By: Winston Hutson
Wheeler Nation! Welcome to Opening Night for the 2024 Quad City Steamwheelers presented by Bally's! Quad City will take on the Defending Eastern Conference Champions Sioux Falls Storm on March 22nd at Vibrant Arena at the MARK. The Steamwheelers and the Storm have traded the IFL Eastern Conference Championship in the past with the Wheelers winning in 2022 and the Storm winning in 2023.
Opening Night festivities will include halftime performance by Rashaad King, as well as a debut of the new cherry-red helmets for the Steamwheelers. The Deckmate Dancers are back and better than ever with brand new faces as well as veterans to bring the energy at home games this season!
Wheeler Nation can expect all new merchandise on the concourse provided by Classical Graphics LLC, the official pro shop of the Quad City Steamwheelers. Fans can also expect the return of fun activities during the game such as the Checkers race, KLJB Fox 18 Finish the Lyrics, and Davidson Jewelers KISS Cam. New for the 2024 season will be the What BBQ "MONSTER SPUD" Sack Race, IHMVCU Kick For Cash, as well as a Midwest Bath Ball Toss! Expect Kwik Star to fuel up the 4th quarter with some music as well as Stoney Creek to keep the party going with a dance cam! Lastly, fans commuting to Vibrant Arena will also be met with brand new cashless parking.
Returning coaching staff for the Steamwheelers includes:
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Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator: Cory Ross
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Defensive Coordinator: Larry HendrixÂ
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Offensive Assistant / Offensive Quality Control: Nigel Stephens
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Offensive Line Coach: Wes Baskovic
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Defensive Line Coach: Thurgood Brooks
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Equipment Management / Coaching Assistant: Darrick Reaves
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Offensive Quality Control: Justin Peters
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Returning Football Support Staff includes:
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Head Athletic Trainer: Craig Wainwright
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Athletic Training Assistant: Liz Hurlbut
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Director of Player Personnel / Scouting: Omar SaultersÂ
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Quality Control Assistant: Chris McIntoshÂ
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Director of Game Operations: James MacklinÂ