ill., where he received first-team All-American honors from USA Today, Parade and Blue Chip, first team all-state by the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago |
| Ronnie Gordon #4 Vanderbilt |
| QB 6'2" 215 2nd yr af2 1st QC |
| College: Led Vanderbilt in total offense with 1,568 yards, second in rushing with 577 net yards and first in scoring with 13 touchdowns and 78 points. Named Sports Illustrated Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 126 yards and scoring three touchdowns and passing for another in a 43-30 win over Georgia in 1994. Ranked ninth in SEC in total offense and tied for sixth in league scoring. His total offense for the year was twelfth in school history. |
| Matt Forbes #5 William Penn/Ellsworth C.C. |
| WR/DB 5'10" 175 rookie |
| College: Finished sixth in the nation in punt returns, and eleventh in interceptions at NAIA William Penn. Named NAIA Player of the Week for snaring three interceptions and returning two of them for touchdowns in one game. Recorded second highest punt return average in school history. |
| Tim Dodge #7 Univ. of Iowa |
| WR/DB 5'10" 180 rookie |
| College: Football- As a senior, played wide receiver in all 12 games. Caught 13 passes for 138 yards including 4 catches for 26 yards in a victory over Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl. As a junior, started first nine games and played in all 12 games at cornerback. Recorded 45 tackles including 32 solo, broke up four passes, recovered two fumbles, and had two interceptions. Returned 12 kicks for 298 yards. As a sophomore, was a key member of the special teams along with seeing action at wide receiver. Caught 3 passes for 29 yards. Returned 25 kicks for 583 yards and a 23.3 yard average. Also returned 6 punts for 63 yards including a blocked punt for a score against Nebraska. Track- Awarded all-American honors in 1999 when the Iowa 4 x 400-meter relay team finished fourth at the NCAA outdoor championships. At the 2001 Big Ten outdoor track and field championships, ran the anchor leg for the 400-meter relay team that won the league title and placed second in 100-meter dash. Also a member of 1600-meter relay team that qualified for 2001 NCAA outdoor championships. Was a member of 4 x 100-meter relay as well as the 4 x 400-meter relay teams that won Big Ten outdoor titles in 1999. Finished third in both the 200-meter and 400-meter dash at the Big Ten outdoors in 1999. Personal: Was an all-state selection as a junior and senior at Rockwell-Swaledale High School in Britt, IA. Also won state Class 1A titles in long jump and 200 meters as a senior and earned Iowa Games title in 100-meters and long jump. Lettered four years in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Born August 7, 1978. |
| Asa Francis #6 New Mexico Military |
| FB/LB 6'3" 225 rookie |
Leo FenceRoy # 9 Sioux Falls
DS 5-9 195
Paul Savich#10 central Michigan
K 5-9 190
| Tony Burrier #15 Univ. of Iowa |
| WR/LB 6'4" 215 rookie |
| Played linebacker on the 2002 Big 10 Co-Champion and Orange Bowl qualifying Hawkeyes. Recorded 17 tackles and recovered one fumble during tenure at Iowa including one tackle and forced fumble in the Orange Bowl against USC. Recorded his first career sack against Miami (OH) in 2002. Personal: Earned all-state honors as a senior at City High School in Iowa City, IA. Was a versatile player as a prep, seeing action at defensive end, quarterback, wide receiver, as well as handling punting duties. Helped City High reach two consecutive state title games, winning the first in 1996 but falling short in 1997. Also, earned two letters in football and three letters in track and field. Born September 20, 1979. |
| Tony Zimmerman #12 Duquesne |
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QB 6'3" 215 2nd year
PASSING GP Rating Att-Cmp-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
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ZIMMERMAN, Tony 7 106.67 183-105-7 57.4 1455 36 40 207.9
| Fast facts: First QB in the four-year history of team to return for a second season. Led league with 36 TD passes before going down with a broken leg seven games into last season. Division I-AA all-American and 2000 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2000.
