'Stormer Nation

The New Blog is UP!

2009-01-03T18:41:00.002-06:00

The new blog has taken a significantly shorter amount of time to set up than I have expected.

You can reach the new blog at: www.stormernation.com/blog

The website will still be under construction for a while so if you go to www.stormernation.com, there won't be hardly anything on it. The current layout WILL NOT be the layout once the official site comes out. Same with the logo.

Some Clarifications

2009-01-03T12:29:00.002-06:00

I thought I should explain my previous post about the 'Stormer Nation makeover.

'Stormer Nation is going to expand besides just a blog. The new site will have a chat room, forums, pictures, etc. It will be an actual website.

There WILL still be a blog, it will just be revamped, having a different look and way more features.

Any questions at all? E-mail me: adam@stormernation.com

You Get To Decide The Next 'SN Logo!

2009-01-02T20:20:00.004-06:00

As I have previously announced, 'Stormer Nation will be getting a complete overhaul in a couple of weeks. I have made up a couple of logos already that you can see in this post. I will be making more so don't make your decision yet. Also included will be the previews of the new Flight Crew logo.

Logo #1:

Logo #2:

Logo #3:

Flight Crew Logo #1:

'Stormer Nation Gets a Makeover

2009-01-02T14:46:00.003-06:00

'Stormer Nation will be getting a new logo, new layout, new domain, pretty much new everything.

As of now, I don't have a date on when the new 'Stormer Nation will be released but I'm looking to release it around training camp time so that would be late February/early March.

Fan Spotlight with Jeff Duis

2009-01-02T09:05:00.001-06:00

In the second installment of our F.S. series, we caught up with Jeff Duis, more commonly known around the arena as DaredevilJD.

Adam Barnhardt: Jeff, let's get this started with some background information about you. Age, career choice, favorites, anything that you can muster up.

Jeff Duis: Well I am 23 and I currently work as a bank teller at Camp Dodge's Credit Union. I also mascot for the Iowa Energy, the Des Moines Menace, the Des Moines Buccaneers on occasion and formerly the Iowa Chops and will continue next year. My favorite band is Linkin Park, my favorite movie is The Dark Knight. I play drums in a band and I also sing and play guitar as a solo "project".

AB: Sounds like you have a lot going on. Now that the viewers know a little bit about you, let's move on to some 'Stormer football. Do you have season tickets?

JD: Yep, I will be a season ticket holder for sure in 2009. Haven't decided on a section but I am going to try and get them in my old section, 120.

AB: 120? C'mon man, 107 is where it's at.

JD: Well if there are 2 seats close to the action I will be there.

AB: At least you're thinking about it! What was your most memorable event of last season?

JD: The fact that the fan support is as strong as ever. Seeing and hearing Wells Fargo Arena with 10,000 fans going crazy is an experience I will never forget.

AB: What about most memorable play?

JD: Probably when Jason Simpson flipped the opposing WR over the boards, that is Arena Football at its finest.

AB: That was the Green Bay game, wasn't it?

JD: I think so, I can't remember it seems so long ago.

AB: Ah, sweet play. Anyone that actually knows you knows who your favorite player is, but for viewers sake, tell us anyway.

JD: Tim Dodge, #1 fan. A great WR for the Hawkeyes and it is good to have him home as a Barnstormer.

AB: Are you looking forward to any particular game this year?

JD: I am looking forward to the Milwaukee games a lot since they are a new expansion team and new in our division. Kind of have to get a feel for a new divisional rival. The Quad City games are always electric so I look forward to beating up on our rivals too.

AB: That's true, no one likes anything more than laying a good whooping down on the Steamwheelers! One last question, will you be sporting the famous attire this season?

JB: Of course! They are all neatly packed in a box and will be opened March 27th. Can not wait!! I may need a new cowbell though.

AB: That's the spirit. Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.

'Stormer Nation presents 'Stormer Nation Forums!

2009-01-01T21:36:00.004-06:00

'Stormer Nation viewers will now have a place to go to chat Barnstormer football, rant about the latest roster change, and just have fun.

Head on over to www.stormernation.pro-forums.com, register, and join in on the action!

Player Spotlight with Walter Dublin

2008-12-31T15:15:00.006-06:00

Adam Barnhardt: Walter, first off, what/who brought you to Iowa?

