When Daron Clark and Ken Van Heule left the Iowa Barnstormers during the middle of the season, they had no idea what the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) or the Richmond Raiders would bring them. Although, upon arrival, things took off.
The Raiders have not lost a game since the two joined and are now on their way to the PIFL Playoffs as the second seed.
Two former Barnstormers finding success in Richmond
Clark had played for the Raiders the season before, earning 13 touchdowns in five games. When he got the call from Coach Fuller (Richmond,) he decided to return with Van Heule because it was a better opportunity in their eyes.
“The PIFL is a great league, including AFL style rules,” Clark said. “We have a great thing going on in Richmond Raiders Nation [and] our goal is to win a championship.”
The crowd obviously knew Clark, as they chanted, “Speedy, Speedy,” upon his entrance during his first game back.
When Clark received the call to come back to Richmond, he was told they needed a lineman, so Clark knew just what to do. He talked Barnstormers lineman Ken Van Heule into following his footsteps.
“It feels good to play on the same team as Clark cause we are both happy here,” Van Heule said. “The fact that we made the playoffs and are on the right track for a ring makes everything better.”
The two were also teammates with Torez Jones, who played the first two games with Iowa as well.
“It’s great [to have former teammates come with me.] We have a good chemical,” Clark said. “As a veteran I played with a lot of people from the CFL, AFL, and UFL. Ken and Torez are good players on and off the field. They like my leadership and mindset to win.”
“The Barnstormers are a great organization. I love the fans,” Clark said. I looked up to Coach Dodge, I was a fan of him growing up watching Arena Football. One day I [hope to] be able to bring a Championship to Des Moines.”
The Richmond Raiders, on the other hand, will try to continue their success in the PIFL Semifinals, when they take on the Nashville Venom on Monday, June 29.
