If you can’t beat them, join them. That expression rings true for the latest signing by the Reading Express for the 2011 season. Bill Winters who played against Reading as the starting quarterback for the New Jersey Revolution in 2010 becomes the latest to sign his name for the Express’ first season in the Indoor Football League. He will be joined in camp by Andrew Carcich, a quarterback with experience in the IFL.
Winters (6’2”- 225) threw 34 touchdown passes and ran for 9 more in 11 games for the Revolution in 2010. Seven of those touchdown passes came in two losses against the Express. An All-Conference selection and four year starter at FDU-Florham (NJ), Winters was a true dual-threat quarterback. He holds the school record for completions, attempts, completion percentage, total yards passing and touchdown passes. Winters also stands fifth in career rushing touchdowns.
Carcich (6’0” - 225) played for both the Alaska Wild and Tri-Cities Fever of the Indoor Football League in 2010. A product of Belhaven (Miss.) University, Carcich provides the Express another dual threat at the quarterback position.
“Bill and Andrew are not only great athletes but great young additions to the Reading Express,” said Express Head Coach Chris Thompson of the latest signings. “They come to Reading with not only college success stories, but prior indoor experience at the QB position, along with the hunger to be our new guy under center. These were crucial pieces in our recruiting process and we look forward to seeing how they gel with the other guys that we have coming back and coming into camp. We feel that not only can they throw the football well but they also bring the other dimension of being able to scramble and make plays with their feet. These two guys are another great reason why we are excited for Express football to get underway this February.”
Reading Express Indoor Professional Football began play in 2006 in the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. In five seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading will begin play as a new member of the Indoor Football League.
Story by Bob McCool. Photo by Stephen R. Smith
