SIOUX CITY, IOWA (Iowa Media Wire) – The Sioux City Bandits gear up for a high-stakes season finale tomorrow night, but Friday night the franchise took time to celebrate its history as former and current Bandit members came together for an All-Years Reunion in honor of Jarrod DeGeorgia and Steven Schmidt.
Featuring familiar faces across the 24-year history of the franchise, the Sioux City Bandits welcomed back talents from all eras. Reminiscing on the league titles to memorable moments to back when the Bandits started out as the “Sioux City Attack” in year one, all while remembering the lives and impact of former player/coach Jarrod DeGeorgia and Steve Schmidt.
A congregation of Bandits past and present who helped lay the groundwork for the franchise and those who continue to build its legacy, such as player turned head coach Erv Strohbeen and former Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson. A reunion of a football family spanning two-decades that still hold that strong Bandit bond.
“It’s amazing to be a part of a legacy, meet a lot of great people and learn a lot about the game of football. Just continue to celebrate with the people that are still here,” former Bandits linebacker Spetlar Tonga said.
“Couldn’t be happier that we’re able to come together again in honor of these two young men who did an outstanding effort for this community and for this town,” Former Bandits wide receiver Johnnie Ostermeyer said.
“Sioux City has always been family,” Former Bandits lineman and current coach Anthony “Big Daddy” Thomas said. “We ended up here in Sioux City and we made lives here and started careers here in Sioux City. That’s how important the Sioux City Bandits are to us. We stay here because that’s that family orientation.”
The new guys that come in they get to hear all the old stories and I think they all embrace it,” Bandits head coach Erv Strohbeen said. “I never had a brother growing up, and now I’ve got hundreds of them. A lot of them are in the room tonight and it’s pretty cool.”
Bandits back on the turf for its win or go home season finale tomorrow night hosting the Carolina Cobras. Kickoff set for 7:10pm at the Tyson Events Center.