The Stampede are pleased to announce the signing of local running back, Mike Kitchen, a former Georgia Tech running back and high school standout from the Harrisburg area.

HARRISBURG, PA – February 16, 2010  Ever since he was 8 years old, Mike Kitchen dreamed of playing professional football.   Coming out of Lebanon High School, some scouts touted him as the 5th best player leaving for college from Pennsylvania that year, but this wasn’t enough for Mike.  The high school all state nominations and other accolades were not to go unnoticed, but his dream had always been to play professionally.  As a journeyman searching for someone to give him a chance, he bounced around from Georgia Tech, an ACC powerhouse, to smaller schools that would allow him to be the feature back and showcase his talent. 

As an All-Conference performer at both Lackawanna College and Frostburg State University, where he finished his college career, Kitchens proved that he has what it takes to play at that next level and Harrisburg decided to finally give him a shot to earn that chance.  “Kitchen is the kind of player we are looking for.  His leadership, while not always vocal, is shown through his work ethic and his dedication on the field.” John Morris, owner of the Harrisburg Stampede said.

Right away, the fit seemed to be ideal when Kitchens first met with the Stampede coaching staff.  Coach Ramon Robinson added that, “Kitchen will provide great depth at the running back position and push Eugene Goodman for playing time right away.”

When speaking with Kitchen he furthered this by saying, “I’ll do whatever it takes to bring that championship back to Harrisburg.  My actions will show my desire to play this game and to represent the area that I grew up in.”  Kitchen appreciated that it would be a chance to get to work to get to that next level by playing in front of his hometown fans and people that have followed him since Pee Wee Football. “The support has always been there for me in this area.  It’s what keeps pushing me to better myself.  I don’t want to let these guys down.”

The Harrisburg Stampede opens the season on March 6th at 7:30 pm when the Baltimore Mariners come to the Farm Show Arena. Season tickets and individual tickets are now on sale. Check out www.harrisburgstampede.com for details or call (717) 889-5061 to order yours today. Tickets start as low as $15 to see hard hitting professional indoor football right in your own backyard.