THUNDER SIGN RB SHAW AND WR CATCHINGS

FRISCO, Tex. (February 14, 2008) – The Frisco Thunder has signed running back Seymore Shaw, Head Coach Troy Espirt announced today.

Shaw (5-11,220) played three seasons at Oklahoma State from 2002-2004, where he rushed for 1,238 yards and nine touchdowns. He was the Cowboys’ second leading rusher in 2004 with 81 for 377 yards and two touchdowns, including a career game against Baylor where he finished with 172 yards and a score on 30 carries.

He transferred to Central Oklahoma in 2005, where he posted numbers of 149 carries for 670 yards and five touchdowns in eight games before a shoulder injury ended his season.

The Thunder already has one running back, former TCU standout Ricky Madison, on its pre-season roster. That’s unusual, but not too unusual for an indoor team, Esprit said.

“The training camp battle for the starting running back job just got a little more interesting,” Esprit said. “ If a talented player is available, you sign him and see how it works out. We start camp on Saturday, so there will be chance for both players to prove themselves.”

The Thunder also signed wide receiver/cornerback Michael Catchings, a member of Mesquite High School’s 2001 state championship team.

Catchings (6-2, 195) was part of Mesquite’s undefeated (15-0) Class 5A champion squad. He went on to play college ball at Tarleton State and Ranger Junior College. Most recently, he played for the Dallas Warriors semi-pro team that won a state championship and briefly for the Intense Football League’s CenTex Barracudas.

A playoff team its expansion season, the Thunder hosts the opening game of the 2008 Intense Football League season on Saturday, March 1st at 6 p.m. against the San Angelo Stampede Express. All home games will be played in the Deja Blue Arena, located in the Frisco Dr Pepper StarCenter. Season and individual tickets are available now at 972-731-6968. Visit the team’s official web site at friscothunderifl.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Ryan (o) 972-731-6968 (c) 386-295-8136
E-mail: dryan@friscothunderifl.com or daytonadan@yahoo.com