Post by marinersmedia on Sept 26, 2009 14:55:41 GMT -5
Veteran Defensive Coordinator Helped Lead Baltimore Playoff Run in 2009
BALTIMORE, MD (September 25, 2009) –Baltimore Mariners’ Defensive Coordinator Steve Gaunt, who compiled a relentless ball-hawking defense, which picked off 42 interceptions and grabbed 52 takeaways in the 2009 season, has reached an agreement to return to the professional indoor football team in 2010.
“I am very excited to come back to Baltimore and continue our quest for a championship. With the foundation that has been built I feel strongly that we will be a contender in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) again in 2010,” stated Gaunt a native of Little Falls, New Jersey.
Gaunt started his professional coaching career with the Reading Express in 2006. As their defensive line coach the Express compiled a 12-2 regular season record and advanced to the conference championship. In 2007 Gaunt was promoted to defensive coordinator and Reading finished a successful regular season at 14-2 and won two playoff games before falling in the AIFA championship game. His 2007 defense ranked second in the AIFA in takeaways and third in interceptions and scoring defense.
In 2009 Gaunt took the helm of the Mariners’ defense. The unit ranked first in the AIFA in interceptions with 42 and second with 52 takeaways in helping Baltimore notch a 9-5 record and earns its first playoff appearance. In the season finale against the D.C. Armor, Gaunt’s defense racked up a staggering eight interceptions, including a league record five by Defensive Back Andre Letren.
Gaunt also was an assistant coach at Daniel Boone Area High School in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania from 2003 through 2008 and helped lead the Blazers to six straight postseason appearances. He is considered a valued member of the Mariners’ coaching staff by Head Coach Chris Simpson, “Gaunt is one of the hardest working coaches I know. He is very innovative when it comes to his defensive schemes. I love his competitive drive and I am really looking forward to working with Steve again.”
Mariners’ General Manager Greg Justice added, “His passion for the game of indoor football and the Baltimore Mariners is second to none. I look for an already stellar defensive unit to push to even greater results under Coach Gaunt in 2010. We are no longer under the radar, but I know that Coach Gaunt is up to the challenge and wouldn't have it any other way.”
BALTIMORE, MD (September 25, 2009) –Baltimore Mariners’ Defensive Coordinator Steve Gaunt, who compiled a relentless ball-hawking defense, which picked off 42 interceptions and grabbed 52 takeaways in the 2009 season, has reached an agreement to return to the professional indoor football team in 2010.
“I am very excited to come back to Baltimore and continue our quest for a championship. With the foundation that has been built I feel strongly that we will be a contender in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) again in 2010,” stated Gaunt a native of Little Falls, New Jersey.
Gaunt started his professional coaching career with the Reading Express in 2006. As their defensive line coach the Express compiled a 12-2 regular season record and advanced to the conference championship. In 2007 Gaunt was promoted to defensive coordinator and Reading finished a successful regular season at 14-2 and won two playoff games before falling in the AIFA championship game. His 2007 defense ranked second in the AIFA in takeaways and third in interceptions and scoring defense.
In 2009 Gaunt took the helm of the Mariners’ defense. The unit ranked first in the AIFA in interceptions with 42 and second with 52 takeaways in helping Baltimore notch a 9-5 record and earns its first playoff appearance. In the season finale against the D.C. Armor, Gaunt’s defense racked up a staggering eight interceptions, including a league record five by Defensive Back Andre Letren.
Gaunt also was an assistant coach at Daniel Boone Area High School in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania from 2003 through 2008 and helped lead the Blazers to six straight postseason appearances. He is considered a valued member of the Mariners’ coaching staff by Head Coach Chris Simpson, “Gaunt is one of the hardest working coaches I know. He is very innovative when it comes to his defensive schemes. I love his competitive drive and I am really looking forward to working with Steve again.”
Mariners’ General Manager Greg Justice added, “His passion for the game of indoor football and the Baltimore Mariners is second to none. I look for an already stellar defensive unit to push to even greater results under Coach Gaunt in 2010. We are no longer under the radar, but I know that Coach Gaunt is up to the challenge and wouldn't have it any other way.”