Walter Dublin: That’s a good question, being that I am from Florida, it definitely wasn’t the weather. I would have to say the whole package led to my decision. The Iowa Barnstormers run a first-class organization up in Des Moines, Coach John Gregory has a great track record of excellence in the Arena Football League, and the ‘Stormer fans are some of the best fans I have yet to experience. I am very much looking forward to playing in front of over 10,000 football-loving fans.

AB: You played defensive end in college and then Mack Linebacker last year with af2's Lubbock Renegades. Will you be playing the same position or does Coach Gregory have something else in store?

WD: From what I understand, I will be alternating back and forth between the two positions. My size, quickness and skill set is tailored more to the Mack Linebacker position, but it doesn’t matter to me, I’ll play whatever is needed to help win a championship.

AB: Alright, with that being done, let's have the viewers get to know more about you. Tell us some stuff (where you're from/where you went to high school/high school honors/college/college honors/etc.).

WD: I was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, where I spent just over one year of my childhood. I then moved to Sarasota, Florida, where I currently reside. While in high school, I was the #10 ranked Defensive End in the United States. I was a USA Today 2nd Team All-American, Max Emfinger All-American and All-State out of Sarasota High School. I received athletic scholarship offers from over 35 Div-1A universities (including Notre Dame, University of Florida, Southern Cal, and Virginia Tech) and eventually decided to go with the Ohio State University. While I was there, in my freshman year, I won the Impact Scout Team Player of the Year award. I was such a disruptive force in practice that I was then drafted in the 2nd round for the annual Scarlet & Gray game. I ended moving up to 2nd on the depth chart, behind Vernon Gholston (NFL first round pick). Then, due to some unfortunate circumstances, I had to go home to Florida and be with my family. In the process I lost my athletic scholarship. Last year, I was the youngest athlete in Arena Football League to make a professional roster with the Georgia Force (19 years old). After spending time on their practice squad, I was released and signed with the Lubbock Renegades of the AF2 and immediately took over the starting linebacker role, beating out a 2-year NFL alum, eventually leading him to get released. In the four games that I played with Lubbock, I finished with 7 sacks (2nd on team), 9 tackles for loss (2nd on team), and 4 pass breakups (5th on team). This offseason, just about every team in the AF2 had been courting me for my services, I had also garnered heavy interest from the Georgia Force, Kansas City Brigade, Tampa Bay Storm, LA Avengers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. I am also the Co-Owner of the sports management firm SSA Worldwide Inc. (http://ssaworldwide.110mb.com/). At 20 years old I have experienced quite a bit, and although I am young, I look forward to my career both on and off the field.

AB: I almost forgot, you also help run an indoor football combine where players can show off their talents, correct?

WD: Absolutely, we actually have one coming up on January 3rd in Sarasota, Florida. It is always great to help those players that didn’t get the look they feel they deserved whether it is due to attending a small school or maybe not attending school at all. There is a ton of talent that goes overlooked year in and year out, simply because they did not give the proper amount of exposure. That is why we started SSA Worldwide Inc. To help those players fulfill their dreams of playing professional football. So far this winter, we have signed over 18 professional football contracts, on all levels. It has been a great 2008.

AB: Who does SSA Worldwide currently represent? Any NFL players?
WD: While we do prefer to assist those "off the radar" guys that I spoke of previously, we do represent several athletes in the NFL. Our clients include former 2-time All Arena defensive back Marquis Floyd whom is currently playing with the Seattle Seahawks. We also represent two Houston Texans, linebackers Justin Roland and Fredricc Brock. As with everything in business, patience is golden. We understand that in order to be successful we must build our reputation as reliable people. I think we are doing a great job of that.

AB: What are the AFL players that you represent going to do this season now that the league has taken a year off?

WD: Right now, everybody is just patiently waiting for word on what they can or cannot do.

AB: Well Walter, thanks for the time and I'm sure that everyone in the Iowa Barnstormers fanbase as well organization is estatic to have a player of your caliber playing with us!

WD: Thank you Adam, I very much look forward to playing in front of the great 'Stormer fans and bringing home the '09 Arena Cup. We will do everything in our power to bring pride to the great city of Des Moines this season.

Player Spotlight with Joe Brannen

2008-12-30T14:05:00.010-06:00

Adam Barnhardt: 'Stormer Nation here with Iowa's most loved quarterback, Joe Brannen. Joe, you were the first player to be re-signed. You must have known that you knew at the very beginning of the offseason that you were coming back?

