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JUN 17, 2017: Tornados vs. Ohio Raiders

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As seen on:

Around Indy
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2016:  Fox 59

2015:  Fox 59

2014:    

2013- Documentary

2012-  Syren Jessica Anderson makes national news

2012- WISH TV8

2011- Channel 6 coverage

2011-  Working with 96.3

2010--  Fox 59 Coverage

ARCHIVED NEWS:  

ALWAYS A TORNADO BROTHER--  GONE TOO SOON!

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The Indianapolis Tornados are mourning the loss of another brother of the gridiron.
Aaron Jefferson “AB” Bridges, 34, Indianapolis, passed away September 2, 2016. He was born October 23, 1981, in Huntsville, Alabama, the son of David C. and Lynda (Thorp) Bridges.
Aaron was employed by Samsung as a product representative and was a 1999 graduate of Lawrence Central High School, lettering in football and wrestling. He continued his football career at Franklin College playing center and longsnapper for four years. His love and talent for the game found him playing for the Indianapolis Tornados from 2002 until 2013 and arena football for 2 years. He proudly wore #57 throughout his high school, college, arena and semi-pro years. He received his bachelors degree in Fitness Studies from Indiana University. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, going to concerts, working out, grilling out, gardening, playing Hilltop Sports Flag Football and being with his family and the family pets, and his chocolate labrador, Puzzle.
He is survived by his parents, David and Lynda Bridges; sister, Jamie Bridges; grandmother, Loretta Bridges; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in passing by his grandparents, George Bridges and James Jr. and Katherine Thorp.
Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 9 at Flanner and Buchanan - Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2016, at the same location. Burial will take place at Meadows Cemetery in Annapolis, Missouri at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 12. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lawrence Central Bears Athletic Club or the Humane Society of Indianapolis. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.

PRESS RELEASE:  (3/23/15)  TORNADOS ADD FORMER INDIANAPOLIS COLT TO FRONT OFFICE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--  March 23rd, 2015

(Indianapolis)--  The Indianapolis Tornados announced that former NFL running back, Devon Moore, will join the club as the Director of Player Development.    Mr. Moore's duties and responsibilities include assisting Tornado players in developing skills and attributes sought by professional teams and preparing highlight tapes for potential advancement.   He will also serve as a liaison between the Indianapolis Tornados and scouts, agents, and team executives.

  In a statement released earlier today, David Seiter, assistant general manager with the team stated:  ""We are very excited to bring a person of Devon's character to the Tornado's front office.   His connections and knowledge of what it takes to make it to the next level will greatly benefit our players.   His passion for the game and enthusiasm is contagious.    His addition to the front office is instrumental in accomplishing our mission in helping young men reach their fullest potential"

   Moore began his own promising NFL career before an injury sidelined his childhood dream.   He was a successful running back at the University of Wyoming and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2009.   He appeared on the practice squads for both the Seahawks and Carolina Panthers in 2009.   In 2010, he made his NFL debut with his hometown team, the Indianapolis Colts.    Moore graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis in 2004.    With the Colts, Moore suffered a nerve injury which prevented him from finishing the season.   Moore signed with the Detroit Lions in 2012 as a practice squad player but was later cut as he struggled with his injury.  

   "I am excited to be around a great group of guys and guide them.    I have seen what it takes to make it and how quickly that opportunity can pass" observed Moore.    "The Tornados are a great organization with a rich history and I believe I can use my NFL connections to help guys further themselves in their own careers.   I just love being around the game."

     Seiter eluded that the Tornados fans could also benefit by Moore's addition:  "The Tornados intend to utilize Moore's connections and bring in surprise visitors throughout the season.  Our fans will notice a difference in the level of player professionalism and will likely see a couple of special guests throughout the season."   Seiter declined to state who might be visiting Arsenal Tech High School this season but offered a tease instead.   "You will have to come out to the games and see.   That is the best thing about a Tornados game; you never know what we will do next!".   

    The Tornados season starts May 9th, 2015 with the first home game on May 16th, 2015.    Home games will be played at Arsenal Tech High School with a kick off time of 6:00 pm.   