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Steamwheelers quarterback Tony Zimmerman scores one of his team-leading eight rushing touchdowns. Zimmerman leads the af2 in passing yards, total offense and touchdown passes. (Jeff Cook/Quad-City Times)
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| LaVance Banks #? Southern Illinois |
| WR/LB 6'1" 205 4th yr |
| This Season: A veteran guy who has game experience and knows the Steamwheelers offense and defense. Hes like having a coach on the field, says Head Coach Rich Ingold. 2002: Was with the team in training camp but did not make the active roster to start the season. Called on by Coach Rich Ingold in Week 14 (at Bossier City) to bolster the WR/LB corps. In four games, intercepted a pass for 12 yards, forced a fumble and made 2.5 tackles. 2001: Attended Steamwheelers training camp but did not make the active roster. 2000: Played a key role as a reserve squad player most of the season. Made the active roster for the season finale at Birmingham, hauling in a TD pass and making two tackles. College: An Honorable Mention All-American wide receiver. Still holds Salukis record for single-season touchdowns by a receiver (12). Personal: A native of Bettendorf, Ia. Played on back-to-back state high school football champion teams in 1987 and 1988. Still holds the schools receiving records and was named to All-State and All-Conference teams. Is the brother of former Iowa Hawkeyes and Jacksonville Jaguars star Tavian Banks. Works for United Way of the Quad Cities. Born May 20, 1970. |
| Shawn Orr # 20 Benedict College |
| DS 5'8"175 2nd yr |
| This Season: Is looking to return to last years mid-season form, when he cracked the starting lineup, after spending the off-season rehabbing his achilles tendon injury. A positive guy whose enthusiasm and hard work are contagious. 2002: Helped bring a mid-season spark to the defensive secondary. Got his first start June 15 at Memphis and led the team in tackles. On a fourth-and-goal with time running out, also deflected a pass that was intercepted to seal the Steamwheelers win. A ruptured achilles tendon in his second start at Tennessee Valley ended his season. 2001: Played for the Lexington Timberwolves as a defensive back and was selected to regional and national all-star teams while leading the conference in interceptions. College: A four-year starter, two year All-Conference selection, and team MVP his senior year. Also earned special teams MVP and Most Valuable Defensive Back honors. Rated as one of the top ten returning DBs by Black College Football magazine. Personal: Attended Estill High School in Estill, South Carolina, where he also participated in track. Born December 5, 1974. |
| Jeff Hewitt #22 Southwest Missouri state |
| WR/DB 5'11" 190 2nd yr |
| This Season: Assigned back to the Steamwheelers in October, 2002, making him the first player from the 2002 squad to rejoin the team for the 2003 season. Spent last season as a WR/DB, but Head Coach Rich Ingold is looking to showcase Hewitts skills by moving him to OS. He has the potential to become the top receiver/kick returner and one of the most exciting players in all of af2, says Ingold. 2002: Third on the team in pass receptions (45), receiving yards (575), touchdowns (15; 13 receiving, one rushing and one kick return) and all-purpose yards (663; one rushing, 575 receiving and 87 kick returning). Had his first three-touchdown game against Tennessee Valley (June 8, two passes, one rush). Caught a 45- yard TD pass against San Diego to tie him for long pass reception of the season. His team record-tying 57-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, also against the Riptide, was the final Steamwheelers score of the 2002 season. Named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game at Fresno, and the Game Ironman at Tennessee Valley. One of five Steamwheelers who played in every game. College: Attended Southwest Missouri State (SMS) by way of Ft. Scott Junior College in Kansas. Finished third on the SMS all-time career touchdown reception list (13). During his junior year, ranked third on the team with 35 receptions, and was second on the team with eight TD receptions. Personal: Hometown is Jacksonville, Florida. Attended Bishop Kenny High School. Majored in recreation and leisure studies at SMS. Born September 17, 1977. |
