OSKALOOSA, IA. – Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Football Operations Mike Hohensee has unveiled the team’s 24 man roster for the 2012 season.  The team participated in one final practice this morning before saying goodbye to Oskaloosa and William Penn University, their training camp home for the past two weeks. 

The 2012 roster will have a much different look than season’s past.  Of the 24 players, just 5 will be returning from last season.  Like most AFL teams, the squad is filled with youth, however the team has picked up some much needed veteran experience this off-season with the additions of QB J.J. Raterink, WR Marco Thomas and DB Jason Simpson.  Simpson returns to the Barnstormers after a year with the Chicago Rush.  He previously played for Iowa from 2008-10 and was a fan-favorite.  Key returnees from last season include All-AFL WR Jesse Schmidt and DB Cameron McGlenn, who led Iowa with 9 interceptions last season. 

When asked about the team, Hohensee responded, “We’ve got a great group of guys here who are really focused on the ultimate goal.  We had to make some tough decisions, but I feel like we’ve got the right 24 players on the roster as we prepare for the season opener.”  As training camp concludes, the Iowa Barnstormers would like to thank the entire Oskaloosa community and especially those at William Penn University for accommodating us for the past two weeks.  Our players, coaches and staff have had a great experience, and we hope to continue it for many years moving forward.