New Quarterback Takes Over in Training Camp
January 15, 2013
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By: MyBayCity Staff
Sting Open Practice for 2013 Season
Saginaw, MI -- Monday January 7th marked the opening of training camp for The Saginaw Sting Indoor Football Team at Kokomos Fun Center, and with 47 talented players in camp the competition will be tough to earn a roster spot. The Sting, look to defend their 2012 CIFL Championship and will do so with some familiar faces returning. They return a number of key offensive and defensive players including Charles "CJ" Tarver and Andrew Deweerd. With these two leading the way the Sting coaching staff will look to fill the spots around them and will have plenty of talent to choose from.
"The talent is very high this year and it is going to be difficult to whittle down the field of players," Co-Owner and Director of Football Operations Stuart Schweigert said, "This is the most talented group of athletes we have seen so far. These decisions are going to be hard ones that we do not like to make."
While 47 players have entered training camp the Sting will have to trim the number down to 30 by February 1st, one week before their Home Opener against the Marion Blue Racers at The Dow Event Center, kickoff is set for 7:30pm.
The Sting will have a new face leading the offense as they have signed an indoor football veteran in A.J. McKenna. McKenna a native of Scranton, PA, played for the Erie Explosion last season and will take over the quarterback duties for the Sting. A.J. stands 6'5" and weighs in at a well built 245lbs.
McKenna had a solid collegiate career at Albany State University in Georgia. He started both of his final two season and in 2009 lead the Golden Rams to an 8-3 record in a NCAA DII playoff berth. He was named the Athletic Conference MVP and the Offensive Player of the Year award after leading the conference in touchdowns. In 2010 McKenna caught the eyes of many NFL scouts and landed a spot in the New Orleans Saints mini-camp. He since went onto play for the Reading Express (IFL), Albany Panthers (SIFL), and was the Offensive Player of the Year for the Explosion last season after leading the league in rushing and touchdowns.
"He has a cannon for an arm" said Sting Head Coach Fred Townsend, "Along with the great arm strength A.J. is a very mobile quarterback which will really open up the Sting offense this year."
"I am happy to be a part of Sting Nation" said McKenna. "I look forward to meeting the great fans in Saginaw and will work to bring another CIFL Championship to the community."
McKenna will be protected in the pocket by returning 2-time championship Sting center Joshua Pack. Pack will return to the familiar role of leading the offensive line on their quest to protect the QB having not surrendered a sack the entire 2012 season.
Sting Tickets are on sale now at The Dow Box Office and start at just $10.00. For more information go towww.saginawsting.com, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saginawsting.
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