Avery Coach Shayne Milligan Plays in Arena Football All-Star Classic

Shayne Milligan loves the game of football.

In addition to serving as an assistant coach for the Avery High School football team and helping with the team’s strength and conditioning, Milligan has also spent the past couple of years playing in the AIFA, or the American Indoor Football Association.

Last weekend Shayne had the privilege of traveling to Richmond, Virginia to play in the AIFA All-Star Kickoff Classic, an exhibition between the league’s newest expansion team, the Richmond Raiders, and a team comprised of AIFA All-Stars from around the 16-team league. Milligan, starting quarterback with the Harrisburg AIFA club, played in the game’s second and fourth quarter and was 10 for 18 for 114 yards and three touchdown passes.

Milligan, no stranger to game pressure and preparation as a former quarterback in the Southern Conference with the Elon University Phoenix, sought to continue his playing career through the arena league. The AIFA offered an opportunity to both play in a fast-paced atmosphere and give Shayne a chance to showcase his skills to professional coaches and scouts in the hopes of ultimately having a shot at playing in the sport’s highest level, the National Football League.

“It has been a blast playing. The indoor game is a fast-paced game with lots of scoring. The crowds really seem to enjoy the game because of its up-tempo style,” Shayne said in an interview following last week’s game. “It’s a developmental league for people who want to move up, and it’s also a league for those who have already had their time to shine and want to still play the game. It’s a great learning experience for those who want to play football at the next level.”

The league boasts players from all walks of life and levels of experience, from college Division 3 players all the way to players who have won rings as part of an NFL championship team.

“Having played before at a college level makes it easier. It’s a great learning experience for those who want to keep on going,” Milligan said. “My ultimate goal is to get in the NFL, but I am a realist and there is a slim chance for that. From this league I would like to move up to bigger arena leagues or maybe even the Canadian Football League. I’ll keep playing this season in Harrisburg and hope to get more game film from it, and hopefully be able to move up the ladder as I continue my career.”

Shayne tried out for the league’s former Charlotte franchise last February and made the Carolina Speed. Milligan started the first five games for the club, but was moved to receiver. Milligan was disappointed in the decision to move him from his natural position and asked for his release. He was then picked up by the Harrisburg (PA) Stampede and played the final four games of the season with that team.

Milligan had a good season in 2009 with 1,400 yards passing, 17 touchdown passes and ten touchdowns rushing.

Playing in an All-Star game at any level of sport is a unique and special recognition. It recognizes a player’s efforts and honors the hard work the player has invested into being one of the best at his or her craft. It was also special because Shayne was able to share his experience with family and friends.

“The treatment we received in Richmond was great, We stayed in a nice hotel and had our meals paid for. We were kept fresh for the game. The All-Star game was more catered to us and everything turned out absolutely great,” Shayne stated. “I appreciated that my dad was able to make it up for the game as well as my mom and her parents and Sara Singleton came to watch.”

Working as an assistant with the Avery Vikings has proved beneficial to Shayne as the experiences gained has provided a different perspective than that of solely a player on the field.

“My time at Avery has helped me a lot. I know what it’s like to be a coach rather than just the point-of-view of a player,” Milligan stated. “Now that I have coached I see where other coaches are coming from, and it is easier to get along with coaches who coach me now that I have coached other players. Coaching also helps in seeing the game differently as a coach. As a quarterback I prepared and saw the field and watched film. Before coming to Avery I didn’t take that as professionally. But as a coach at Avery I’ve learned that watching film is very important and knowing everything on the field is important.”

Shayne returns to training camp on February 8^th to prepare for the 2010 AIFA season. Harrisburg’s first game is on March 6^th and will play weekly through late June, with playoffs and the league championship game taking place in July.

Congratulations to Coach Milligan on his All-Star recognition and best wishes for a successful 2010 season!