McEwen Will Not Return to Rampage for 2008 Season

GRAND RAPIDS – The Grand Rapids Rampage announced today that Sparky McEwen will not return as head coach for the 2008 season. McEwen served as the Arena Football League team’s head coach from 2005-07, compiling a 13-35 record over that span. Grand Rapids finished the 2007 season 4-12.

McEwen’s Rampage roots extend back to his playing days, when he quarterbacked the team for five games in 1998, Grand Rapids’ inaugural season. He went on to serve as an assistant coach with the team for three seasons (2001-03), including helping the Rampage capture ArenaBowl XV in 2001. A Ferris State University graduate, McEwen has also played an important role in West Michigan, coaching at Creston High School for eight seasons and encouraging his players at all levels to interact with the community.

“Sparky McEwen is a terrific human being who cares deeply about his players, the organization and the community,” said Rampage General Manager Scott Woodruff. “I will always be grateful for the contributions he has made to the Rampage as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.

“The decision not to retain Sparky was based solely on the team’s win-loss record over the past three seasons.”

The team’s search for a new head coach will begin immediately.