5/16/15:   Tornados raise funds to end cancer

    On May 16th, 2015, at Arsenal Tech H.S., the Indianapolis Tornados used their 2015 home opener to honor and celebrate the courage of Lauren Hill.  Lauren, a hoosier native and Mount St. Joseph women’s basketball player, made national news despite facing her own terminal cancer.   (See Video below)

     Lauren embodied the spirit of "Never Give Up" and raised over $1.5 million for "The Cure Starts now", a charity dedicated to ending all forms of cancer.    It was Lauren's wish to raise $2.2 million for The Cure Starts Now before she passed.  The number is significant to her own jersey number, 22.   Unfortunately, Lauren passed on April 10th, 2015.  

   For Syrens dance team coordinator, Kim Roudebush, this story was personal.   Kim and her family not only lost their hero but a deeply loved family member.   The Indianapolis Tornados were proud to contribute all profit from ticket proceeds and donations received at the gate on May 16th  to "The Cure Starts Now" in Lauren's honor, as they attempt to help her reach her $2.2 million dollar goal.    Indianapolis mayor, Greg Ballard, was on hand to declare May 16th, 2015 as "THE CURE STARTS NOW DAY".  

8/30/14:   Three is a lucky number for Tornados
The Indianapolis Tornados (7-3) kicked off the 2014 GDFL playoffs against a familiar opponent, the St. Louis Bulldogs (7-3).   It was the third time these two teams played each other this year.    The Tornados won the first match in Indianapolis by a score of 34-6 in July and won the second match on the road by a score of 18-8 earlier this month.     The Bulldogs came into Indianapolis fresh off a road win over the Christian County Outlaws in Round 1 of the playoffs while the Tornados enjoyed a bye last week.    But it wasn't the number of times these teams played that made the number "three" so significant.

Thursday morning, the team was shocked to learn that their starting Tight End, Cordale Williams (#3), was shot and killed on the east side of Indianapolis.    Teammates described him as "a good down to earth person (who) will be missed terribly".    Tornados General Manager, Grant Cameron told his team, "I'm speechless fellas. I just want you all to know I love you all like brothers and know Cordale did as well."    Saturday night's game was dedicated to #3.

During the player introductions, there were no individual accolades or pregame celebrations.   Instead, the entire team walked onto the field, arm in arm, three abreast.    During a moment of silence and the playing of Amazing Grace before the game, players, staff and fans held three fingers pointed to the sky in unison.   Through tears of both sorrow and appreciation, Cordale's mother conducted the coin toss.   She was immediately hugged and consoled by members of both teams.    During the Tornado's first series on offense, the teams joined together in a ceremonial play-- a play call for a pass to the tight end in which quarterback, Avery Thompson took a knee.    It was a night for remembering and healing as all agreed that Cordale was taken from us too soon.

The Tornados took out their pent up emotions out on their opponent.    Within the first two minutes of the game, Antonio Tiggs (#25), a close personal friend of Cordale's, picked off a Bulldog pass and ran it back 30 yards for the touchdown.    Later in the first half, rookie running back, Cameron Crabtree (#9) added a 28 yard touchdown run to give the Tornados a 14-0 lead at halftime.    A scout from the Canadian Football League (CFL) was present to watch Tornados receiver, Brandon Williams (#89), among others.    Brandon didn't disappoint and opened the second half by returning the second half kick off 83 yards for the score.    Later, quarterback Pat Wood (#16) connected with Brandon Williams on a perfectly thrown ball for a 33 yard TD strike putting the Tornados in the lead 28-0.    The Bulldogs showed fight When Bulldogs QB Williams hit the wide receiver, Jackson, for a 40 yard strike.   The two point conversion was picked off by Tornados Defensive Back, Terry Moore (#23).   The Bulldogs second kick off of the game was also run back, this time by Glen Ayro (#82) for 75 yards.     The Tornados had a commanding 35-6 lead in the fourth and stopped the Bulldogs final drive with an interception by corner back, Monsanto Love (#14). 

For Brandon Williams, he earned another Master Jewelers "Gem of the Game" award.   Fittingly, it was his third on the season.