| LaRico Cole #18 Univ. of Indianapolis |
| WR/DB 5'10" 178 rookie |
| This Season: Fast and athletic, has the potential to be a great two-way af2 player. Ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at a Chicago Rush tryout camp, where Steamwheelers Head Coach Rich Ingold spotted him. Professional Experience: Played 2000 and 2001 with the Memphis Blast of the North American Football League. Named Player of the Game vs. the Georgia Rage after intercepting three passes and returning them for 283 yards and three TDs. College: Played cornerback and some wide receiver at the University of Indianapolis. In 1997 as a starting corner, recorded 20 solo tackles and six assists. Had two interceptions for six yards and five pass breakups. Personal: Attended Westwood High School in Memphis, Tenn., where he earned Blue Chip All-American honors in football. Also played baseball and was a distance runner on the track team. Likes to sing R&B and Gospel music and has produced several demo tapes. Born July 24, 1975 |
| Lee Wiggins #27 Univ.of South Carolina |
| DS 6'0 198 rookie |
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| James Houston #21 William Penn/Ellsworth C.C. |
| FB/LB 6'2" 240 rookie |
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| Josh Fourdyce #44 Knox College |
| FB/LB 6'2" 260 4th yr |
| This Season: One of the original Steamwheelers. Back for a fourth season, one hes dedicated to his younger brother Jared, who died in an October, 2002 automobile accident. Experienced, tough and savvy. Is the Steamwheelers second-leading all-time rusher and ranks third in all-time sacks with 8.5. 2002: Didnt play fully healthy until the last month of the season. Ended the year with 11 tackles, two quarterback hits and also recovered a fumble. Named the ADT Defensive Award winner for his play against Wichita May 18 and the Game Ironman against Louisville. Has scored one rushing TD and caught two passes for scores. 2001: Recorded 33 tackles including 2 for losses, and had 8.5 sacks. He also rushed 24 times for 84 yards and 4 TDs while hauling in 7 receptions for 72 yards in 15 games for the Wheelers. His two sacks vs. the Carolina Rhinos are a Steamwheelers playoff single-game record. 2000: Was hampered by injuries in 2000 and played in just four games. He carried the ball twice for 12 yards and made four tackles with a sack. Other Pro Experience: Played in 1999 for the Indoor Football Leagues (IFL) Peoria Pirates where he excelled as a pass rusher and led his team in sacks. College: A standout at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., where he was a two-time All-American performer at defensive end. Also twice named the Midwest Conferences Defensive Player of the Year. Personal: A 1995 graduate of Westmer High School in Joy, Ill. Played defensive end and tight end for the Warriors while racking up All-Conference and All-Area accolades. Born in Aledo, Ill., October 3, 1977. Resides in the Quad Cities and coaches football part-time at Westmer. |
| Justin Thies #50 Western Illinois |
| OL/DL 6'3" 275 3rd yr |
| 2002: Stats may not show it, but they dont come much tougher than this guy. Had 10 tackles, one sack, assisted on a tackle for a loss, and had one forced fumble, before a knee injury at Bossier City ended his season. Given the teams Built Ford Tough Award for his play against Tennessee Valley. 2001: Saw action in 10 games and recorded 14 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and two fumble recoveries, while also hauling in two receptions for 12 yards. College: Earned offensive player of the week honors as a senior offensive lineman. Personal: A local talent, Justin graduated from United Township High School in East Moline, Ill, in 1995. Born in Cuba City, Wis., on November 11, 1976. Has a degree in special education and teaches in Aledo, Ill. |
| Damon Williams #56 Evangel |
| OL/DL 6'4" 300 4th yr |
Fast facts: Stress fracture in foot cost him most of 2002 season. In his first two seasons totaled 34 tackles, five sacks and 13 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. Spent the 1999 season with the Portland Forest Dragons of the Arena Football League.
