Ripple effect is desired goal

Josh Swogger’s signing may entice other talent — local or otherwise — to the af2’s Thunder.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGS-TOWN — It was a sparsely attended midafternoon news conference, but the Mahoning Valley Thunder is hoping for wall-to-wall attendance when Josh Swogger gets behind the wheel of the arenafootball2 team starting March 29.

Tuesday’s formal presentation of Swogger following his signing at the Chevy Centre signals a win-win-win situation.

Swogger gets to play football again and gets to perform where he grew up and had success, which, in turn, gives the Mahoning Valley Thunder a good chance to win games as its second season approaches.

“In our short history, it’s probably the most notable signing we’ve had to date,” Coach Mike Hold said of the former Ursuline High standout who played at Washington State and the University of Montana.

“Af2 is set up to be a regional league, so you want local players and name recognition,” Hold said. “When they [ownership] hang wins and losses over a coach’s head, you go after the best talent.

“When you’re fortunate enough to find a player who’s local and plays his team to a high level, then you’re lucky. When you have one who falls into your lap, literally, as Josh did, then you’re really lucky, so you thank the football gods.”

Ironically, until last fall, the 6-foot-5-inch, 238-pound Swogger felt like God was reclassifying the quarterback’s dream of getting a shot in pro ball.

“I was at a point where I thought God had something else for me to do,” Swogger said. “I made my peace with it, but if the opportunity arose, then, I’m not a dummy, it’s something I would consider.”

Swogger said, a year ago, he was getting ready for the NFL draft by training in Minnesota for a pro combine. Although he had tryouts with the Chiefs and Bills, it didn’t pan out.

“I kind of bounced around, then came home and thought my playing career was over,” Swogger said. “Then this opportunity presented itself and I thought it was the best thing for my family and me.”

Josh also tried the Arena Football League.

“The Crush is in Colorado, I’m in Ohio. The main thing was I moved back to the area with my wife,” Swogger said. “Coach Hold got a hold of me and everything fell into place. I’m glad to be back in the Valley where I have so many great memories.”

The break came when the 24-year-old was throwing indoors at Poland High’s gym and Thunder offensive line coach Paul Hulea spotted Swogger.

“He told me that there was an open workout,” Swogger said. “I was headed to Atlanta the following week, so I wasn’t able to attend. But I kept in contact.

“The Falcons didn’t have a GM or head coach and things didn’t work out, so I came back and told Coach Hold that I wanted to continue to play. It would make the most sense if I could continue to play and stay in the same house we just bought.”

Swogger now has his own janitorial business that specializes in cleaning medical offices and facilities and corporate offices. He is president/owner of Pinnacle Building Services of northeast Ohio.

Hold said that the Thunder’s two quarterbacks last year — Glen Gauntt and Mike Schneider aren’t returning.

Gauntt returned to Florida where his pregnant girlfriend developed brain cancer.

“He’s going through a trying time,” Hold said. “The girl had a healthy baby, but she’s still battling cancer. He went to be with her.”

bassetti@vindy.com