10/28/03 FireAnts Press Release

The Tupelo FireAnts are pleased to announce the signing of Northeast Mississippi locals Patrick Garth and Rico McDonald to the 2004 roster.

Defensive lineman Patrick Garth comes to the FireAnts with a wealth of football experience. A native of Amory, Mississippi, Garth was on top of his game in college, playing for Itawamba Community College where he was a standout offensive lineman before transferring to the University of South Carolina in 1995.

Professionally, Garth has had brief stints in the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and Arena Football 2 before making his return to the Magnolia State.

“I am excited to sign a player as big and as talented as Garth,” FireAnts Head Coach Bobby Hall said. “He is not only a talented player but also a person of outstanding character.”

The FireAnts have also added to their high powered running game, with the signing of tailback Rico McDonald. McDonald, a native of Ripley, Mississippi, was a standout player with Delta State University.

A member of the 2000 Division II National Championship team, McDonald set the Gulf South Conference single season rushing record with 1,697 yards that same year. In 2001 with the Statesmen, McDonald became Delta State’s all-time leading rusher with 3,285 yards to his credit.

“I have been familiar with McDonald since his High School days, and he is about as dependable as it gets,” Hall said. “If we can continue to sign 21 guys like Rico McDonald, we have a chance to be very, very good.”

Garth and McDonald join Joe Gunn and Pig Prather as players officially signed to the 2004 ‘Ants team.

“The signing of the players so far goes right along with our goals to sign guys with not only good skill, but good attitudes,” Hall continued. “From Gunn to Prather to our new signees in Patrick Garth and Rico McDonald...they fit the bill so far.”

The FireAnts will hold another tryout on Saturday, November 15th at Robbins Field in Tupelo as Coach Hall continues on the recruitment trail. Registration will take place promptly at 8:00am, with camp getting underway at 9:00am. Interested participants must be ages 18 or older, and will need to bring running shoes, cleats, and workout clothing appropriate for the weather. The cost is $50 and includes a Tupelo FireAnts T-Shirt and two tickets to the 2004 home opener at the BancorpSouth Center.

Season tickets are also on sale now by calling the FireAnts Office, with pricing starting as low as $70 for adults and $42 for children 12 and under/seniors 60 and older. For more information, contact the FireAnts at (662) 620-BITE.