Heading into the third round of the playoffs, the Tornados will face another team for the third time, the Nashville Storm (10-0).  The Tornados gave the Storm their biggest scare of their undefeated season playing them to a 21-20 score in Indianapolis.    On August 16th, the Storm dominated the Tornados in Nashville by a score of 46-7.   The Tornados know that it is tough to beat any team at any level three times in one season.   The Storm also had the benefit of a first round bye and dispatched their second round opponent, the Huntsville Rockets, by a score of 28-0.    The Tornados know what they need to do on the road next weekend and have come together at the right time.    The death of Cordale Williams, while tragic and needless, has unified the team in its purpose and resolve.    With three fingers held to the sky, the Tornados want to win the GDFL Championship for Cordale but will first focus on their next opponent, a team that they have yet to beat in either the NAFL or the GDFL.   

For the Tornados, they expect the "third time will be a charm"!     


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The Indianapolis Tornados are proud to announce a continued relationship with Indiana Sports Radio Network (Indiana SRN) for the 2017 season.   In addition to the broadcasts of select games, you can join Keith Meyers and Dave Seiter for the "Tornado Watch", a radio program focused on following the success of the Indianapolis Tornados football team.

​LATEST NEWS:

Tornados meet kids at the Landing.

(Greenfield, IN):  On April 25th, 2018,  Head Coach Sunungura Rusununguko, Defensive Back Tamario Morris, and Defensive Lineman Keenan McGill attended the weekly meeting at "The Landing", a youth center in Greenfield, IN which provides a safe place for kids to be themselves. The Landing will be our charity sponsor at the game this weekend. Coach R described the experience as "emotional". Tamario said "Just never know how big or beautiful a seed will be once you plant it!" Thank you TORNADOS for being a part of something bigger than yourselves and making a difference in the lives of children!

USA BOWL CHAMPIONS!

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(Daytona, FL)  On January 14th, 2017,  The Indianapolis Tornados showed why they were invited to the national stage  in Daytona Florida.    Despite coming up short in the PAFL Championship game against the WPA Wildcatz last August, the Tornados were still ranked 8th in the nation at season's end.   The team continued to work in the off-season,  preparing for one more game--  USA Bowl XII.    The Opponent, the Monroe County (NY) Sting, finished the season 13-1 and won the Northeastern Football Alliance (NFA) championship. 

The Tornados dominated both sides of the ball to secure a 24-14 victory.    Tight End, Rikko Littles (#8) caught the sting off guard with a 3-yard Touchdown run out of the Wildcat formation.   It was Littles first rushing TD on the season.   Chaz Norton and Avery Thompson each caught touchdown passes, 26 and 12 yards respectively.  Kicker, Chris Mabrey, rounded out the scoring with a 44 yard field goal.  On defense, safety June Love (#2)  had two interceptions while Michael Hodge, Jeremy Finch and Anthony Weather (#33), each added one of their own.    Weather also forced a fumble and recovered an on-side kick.     Linebackers, Cornelius Edmond, Tamario Morris and Jamie Arnold contributed to a fierce pass rush which featured 5 sacks and contributed the numerous interceptions.  

    "When playing a team of Monroe County's ability, extra possessions are the key"  commented the satisfied head coach, Grant Cameron.   "We knew going in that we wanted to win the turn-over battle."

      A new generation of Tornados is ready to extend the legacy.   

TORNADOS QUARTERBACK GOES PRO!

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The Indianapolis Tornados are very proud to announce that QB, Frank Brock has signed a professional contract to play for the Franken Knights of the GFL. (German Football League).   Last season, Frank joined the team as rookie QB from the University of Indianapolis.    He led the team to an 11-2 record including the Conference Championship and a win the the USA Bowl this past January.  
 
"We are very proud of Frank and his development while with us here, this is exactly why the Tornados exist.....to give young men another shot at the next level" stated Head Coach, Grant Cameron.   Grant serves as the team's offensive coordinator and developed a special rapport with Frank over the 2106 season.    Although Frank started the first game of the season against the Cincinnati Chiefs, he will be in Germany before the Tornados' next game on June 3rd.   

