***Srorm Press Release***
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Stormacquired quarterback Stephen Garcia, announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.
“The Storm is always looking for local talent that can make an impact on our roster,” said Gooch. “Stephen is from the Tampa Bay area and will help add to the level of competition at the quarterback position.”
Garcia (6-foot-3, 230 lbs., South Carolina), a standout at Jefferson H.S. (Tampa, FL), enters his first season in the Arena Football League with the Tampa Bay Storm. He began his professional football career in 2012 with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
Prior to turning pro, Garcia played four seasons at the University of South Carolina, starting in 35-of-40 games. He finished his Gamecock career with 7,597 passing yards, 77 rushing yards, and 48 total touchdowns. Garcia would end his South Carolina career third on the all-time list in passing yardage (7,597), attempts (1,021), completions (589), and passing touchdowns (47).
Garcia prepped at Jefferson and finished his high school career having completed 506-of-821 passes for 8,081 yards and 83 touchdowns. He would lead the Dragons to a playoff appearance in each season. Garcia graduated as the all-time Hillsborough County leader in passing yards (8,081), completions (506) and touchdowns (83), and third in the state for career passing yards and sixth in touchdown passes.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The 2014 season kicks off on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo. Season tickets can be purchased by visitingTampaBayStorm.com or by calling813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.