By: Matthew Hester
Media Relations Director
Southern Indoor Football League
COLUMBUS, GA (February 11, 2010) – With training camp set to beginning next month, the Columbus Lions of the Southern Indoor Football League have re-signed Linebacker Justen Rivers, the clubs all-time leading tackler.
The 2010 season will mark Justen Rivers (6’0 250, Eastern Kentucky) fourth consecutive season with Columbus, as he is one of two players who have been with the club since the inaugural 2007 season. Through those three seasons, Justen is the all-time leading tackler and sack master for the franchise rounding up 129 tackles (103 solo) and 11.5 sacks.
During his tenure, Rivers has also proven to be an integral part on special teams serving as the long snapper as well as amassing nine blocked kicks. Justen will look to carry over the momentum from last season that saw the Lions defense finish with the number two scoring defense while in addition to landing him on the All-AIFA defensive team.
“Justen has proven to be a vital leader for our club over the past three seasons,” says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. “He has established himself as a versatile player on defense and was finally recognized for his stellar play, I look for much of the same this season.”
The Lions also signed Offensive Lineman William Burgess (6’1 320, Johnson C. Smith). Burgess spent the later part of 2009 with the now defunct Florence Phantoms. William saw limited action at the center position and will look to compete mostly at that position as the center spots looks to be an open competition spot as the Lions head into training camp next month.
Columbus will kickoff the 2010 season on March 27th as they host the defending SIFL Champion Louisiana Swashbucklers at the Columbus Civic Center. Season tickets are still available, to reserve your seats in the jungle contact the front office at 706-322-3336 or visit www.columbuslions.net.
For much more from around the Southern Indoor Football League, be sure to visit www.southernifl.com or become our friend on the Ning Network. Visit www.siflfanzone.ning.com and chat along with other SIFL fans.
