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Barnstormers Head Coach John Gregory fully admits that his team was undermanned last year. After making a less-than-stellar return to the top tier of arena football last year, ending the season with seven wins and nine losses, those invested in Barnstormers football made a decision to amp up recruiting in the offseason. "We feel we've taken a big step in our ability to compete in the Arena Football One League," Gregory said.
And that ability to compete is due in part to players that Iowans will be familiar with outside of their tenure with the Barnstormers. The roster this year includes former Iowa, Iowa State and Buena Vista players, including:
The players:
Todd Blythe, 25
Position: Wide receiver
History with the team: Second year
You may know him from: His receiving records and all-Big 12 Conference honorable mention while at Iowa State University.
Gregory on Blythe: "Todd Blythe is one of our most exciting players. He should be a major factor in giving us success this year."
Rodney Filer, 36
Position: Fullback
History with the team: Fourth year with the Barnstormers, 12th with arena football
You may know him from: His 14-yard rushing touchdown for the University of Iowa in the 1996 Alamo Bowl.
Gregory on Filer: "Rodney is an old standby player who is one of the top three fullbacks in the league. He's been a great player for many years, and is still a great player."
Brent Curvey, 26
Position: Defensive lineman
History with the team: Third year
You may know him from: His Associated Press All-Big 12 honorable mention while at Iowa State.
Gregory on Curvey: "Brent is one of the top defensive linemen in the arena football league. He gives outstanding leadership as well as outstanding play."
Brad Banks, 30
Position: Quarterback
History with the team: First year
You may know him from: His second-place finish in the Heisman Trophy race while at Iowa.
Gregory on Banks: "He's a newcomer to our football team. He's a quality person, and we expect big things from him."
Jesse Schmidt, 27
Position: Wide receiver
History with the team: Second year
You may know him from: His record-breaking play with Buena Vista College, having been named first team all-conference three times.
Gregory on Schmidt: "Jesse Schmidt ranks in the top two to three receivers in arena football. He's a tremendously exciting player, and will be a main factor in our success this year."
What's new:
First, the bad news: Due to construction at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the Barnstormers are no longer coordinating pre-game tailgating parties. However, recent upgrades have been made to Wells Fargo Arena's beer pouring with the addition of the "Bottoms Up" beer dispensers, a system in which beer is dispensed through the bottom of the cup. Magnets from the cups can be collected and turned in at Johnny's Hall of Fame for after-game drink specials. In addition, Barnstormers Owner Jeff Lamberti said there are some new promotions planned, including an amped-up ball toss at halftime. Lamberti was tight-lipped on the additions, saving the surprises for those in attendance.
The Lil' Stormers:
Barnstormers Owner Jeff Lamberti said arena football draws a lot of families. And in honor of the sports team's littlest fans, the Barnstormers created an official kids club. A $15 membership comes with a membership card, a kids club T-shirt, a game ticket, a noisemaker, an autographed picture of a player of choice, a discount for participation in the football or dance clinic, and a pizza party at Sam & Louie's pizza in Urbandale.
The games
The Barnstormers' season began on March 19, but the first home game is 7:05 p.m. Friday, when Des Moines plays host to defending Arena Bowl champions the Spokane Shock. This is one of two games that will be televised nationally by the NFL Network. After each home game, the fans are invited on to the field to meet and greet the players, who stick around and sign autographs until the fans are gone.
All home games will be televised on the Mediacom Channel, and all games, including away, will be broadcast on 1700 AM-The Champ. Single tickets range from $15 to $45, and season tickets range from $117 to $630. Call 633-2255 or visit theiowabarnstormers.com.