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| Corey Brown #61 Univ.of Iowa |
| OL/DL 6'1" 290 4th yr |
| 2002: One of three Steamwheelers whove played in each of the teams first three years. Of his 19.5 tackles this season, two have been for losses. Brown also knocked down four passes. Named the teams Built Ford Tough Player of the Game in Week 4 vs. Hawaii. 2001: Corey finished the season with 22 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 pass deflections in 16 games. 2000: Acquired in mid-season and became an immediate force as a pass rusher. Finished the season with 21 tackles and two sacks. College: Played in all 12 games as a Hawkeye freshman in 1996. Recorded 32 tackles, seven of them for losses, his senior season in 1999. Personal: Attended Willowridge High School in Houston, Texas. Born August 24, 1977. |
| Mike Schaefer #62 Toledo |
| OL/DL 6'6" 314 2nd year |
| A big, strong guy who adds bulk and experience to the offensive and defensive lines. This year will start at his natural position, center, after spending most of last season playing other positions along the line. Also an excellent long snapper. 2002: From the beginning of the year to season end, probably improved more than any other lineman on the team. Finished the season with 7.5 tackles, one tackle for a loss and one pass breakup. Provided solid pass protection on offense. College: Started on two Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division Championship teams (1998, 2000) and was a significant contributor on another (1997). His 2000 team was 10-1 and ranked #25 in both the AP and ESPN polls at the end of the season. Played in all of Toledos 46 games in his four-year career. An All-MAC selection in 2000. Personal: Has a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and a Masters in Administration from the University of Toledo. Hometown is Yorkville, Ill. Born August 30, 1978. |
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The Steamwheelers defense, including lineman Mike Schaefer, has two sacks in the first seven games of the season. (Jeff Cook/Quad-City Times)
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| Cory Bern #75 Western Illinois |
| OL/DL 6'3" 315 2nd yr |
| Fast facts: Last year he was the Steamwheelers Lineman of the Year after emerging as the teams best pass blocker. He had 14.5 tackles and was fourth on the team with two quarterback sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Played his senior season on the defensive line at WIU after transferring from Iowa.
| Randall Lane # 84 Purdue |
| OS 6'0 200 rookie |
| Randall Lane 6-0/200/OS/Rookie/Purdue This Season: Comes from a Purdue University program with a history of throwing the football. A very polished receiver who knows how to run routes. Should become an instant weapon and a go-to guy in the Steamwheelers offense. 2002: Played in two games for the Steamwheelers biggest rival, the Peoria Pirates. Caught four passes for 35 yards and two touchdowns. Professional Experience: In 2000, Signed with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League as a college free agent. Suffered a broken bone in his foot during training camp and did not see any game action. College: As a junior in 1998, set the Big Ten Conference record for pass receptions in a single game (18, for 178 yards) at Wisconsin. Held the record for a year until teammate Chris Daniels hauled in 21 passes against Michigan State in 1999. Lanes 18-catch game still ranks as the second-highest single-game total in Big Ten history. In two seasons with the Boilermakers, caught 114 passes for 1,570 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Led the team with 985 all-purpose yards his junior season. Started 12 of 13 games as a junior and all 11 games as a senior. Was a first team junior college All-American in 1997 with 69 receptions for 1,200 yards (17.4 per catch) and 14 touchdowns for Los Angeles Valley Junior College. Also won the California junior college long jump title and placed sixth in the 100 meters. Personal: A native of Chicago, Ill. Attended Simeon High School. Born October 15, 1976. |
| O.J. Payne #93 Univ.of Iowa |
| OL/DL 5'9 290 rookie |
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College: Played defensive line in six games for the 2002 Big 10 Co-Champion and Orange Bowl qualifying Hawkeyes. Earned the Team Leader award for defense in 2001. Also played fullback for two seasons at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA. Personal: Native of Davenport, IA. Awarded second team all-state honors as a senior at Davenport West High School. Earned four letters in football and two in both wrestling and track and field. Born September 18, 1979.
Fast facts: Played defensive line in six games for the 2002 Big 10 co-champion Hawkeyes. Earned the team leader award for defense in 2001. Also played fullback for two seasons at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Second team all-stater as a senior at Davenport West.
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| T.J. Schneckloth # 95 Northwest Missouri state |
| OL/DL 6'5" 265 2nd yr |
This Season: One of the first players from last years squad to rejoin the team. Athletic, versatile and tall. Can play from a down lineman or linebacker position. Brings intensity, size and range to the Steamwheelers defense. 2002: Saw more and more playing time as the season went by. Second on the team in tackles for losses with four for eight yards. Recorded 2.5 quarterback sacks. Also had forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and broke up two passes. Finished with 14 tackles. Caught three passes on offense, one for a touchdown vs. Louisville. College: Played on two NCAA Division II National Championship teams while at Northwest Missouri State (1998-99). Personal: Graduate of Davenport West High School where he played football, baseball and basketball. Teaches fifth grade in the North Scott School District. Also coaches ninth-grade football at Davenport Central and assists the varsity basketball staff at Davenport West. Born November 9, 1977.  |
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Steamwheeler lineman T.J. Schneckloth (95) celebrates with Cory Bern (75) and Jeff Hewitt. (Jeff Cook/Quad-City Times)
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