DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 7, 2022) — Following a dominant 2022 season that saw Quad City win the IFL Eastern Conference Championship, the Steamwheelers have extended their Head Coach Cory Ross through the 2024 season.
Ross, an NFL veteran who played for the Baltimore Ravens, earned the nickname "The Architect" for calling plays on both sides of the ball.
On offense, he helped quarterback EJ Hilliard become the second player in IFL history to be named Offensive Player of the Year multiple times (2019, 2022). The Wheelers dynamic offense saw two wide receivers (Keyvan Rudd Sixth and Mike Carrigan Seventh) finish in the Top-10 in receiving yards and the team finished N° 1 in the IFL in successful two-point conversions with thirteen.
On defense, Coach Ross helped the Wheelers produce ten different games holding opponents to 36 or fewer points, a feat they reached only four times in 2019-20. Rookie linebacker Nate Sheets finished the 2022 season ranked N° 1 in the IFL in total tackles with 101.5.
The Steamwheelers upset the N° 1-seeded Frisco Fighters 48-41 on the road to win the Eastern Conference Championship. Against the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the IFL National Championship game, the Steamwheelers came within 2-points, but eventually fell short 47-45 in one of the most competitive Championship games in IFL history.
Steamwheelers Owner Doug Bland says, "I am excited to have Cory as our Head Coach and Director of Football Operations for the next two years. Cory is the only coach I've had since we began in 2018 and he has proven himself as a leader on and off the field for this franchise. Coach Ross has played this game at the highest level and knows talent, but more importantly he knows how hard work and playing as a team delivers results."
As the Steamwheelers gear up for the 2023 season, they will power ahead with the franchise's leader at the helm.
Season Tickets to see the Steamwheelers in 2023 are on sale now! Prices start as low as $15 a game. Please visit www.steamwheelersfootball.com to fill out your renewal/registration form or at the Vibrant Arena Box Office, open 10AM-5PM, Monday through Friday. For further questions please contact the Steamwheelers Sales Team at 309.517.2019 or e-mailing info@steamwheelersfootball.com.