In response, the Tornados added two quarterbacks to their roster for the 2017 season.   Quarterback, Jeremy Hibblen, started with the Tornados in 2015 and was expected to bring stability to the position.  However, a separation to his non-throwing shoulder on May 16th, 2015 cut Hibblen's time with the Tornados short.  In his first and only complete game as a Tornado, Hibblen led the Tornados to a victory over the Fort Wayne Cardinals completing 17 of 25 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown.   He built up a lead against the Kentucky Extreme in his second game before being lost for the season due to injury.   With Hibblen out, the Tornados turned to Wide Receiver Avery Thompson (#12) to complete the 2015 season.  Thompson remains on the roster and provides the Tornados with additional depth.  

The Tornados also added former UCONN quarterback Garrett Anderson who has already started practicing with the team.   The 6-1, 224 lb Quarterback from Walnut Creek, California, played eight (8) games off the bench during his senior year for the UCONN Huskies last season.  He went 8-16 for 69 yards and zero interceptions during that span including a game in which he threw for 34 yards on 3-7 passing at Houston (Sept. 29). Anderson received an invite to second annual Tropical Bowl where he went 5-11 for 78 yards and a touchdown.   In 2015, Anderson spent his Junior year working as a running back toward the end of the season.  He had a 45-yard touchdown pass out of the running back spot in win against nationally-ranked Houston (Nov. 21) .   Anderson played his first two collegiate seasons with Laney Junior College in Oakland, California where he amassed over 1,500 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2013 and threw for 612 yards and 11 touchdowns for Laney in 2014.

Like Frank Brock, Anderson also hopes to use the Tornados as a platform to showcase his talents to professional scouts.  

"It is rare that a team could lose a starting quarterback of Frank's caliber and bring in not one but two players capable for picking up where Frank left off"   said team General Manager, David Seiter.  "This team's goal to win the league championship has not changed.   We wish Frank the best and hope he is immensely successful in his next venture."

2016 PAFL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Despite having a 14-12 lead in the 3rd quarter, the Indianapolis Tornados came up short in the Championship game played in New Kensington, PA.    In a game that was much closer than the final score indicates, the Tornados lost to the Wildcatz 33-14.   Congratulations to all the players on a great 2016 campaign!   Thank you to our loyal fans and sponsors.   We couldn't do what we do without your support.    To re-listen to the Indiana SRN broadcast, download the file below: 
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PURPLE REIGN!
Tornados douse Fire on way to PAFL Championship.

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(Indianapolis) On Saturday night, the Indianapolis Tornados (7-1) hosted the Columbus Fire (6-2) in the Premier Amateur Football League (PAFL) semi-finals in front of their faithful fans who braved the rain and thunderstorm warnings.

The Tornados, the number one seed in the Stripes Conference, earned home field advantage to this point and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the second round, the Tornados dispatched the number four-seeded Lorain Co. (OH) Nightmares by a score of 37-28, setting up a match-up against their heated rival. Meanwhile, the Columbus Fire, the number three seed, defeated the Cleveland Patriots at home in the first round and impressively upset the number-two-seeded Cleveland Cobras in the second round by a score of 22-0.

The Fire derailed the Tornados Championship hopes last season, defeating the Tornados in both regular season match-ups and earning home field advantage where they also eliminated the Tornados in the playoffs. This season, the Fire defeated the Tornados in a week 2 match-up in Columbus, Ohio. The Tornados were defeated by a score of 31-13. The Fire have the dubious distinction of being the only PAFL team in the last two seasons to defeat the Tornados.

Saturday night’s game had a different feel even before the kick-off. Weather forecasts predicted thunderstorms all day and throughout the game. However, just before the 7:30 pm kickoff, the parting rain clouds and setting sun combined to cast a purple sky over Indianapolis (see photo). As customary, the Tornados paid homage to Eric Brim (#72), a talented offensive lineman who untimely lost his life before the season started. The Tornados have dedicated this season to his memory and couldn’t help but feel inspired by their team colors in the sky.

“Don’t forget who were playing for!”, Head Coach Grant Cameron reminded his squad before the kick-off.

