HORSEMEN ANNOUNCE 2007 COACHING STAFF

 LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Horsemen head coach Mike Zuckerman has completed his coaching staff for the 2007 season, it was announced Monday.

   Zuckerman is entering his second season as the squad’s head coach after leading Lexington to new heights in his first season. Under his direction, the 2006 edition of the Horsemen opened the year with a franchise-best seven-game winning season and finished the year 14-3, including a franchise-best 13-2 mark during the regular season. This year, Zuckerman will be the offensive coordinator and work directly with the running backs.

   “Last year was a memorable year for me being my first year as a head coach,” Zuckerman said. “I am lucky to be a part of a great organization surrounded by great players, coaches, front office and owners. This year, I expect us to again be in the running for a championship. With the help of our great fans, I believe we can be just as successful this season.”

   Mike Harmon, the head coach at Lafayette High School, will serve as the team’s assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Entering his fourth year with the Horsemen, Harmon has served as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator for the past three seasons. He is 41-24 in his sixth year at Lafayette. Under his direction, the Generals posted a 10-0 undefeated regular season for the first time in 43 years, including a 6-0 mark in district play.

   "Mike is a great coach and is one of the reasons we are able to get some great players," Zuckerman said. "We have a special relationship with him being my boss during the high school season at Lafayette and me being his boss with the Horsemen. We keep each other in check during our respective seasons. With him being the defensive coordinator this season, I know that our defense is in good hands."

   Kevin Bruggeman begins his first year with the Horsemen as the squad’s special teams coordinator and offensive line coach. He brings 14 years of coaching experience to the job, all at Lexington Catholic High School. At Catholic, he coaches the special teams, the kickers and strong safeties. He has been involved in every football game in the history of Lexington Catholic football as he also played two years on the team.

"Kevin brings a lot of coaching experience to the offensive line position," Zuckerman said. "He understands our offense from coaching at Lexington Catholic, and will do a great job coordinating our special teams.”

   Anthony “Champ” Kelly will serve as the team’s wide receivers coach in addition to being the general manager. Kelly has been a member of the Horsemen organization since its inception. The former University of Kentucky wide receiver played four seasons for Lexington (2003-06) and was a two-time United Indoor Football All-Star. Last season, Kelly was the co-recipient of the UIF Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players who are not only leaders on the field, but also off the field and in the community.

   “Champ brings a special ingredient to our staff by understanding the indoor game not only as a coach, but as a player,” Zuckerman said. “With that type of experience, it is easier for him to communicate to players just what to look for and what to expect on the field. I will miss him being my coach on the field as he has the past few years, but he will do a great job as a coach on the sidelines.”

   Former University of Kentucky and NFL quarterback Bill Ransdell will be the team’s quarterbacks coach. Ransdell, a 1985 UK graduate, has eight years of coaching experience at the high school level and is currently the quarterbacks coach at Henry Clay High School in Lexington. He was drafted in the 12th round by the New York Jets in 1987 and also spent time with Tampa Bay and Indianapolis. He also served as Lexington’s radio color commentator during the 2005 season.

   “Bill is a person with great insight to the offensive side of the ball,” Zuckerman said. “I have never seen anyone who can read defenses and be able to make adjustments like he does. He will be one of the key ingredients to putting together a good game plan each week and helping the quarterbacks understand what we are wanting out of our offense.”

   Rodney Byrd will enter his first year with the Horsemen as the defensive backs and secondary coach. He currently serves as the assistant defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for Tates Creek High School. He also assists with the boys and girls basketball teams at Tates Creek.

   "Rodney is the quiet one on the staff, but knows what it takes to be a good defensive back," Zuckerman said. "He has shown that ability with the way his players at Tates Creek High School have played over the years. He is a great addition to our defense."

   Frank Crossman will coach the linebackers for the Horsemen. He is currently the strength coach and works with the safeties at Henry Clay High School. He previously worked as a strength coach, running backs coach and defensive backs coach at Boyle County High School, where the school won three state championships during his tenure.

   "Frank is an energetic person who will bring some good experience to the defensive side of the ball working with our linebackers," Zuckerman said. "With him having three state championship rings from coaching at Boyle County, he understands what it takes to win championships."

   George Barber enters his fourth year with the Horsemen as the team’s kicking coach and special teams assistant. Prior to joining the Horsemen, he spent 30 years as a teacher and coach at both Bryan Station High School and Paul L. Dunbar High School.

   "George has the toughest job of all of our coaches – trying to convince our kicker that the goal posts aren’t as narrow as they look," Zuckerman said. "He has done a great job with our kickers over the past few years and that has been vital to the success of our team."

For more information, contact:

Gary Ball (gary@lexingtonhorsemen.com) or Sean Cartell (secart3@uky.edu)

 (859) 422- PASS