Barnstormers Continue to Add Local Flavor
Three Familiar Faces Join Iowa’s Coaching Staff

DES MOINES – The Iowa Barnstormers continue to improve their 2015 team with the addition of three talented coaches familiar with the Barnstormers tradition, Head Coach Joe Brannen announced today. Joining Coach Brannen this season are Tim Dodge, Brent Curvey, and Rodney Filer.

“These coaches exemplify exactly what we, as an organization, are looking for as we head into our 2015 season. They’ve all had a great amount of success in this game both as players and coaches and are proud of the Barnstormers tradition,” said Brannen. “The players will love to work with these coaches as they are all extremely sharp, competitive coaches that strive for success in all they do.”

Dodge joins the Iowa Barnstormers staff to serve as the team’s wide receivers coach. The Iowa native was a two-sport standout at the University of Iowa in football and track prior to pursuing a career in professional football. After seven seasons of professional football, three with the Iowa Barnstormers (2008-10), Dodge completed his AFL/af2 career with 610 receptions for 7,670 yards and 126 touchdowns.

In 2010, the all-league performer retired from the Iowa Barnstormers to pursue a career in law enforcement. However, Dodge has remained active in the sport by coaching high school football in the Bondurant and Southeast Polk school districts.

Currently completing his second season as assistant coach for the Grand View University Vikings, Curvey will join the Barnstormers coaching staff to work primarily with the team’s defensive line. In his first season at Grand View, the former Iowa State University lineman assisted the Vikings team in winning the 2013 NAIA National Championship. Curvey played three seasons in the Arena Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers where he led the team in sacks for three seasons, set a single game sack record, and was an all-league selection. Curvey has also spent professional tenures in the National Football League (NFL) with the Carolina Panthers and in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Filer will serve as the Barnstormers strength and conditioning coach for the 2015 season. The co-owner of Gigi’s Pilates Studio and partner/level-1 trainer at CrossFit Afterburn, Filer has proven to be one of Des Moines best trainers. In 2014, he was named Best Personal Trainer in Cityview’s “Best of Des Moines” contest. Filer is a 13-year veteran who played fullback for the Iowa Barnstormers until his retirement from professional football in 2012. One of the best fullbacks in the Arena Football League, he spent tenures with the New York Dragons, Las Vegas Gladiators, Tampa Bay Storm, and Utah Blaze. In addition, Filer spent two seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers. Prior to his professional football debut, he played running back at the University of Iowa.

The Iowa Barnstormers 2014 Open Tryout Camp is scheduled for November 1, 2014 in Pella, Iowa. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older, non-college eligible, and interested in playing professional indoor football. Further details including registration forms may be found at www.theiowabarnstormers.com or by calling the Barnstormers Front Office at (515) 633-2255.

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