Joe Brannen: After last season I knew right away Iowa was the place I wanted to be playing. We have the best fans in the league, an amazing coaching staff, and I knew from talking with the coaches and the guys that we would be returning a very strong nucleus of guys from last year. Couple that with the recruiting efforts of the coaches and the talent level of players that they would be bringing in I was and am very excited about our potential coming into 2009.

AB: Have you been following the situation with the AFL any?

JB: Yeah I've been following it quite a bit. Its too bad of a deal for the players, coaches, front office staffs, and fans of the AFL that they had to suspend this season. I am hoping and am confident that you will see the AFL come back stronger in 2010.

AB: After college at Coe, you went on to play over seas. How'd you come up with that idea? Did the team contact you or did you pursue them?

JB: I was actually coaching quarterbacks and running backs at Coe and was approached by a coach on an opposing team that recruited American players to play in Europe. It was a hard transition for me to coach instead of play so when the opportunity of playing football again, no matter where it was in the world, came knocking I jumped all over it!

AB: After that, did you immediately come back to play with the Barnstormers or did you take a while to decide where you wanted to play?
JB: I was working for a company in Omaha and I heard the Barnstormers were coming back. I remember watching the Barnstormers the first time around and always dreamed of playing for them. I guess you could say being a Barnstormer is kind of a dream come true. As soon as I had the opportunity in front of me it didn't take long to make up my mind!

AB: You started out the season as the second string, when did you get the heads up that you were going to start? Did you see it coming or was it kind of a spur of the moment type thing?

JB: It was something that I was working for. After the first two games of coming off the bench Coach let me know that I would be the starter for the Quad City game early that week in practice.

AB: Throughout the games that you've been through, team scrimmages and actual season games, who do you think that the hardest hitter on the team is? What about the hardest hitter you've played so far?

JB: As far as teams we have played, the offensive line and fullbacks have done a great job of keeping opposing players from being able to tee off on me so I couldn't really give you a good answer as far as the hardest hitter I've played against. There are a lot of guys out there in the league though that can really bring the wood. On our team we had quite a few guys last year that liked to hit. If you play defense you are always looking to hit someone, Tanner, Matthes, Simpson, Chuck and all the guys on the Barnstormer defense are big hitters. Luckily they don't hit the quarterback in practice so I couldn't honestly tell you who hits hardest.

AB: For the upcoming season, we have re-signed two of our top three receivers in Tim Dodge and Errick McCown as well as upcoming fan favorite Dusty Kain. Coach Gregory has also done a fantastic job on bringing in new talent with Tommy Ellingworth, Terrance Isaac, and Vonzell Pittman. You must be completely estatic with the depth of receivers you have to throw the ball to.

JB: I just hope we have enough footballs to go around. Our timing was really coming along at the end of the season with Tim, E-Speed, and DK. I know we are all looking forward to picking up right where we left off. They are all great receivers. The thing that sets those guys apart is their unselfishness, if you watch, they each block for each other on every single play. You will never see one of our receivers standing around watching. They are always busting it to make a block that might turn a ten yard reception into a touchdown. As far as the new guys go, I have heard great things about each of them and am very excited for camp to get here to see what they bring to the table. I have thrown with Tommy a few times and he has some real talent as I'm positive the others do too. If Coach is bringing you into camp, there is no doubt you can play football.

AB: The only af2 expansion for this season was the Milwaukee Iron. Since Louisville ceased operations for a year, the leage decided to move Lexington out and Milwaukee into the American Midwest division to make it more geographically-friendly as well as an even amount of teams. What are your feelings about the Iron? They have been signing a decent amount of ex-Green Bay Blizzard players so they could end up being a tough team.

JB: From what I have been hearing they are very excited to be playing in the league this year and have been busy signing very good football players. I am sure they will be a very tough team. In this league there are no pushover teams, each team on the field has a great chance to win the ball game every Saturday night.

AB: What game(s) are you looking forward to most this year?

JB: The first one! While some teams are more of a rival than others, as a player the only game you can focus on an look forward to is the next one on your schedule. As of night now that is Milwaukee. After Milwaukee our focus turns to Tulsa and so on. You have to focus on one game at a time. As soon as you start looking forward to a game that might be a few weeks down the road you don't focus as much on the game right in front of you. With the league as tough as it is you can never overlook an opponent.

AB: Any last words that you'd like to say to the viewers about this season?

