Roughriders add  to defense

02/03/03 Roughriders Press Release

The Bismarck Roughriders of the National Indoor Football League have announced the signing of two more for the 2003 season.

The first being defensive lineman Michael Wessel.  The 6' 270lb Wessel played his college ball at the University of Saint Francis (IN).  While at USF Wessel played both defensive tackle and nose guard and was a three year starter.  Wessel is the USF career sack leader with 17 as well as the single season record holder with 11 sacks in 2000.  Michael also racked up 111 tackles in his final two seasons, including 35 for a loss. In 2000, and 2001 Michael was the USF Most Valuable Defensive Lineman,as was also named Player of the Week seven times. 

"We are very excited to get a player of Michael's caliber in a Roughrider jersey," Head Coach Luke Shafer.  "He had a great career in college and comes very highly recommended from his coaches, he's a guy who plays hard on every down and I'm looking forward to getting a chance to coach him,"
added Shafer. 

The Roughriders have also announced the signing of defensive back Jimmy Gaston.  The 5' 9" 180lb Gaston comes to the 'Riders after playing the 2002 season for the Pensacola Barracudas of af2.  Gaston played his college football at West Texas A&M in Amarillo, Texas.  While with the Buffaloes Gaston racked up 69 tackles to go along with 4 interceptions. Jimmy also returned kicks his senior season averaging 36.3 yards per return. 

"Jimmy has great speed to go along with his indoor experience so he is going to be a big part of our defense this season," Luke Shafer.