The first quarter had the makings of a typical Tornados and Fire matchup. Two of the league’s best defenses held their own as the offenses tried their best opening jabs. Tornados kicker Chris Mabrey missed a 36-yard field goal, his only field goal attempt of the game. The first quarter ended scoreless.
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In the second quarter, Tornados Quarterback Frank Brock (#9) connected with one of his favorite targets, wide receiver Brandon Williams (#89), who thwarted three defenders and capitalized with the game’s first score. The steady rain in the first half made the football difficult to hold onto. The Fire fumbled on a later drive when it was stripped by Anthony Weather (#33) and it was recovered by Michael Judkins (#27) at the 5 yard line. Running back Dax Baxter (#44), alumni of Arsenal Tech high school, scored from 5 yards out giving the Tornados a two-score lead. On the next drive, Dennis Mitchell (#11) blocked the Fire’s punt attempt. It was recovered in the end zone by Anthony Weather, giving the Tornados a 20-0 lead after a missed point after attempt. However, the Tornados weren’t done in the first half. The Fire attempted an option play to the right but Tyren Futch (#24) read the quarterback perfectly stepping in to intercept the pitch to the running back. Futch returned the ball 51 yards for the final score of the first half. That play along with his stellar defense throughout the night earned the rookie defensive back the “Master Jeweler’s Gem of the Game” honors, barely nudging out Anthony Weather and Brandon Williams. At halftime, the Tornados led 27-0.
Last season, the Fire were down 28 points at Arsenal Tech and rallied to defeat the Tornados. The Head Coach reminded his team that this was no time to rest on their laurels. “The score is 0-0!”, Cameron scolded at halftime.

The Tornados Defense, a unit which has been the backbone of the team’s success, held strong for the remainder of the game to the pleasure of first-year Defensive Coordinator, Joshua Person. Other than the 31 points scored by the Fire in week two, the Tornados only gave up 41 points over the other 7 PAFL regular season games combined.
“This team has gelled at the right time” observed Cameron. “We aren’t the same team we were in week 2”.

Although the Fire were hopeful for a second half rally when the rain finally stopped, they were forced to play without their starting quarterback, Brandon Hanna, was sidelined with a broken hand that he suffered in the first half.

Grant Cameron’s offense managed the clock through the second half using a healthy dose of running back,  Cameron Crabtree (#4), who was able to pick up first downs and keep the clock moving. The dagger came just five seconds into the final quarter when Frank Brock found WR Avery Thompson (#12) on a 30-yard seam route up the middle for the game’s final score.

After the game, Grant Cameron took only a moment to reflect on the team’s accomplishment in redeeming their only loss of the season when it mattered the most. “It’s not over yet. We have one more game to win!” His team’s final task will be the PAFL Championship game.

In the Stars division, the Western Pennsylvania Wildcatz survived a late scare by the South Buffalo Celtics. The Wildcatz had a late 34-20 lead with under two minutes to go. The Celtics scored, recovered an on-side kick and scored again. However, rather than take the extra point attempt, undoubtedly sending the game to overtime, the Celtics head coach attempted to capitalize on his momentum. However, his team came up short on a 2-point attempt leaving the final score at 34-33. As a result, the Wildcatz survived the PAFL season and playoffs to this point as the league’s only undefeated team. The Wildcatz will host the Tornados at their venue located at 707 Stevenson Blvd, New Kensington, PA. This will be the first time the Tornados have ever matched up with the Wildcatz.

Although they have been a perennial powerhouse for almost a decade, the last time the Tornados appeared in a Championship game was when they played in the North American Football League (NAFL) in 2008. The Tornados won that game earning their first league championship. It is a feat they now look to duplicate in just their second year in the PAFL. Ironically, the 2008 team was helmed by University of Indianapolis quarterback, Casey Gillan, who went on to coach and mentor the current rookie Tornado quarterback and former Univ. of Indianapolis player, Frank Brock.

For a team that uses the rallying cry, “All In”, it seems that all of them have bought into the chances of returning to Indianapolis with a Championship ring. They have put their personal pride aside for opportunity for something greater. In two weeks, they will find out whether all of their hard work and effort will pay off. They have had a great season to honor the now empty # 72 jersey. Undoubtedly, he is smiling down on them from purple skies.
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ALL IN!