FireAnts ink former Rebel Joe Gunn for 2004

08/08/03 FireAnts Press Release

Former Ole Miss running back Joe Gunn has signed with the Tupelo FireAnts for the 2004 National Indoor Football League season.

Gunn, a native of Amory, Mississippi, finished his collegiate career ranked second on the Ole Miss career list for rushing yards with 2,749.  Gunn is also ranked first in career rushing attempts with 630, second in 100-yard rushing games with 12 and tied for second in rushing touchdowns with 22 while playing with the Rebels.

Gunn’s on-field achievements led to many collegiate honors, including being named to the 1999 First Team All-SEC by the Football News, 1999 Football News Honorable Mention All-America, 1999 and 2001 Coaches and Associated Press Second Team All-SEC.

In high school, Gunn helped lead the Amory Panthers, under the direction of then Head Coach Bobby Hall, to a perfect 15-0 record in 1995 and played a vital role in two state championship victories (1994, 1995).  He was named the 1995 Mississippi Player of the Year during his final season at Amory.   That season, he set the state’s single-game rushing record with 2,608 yards on 244 carries.

“Our team just got a whole lot better with the signing of Gunn, a two time All-SEC tailback,” Head Coach Bobby Hall said.  “He is the type of player we can give the ball to and gain the yards on the ground.  He is a great player...we need to find a whole lot more guys like Joe Gunn.”

The FireAnts will hold their first team tryout for the 2004 season on Saturday, August 16th at Robbins Field in Tupelo, located at the corner of Jackson and Church Streets.  Registration begins at 8:00am and interested participants will need to bring cleats, running shoes, and workout clothing appropriate for the weather.  The cost is $50 and includes a FireAnts T-Shirt and two tickets to the 2004 season home opener.

Both Joe Gunn and Coach Hall will be available for interviews today, Friday, August 8th between 2:45pm and 3:45pm at the BancorpSouth Center in Tupelo.  Please call (662) 620-BITE to reserve an interview slot.