Cleveland Adds Insurance at QB

(photo credit: capitalsportsreport.com)

Over the weekend, the Wichita Force of the Champions Indoor Football League announced that their starting quarterback, Stephen Panasuk, signed with the Gladiators.

On the Force's website (www.wichitaforce.com), head coach Paco Martinez shared his throughts.

“When Panusuk signed he said his goals were to win a championship here in Wichita and/or get promoted to the AFL. He’s guided us to a solid start and is now getting called up. Stephen is an intelligent QB, Cleveland is getting a winner.”

In seven games this season, Panasuk led Wichita to a 5-2 record, completing 97 of 159 passes for 1,084 yards and 31 passing touchdowns in the process. He leaves the IFL ranked third in total offensive touchdowns for 2016, as he also ran for a score.

As he moves on to the big leagues, Panasuk commented:

“I love this organization, the coaching staff, this team, and the fans. Leaving is tough. It’s leaving a family. I’m grateful for being brought in by Coach Martinez. I wouldn’t be able to take this opportunity if it wasn’t for this organization.”

Making the jump from the lower indoor leagues to the AFL is nothing new, and regardless if he sees action or not for the rest of 2016, this will be a major opportunity and a learning experience for his career and moving forward. If the league does complete its expansion plans for 2017, Panasuk could be someone to call on for teams looking for a signal caller.