12/02/02 Night Train Press Release

            The La Crosse Night Train continued to bolster its 2003 roster with the signing of two new faces and the return of a familiar one. Offensive/defensive lineman Dempsey Miller re-signed with the second-year squad as did new additions John Duginski (FB/LB) and Ken Smith (DB).

            Miller joined the Night Train mid-way through the 2002 season and spent the majority of his playing time on offensive line. Miller will serve almost exclusively on defensive line next season according to Night Train Head Coach Mike Brown.

            Duginski (5’9, 250 lbs.) will beef up the Night Train backfield and line backing corps. The Central Michigan graduate brings four years of indoor football experience to La Crosse. His professional experience includes two years with the IFL-champion Green Bay Bombers, one year with the Milwaukee Mustangs (AFL), and he just completed the 2002 season with the Norfolk Nighthawks of AF2. Duginski is a Cudahy, Wisconsin, native and played briefly at UW-Oshkosh as well.

            Smith (6’0, 195 lbs.) joins the team after sitting out the 2002 season. He played for the Lincoln Lightning and Iowa Barnstormers in AF2 in 2001 and the Green Bay Bombers in 2000. Smith had a banner season with Green Bay, recording five interceptions, nine pass break-ups, and 47 tackles in 13 games. The 28-year old Smith played college ball at Western New Mexico University.

            The Night Train currently has 19 players under contract for the upcoming 2003 season. La Crosse will open its second season in the National Indoor Football League on March 14 at home against the Sioux City Bandits.