NEWTON, Iowa (November 10, 2015) – The Iowa Barnstormers Free Agent Camp kicks off Saturday, Nov. 14 in Pella, Iowa where players from around the country will work to earn a spot on the Barnstormers’ 2016 roster. One implausible player hoping to land a roster spot will be Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small.
“I’ve been a passionate football fan since I was a kid, and when I heard about the open tryouts, I realized that it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small. “By no means do I think this will be easy, but I’ve learned a few things about speed, teamwork, and aerodynamics in racing which will give me an advantage. I’m going to this tryout with high expectations, and I will be prepared to compete on Saturday. My training starts today, and my goal is to finish with more than just a commemorative Barnstormers Free Agent Camp T-shirt on Saturday.”
Named one of the top 10 sports executives under the age of 30, according to SportsPro Magazine, Small will temporarily relinquish negotiating contracts and race sanctions in favor of reading defenses and running pass routes. The former high school basketball standout will be “coached” by current Iowa Barnstormers during the tryout.
“I am beyond excited to have Iowa Speedway President, Jimmy Small on hand at our free agent tryout in Pella in hopes of earning a contract,” said Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach Joe Brannen. “It is a true pleasure to have a person of his caliber not only show interest in the storied tradition of our organization, but also have the excitement and determination he does for making our squad. As a coach at these workouts, one thing you are always looking for that can’t be coached, is speed, something Mr. Small knows all about. We will have 2016 contracts on hand, and I am looking forward to seeing if Jimmy has what it takes to join our 2016 roster.”
The annual open tryout will take place Nov. 14 at the Pella Recreation Center Field House in Pella. The tryouts are open to the public including Iowa Speedway race fans. Any athlete 18 years of age and older, non-college eligible and interested in playing for the Iowa Barnstormers Indoor Football Team during the 2016 season is invited to participate in the tryout. Registration opens at 11 a.m. CST with tryouts starting at noon.
For more information and to submit a registration payment and forms, go to www.theiowabarnstormers.com.
About The Iowa Barnstormers
The Iowa Barnstormers are a professional indoor football team playing in Des Moines, IA at Wells Fargo Arena. Members of the Indoor Football League, the Barnstormers started playing indoor football in 1995 and helped begin the professional career of native Iowan Kurt Warner. The 2016 season kicks off on February 26 against the Green Bay Blizzard. Season tickets are on sale now. Call 515-633-2255 to order your tickets today. Visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com to learn more and “like” us on Facebook.
About Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway, “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” is a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval race track and motorsports facility located in Newton, Iowa. Our 2016 schedule includes three exciting race weekends: June 18-19 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series), July 9-10 (ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and Verizon IndyCar Series) and July 29-30 (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West and NASCAR XFINITY Series). For tickets, call 1-866-787-8946. To learn more, visitwww.IowaSpeedway.com, “like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @IowaSpeedway.
