WPA Wildcatz Will Rejoin GDFL In 2020

New Kensington ,PA-The Western Pennsylvania Wildcatz last played a game in the Gridiron Developmental Football League in 2012. They finished 9-2, cruised into the playoffs as the third seed in a league that boasted well over 88-teams at one point and were eliminated by the Cuyahoga County Spartans in the GDFL quarterfinals, 24-10. 

The GDFL is proud to announce that the 5x Champions Western Pennsylvania Wildcatz established in 2011,will rejoin the GDFL in 2020 they will be the 28th overall champion the league has added in it's many years of existence more then any league in the history of minor league football.

“This is a banner day for the Gridiron Developmental Football League, with the return of one of the nations top organizations returning to their original home, the overall #1 pro developmental football league in the country once again validates the competitive nature of the (GDFL),” said Charles Thompson, The GDFL Chief Executive Officer. “We are going to help deliver a brand of football that is second to none in Western Pennsylvania that will immediately excite and draw in the fans of New Keningston community and throughout the state of Pennsylvania.” 

WPA WILDCATZ STAFF

Owner operator John  Reay has assembled a great group of coaches and players that know what it takes to win, led by Head Coach Chuck Arn, who now has 6 championships under his belt. Defensive Coordinator Joe Martin, and assistant offensive coordinator Cecil Howard, along with former NFL and College stand out players like Mortty Ivy of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers, Dana Brown Jr. from Kent state, Rushel Shell from West Virginia University, Paul Jones Jr. From Penn state at quarterback and Darrien Fields from Marietta College as the double headed monsters at quarterback. They have helped the Wildcatz off to this 5-0 start in the 2019 season and look to find their way back into the PAFL championship for a 4th straight year! The Wildcatz have 110 wins and 17 losses since being established in 2011 with 2 National Championship wins over, Detroit Ravens 2016 and over the NY Sting 2017. The great Wildcatz staff is rounded out by former Erie Explosion assistant coaches Jeremy Liotta and Ed Marin, who helped lead the Explosion to back to back indoor football championships and former player of the Wpa Wildcatz Clark Brooks! 

• 1 Outdoor League Championship (PAFL) 
• 2 USA BOWL National Championship (2016 & 2017) 
• 2 Indoor Championships (Wildcatz) (POIFL)
• 6 years ranked in the top 10 in nation (Wildcatz) 
• 1 year ranked #1 in indoor minor league (Wildcatz) -
• John Reay 110-17 as the owner of the Wpa Wildcatz 

MISSION STATEMENT

One of the Wildcatz’ main focuses, aside from winning championships, is helping athletes get to the next level. Annually, the Wildcatz take worthy players to the National Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana to get looks from NFL, CFL, and AFL scouts. The Wildcatz also have a variety of scouts from college and professional leagues in attendance at their home games, which are played at Valley High School in New Kensington, PA. Since their inception, the Wildcatz have had more than 10 players invited to pro camps and signed by pro indoor arena teams. With all of the best local talent assembled to one team, football fans from the Western Pennsylvania area have a great and exciting team to fill the spring/summer football void left by the NFL, each Saturday night from May to September. 

“We are excited about this opportunity to play in the GDFL.  This league offers us a unique opportunity to be a part of a brand name league that’s professionally ran and that is easily recognizable to anyone in the professional development football world,” said owner John  Reay, “our players have all been asking for this for some time now and with the addition of several regional teams, we can make that happen.  “Everyone involved in pro development football knows how competitive the GDFL is and we can’t wait to be a part of that,” noted Damien Cornish.

2019 NOTABLE VICTORIES

•  5-0 this season with big wins over 
• Columbus Fire 35-18, 
• Cincinnati Chiefs 18-12,
•  Lockport Wildcats 38-12 
• Erie Express 15-9 (Pre-Season)

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports. We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. Our organization would like to thank you for your support. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.

Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.

The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article.