JB: First off, thanks a ton for all the support last season. It was amazing to see all the fans in the stands at The Well on Saturday nights! Second of all, I am very excited about this new, upcoming season. We learned a lot in our inaugural season last year and we are looking forward to a spectacular season in '09. It's going to be a lot of fun to be part of the Barnstormer organization no matter what your role may be! Fan, player, coach, owner, office staff, or sponsor you have to be excited about the potential of the new season. It's only a couple months away!

AB: Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us!

JB: No problem, thanks for having me! Go stormers!

Fan Spotlight with George a.k.a. Ripouttheirspleens

2008-12-29T21:48:00.008-06:00

Adam Barnhardt: We are here with Iowa Barnstormer super fan George. Better yet known to fans, players, and even organization officials as Ripouttheirspleens. We'll just call him Rip. So Rip, how long have you been a fan of the Barnstormers? What about a season ticket holder?

Rip: I have been a fan and season ticket holder since the beginning.

AB: So, being the fan you are, do you think two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner remembers you?

Rip: No doubt about it! The fans weren't allowed on the field after games when we were an AFL team, but I know that he would see and hear me yelling "Rip out their spleeeeeeens"! We played in Vets Auditorium back in those days, and had seats in the 1st row of the end zone.

AB: Alright, flashback is over. Onto the new organization. With this being the sophomore year of the Iowa Barnstormers, what was most memorable moment of the 2008 season?

Rip: I would have to say, D-Mac dancing to our famous TD song. The crowd LOVES that guy!

AB: Are you nervous that we aren't going to re-sign him?

Rip: Not really...it is the nature of the league. I hope that we do, but I am sure we will win either way. With the demise of the AFL, there is going to be alot more players from which to choose.

AB: Well, who do you think would carry on his tradition? Joe? Charles Johnson? Coach G?
Rip: That is a good question. Tough shoes to fill as far as fan popularity goes. We will just have to see what players our legendary coach decides to sign. I have complete and total faith in Coach Gregory.

AB: Do you have a certain favorite player?
Rip: From last years team, it would be a tie between Joe (Brannen) and Mike (Matthes). All-time, it would be Kevin Kaseviharn. That guy was a fantastic DB that went on to play in the NFL. In fact, I believe he still does.

AB: Well Rip, if any of viewers want to get your autograph, where can they find you in the arena?

Rip: Funny! I sit in the 2nd row of Section 117. I am the guy who doesn't EVER sit down...can't miss me!

AB: Well Rip, thanks for taking the time to set down with us!

Rip: Glad to do it! GO 'STORMERS!!!!!!

'SN is on Twitter!

2008-12-29T15:30:00.003-06:00

So all of you internet junkies can now follow 'Stormer Nation's updates on Twitter as well.

www.twitter.com/StormerNation

The First Q&A's! No Way!

2008-12-28T21:02:00.005-06:00

I will be posting a couple Q & A's of new Barnstormer signees: Jason Ripke and Walter Dublin within a few days.

Be on the look out!

P.S. I should also have on up with superfan George a.k.a Ripouttheirspleens.

Watch For These Players

2008-12-27T19:46:00.005-06:00

I'm going to list off a couple of people that I expect to help lead this team.

The guy I'd like to say first would be quarterback Joe Brannen. He has received a bunch of unnecessary flack via the message boards over at theiowabarnstormers.com. I'll admit, he didn't have what you call a stellar season last year but this year, I'm expecting that he will be the performer that we have been looking for. AF2 Top-Five Quarterback? You betcha.

Secondly, I'd like to bring attention to newly acquired linebacker, Walter Dublin. I have seen a couple highlight tapes of this guy and he is what we need to lead our defense. With Varner and a good part of our defense back this year, Dublin is a very nice complement.

Lastly, I'd like to put the spotlight on our receiving corps. We currently have 5 receivers without the open try-outs taking place so I'm not expecting all of these players to be on the roster when the season rolls around. The corps consists of former af2 Ironman of the Year Timothy Dodge, Errick "E-Speed" McCown, Dusty Kain, Tommy Ellingworth, and Terrance Isaac. Since the af2 limits the team to 24 players (20 active, 4 inactive), I don't see all 5 of these guys making the roster escpecially when we have already signed 27 players. My prediction is that we will have Dodge, McCown, Kain, and Ellingworth on the roster come season time. Isaac, however, is a valuable player and could be seen floating about the inactive squad during some part of this season. As for the best receiver out of this bunch, I'd have to go with Errick McCown. I mean c'mon, this guys is incredibly fast. Honestly, they should have him out there returning kicks.

Also, prepare for our line (both offense and defense). With Eric Anderson, Eric Rothwell, and Charles Johnson all back, they will provide Joe with the adequate protection as well as providing a mean pass rush.

Adam's Season Overview

2008-12-27T18:33:00.004-06:00

Well folks, this is going to be my most extensive overview of the season yet.

Our schedule:

Fri. March 27 Iowa @ Milwaukee Iron
- The Milwaukee Iron may be an expansion team and new to this style of gameplay but they have been signing some quality players including former Barnstormer standout wide receiver Bryan Pray. However, with the Barnstormers also improving a great amount, I believe that the 'Stormers will come away with the win.

Sat. April 4 IOWA VS. TULSA TALONS
- The Talons swept the 'Stormers last year winning by 17 in Tulsa and 23 here in Des Moines, but once again, the Barnstormers have improved significantly and with the Iowa front office already selling 3,000 plus season tickets, the crowd will be too much for the Talons to handle. The Barnstormers will come up on top in this one.

Fri. April 10 Iowa @ Peoria Pirates
- Peoria, the last place finisher in the American Midwest division at the end of last season, will have a tough time hosting the up and coming Barnstormers. The win goes to Iowa.

Sat. April 18 Iowa @ Tulsa Talons
- Tulsa at home is a whole different scenario then playing at in "The Well". The Talons will be too much for the Barnstormers to grasp.

Sat. April 25 IOWA VS. QC STEAMWHEELERS
- Ah , Quad Cities. The Steamwheelers have the best quarterback in the league along with arguably the best receiver tandem in the league in Jesse Schmidt and that little Peters fellow. However with the rivalry that these "intra-state" teams have going on, escpecially playing this game in Des Moines, it will be very hard for the Quad Cities to pull it off. The win goes to Iowa.

Sat. May 2 Iowa @ Spokane Shock
- We can call this the first part of the "Clash of the Attendance Titans". That is because, as most of you know, Spokane came in first in average attendance while Iowa followed them in second. This game will go to Spokane hands down.

Fri. May 8 Iowa @ Green Bay Blizzard
- Alright, I want to try and be as unbiased as I can in this blog but with this team, I just can't. If there is one team that I hate (trust me I really, really do not want to use the word hate) in all of sports, it has to be the Green Bay Blizzard. And how about we stop at that. Win goes to Iowa.

Sat. May 23 IOWA VS. AMARILLO DUSTERS
- Amarillo? I don't have the slighest clue where that is at. Texas maybe? Yep, quick Google search (gotsta love Google) confirms it. I don't know much about the Dusters besides that they went 8-8. However, I'd assume that they are taking a bus trip up here so I'd think that that would give to our advantage. Barnstormers win.

Sat. May 30 IOWA VS. PEORIA PIRATES
- Peoria + Wells Fargo Arena = Win.

Sat. June 6 Iowa @ QC Steamwheelers
- Even that this game is going to be Quad Cities, most of the hardcore 'Stormer fans will be making the trip. Iowa Wins.

Sat. June 13 IOWA VS. GREEN BAY BLIZZARD
- Boy, oh boy. This is one of the games that I am looking forward to all season. The Blizzard playing in "The Well". As much as I'd like to see the Barnstormers score triple digits on these *trying as hard as I can to not use profanities*, I don't think they will. However, Iowa will still come out on top with the win.

Sat. June 27 Iowa @ Amarillo Dusters
- Pretty much same exact thing I posted above but vice-versa. Amarillo with the win.

Sat. July 4 IOWA VS. SPOKANE SHOCK
- This is the other game I'm looking forward to. In the finale of "Clash of the Attendance Title", the tables turn and Iowa comes up with the win.

Sat. July 11 IOWA VS. MILWAUKEE IRON
- Same thing as above. Iowa Wins.

Sat. July 18 Iowa @ QC Steamwheelers
- Fans, please bring your brooms due to the sweep going on. Iowa will sweep the Steamwheelers this season.

Sat. July 25 IOWA VS. OKL. CITY YARD DAWGZ
- These two teams played once last seaso in Oklahoma City and the Yard Dawgz came out on top. However, that was an extremely provoidable (is that a word) loss and the Barnstormers will learn a lot from that game. 'Stormers won.

*Games in CAPS denote home games

Final Conclusion: If my calculations would turn out to be correct (which I know wouldn't happen but would be amazing) the Barnstormers would go 13-3. Many of those games could go either way so I could see us finishing 11-5 or 10-6.