Philadelphia Soul sign QB Ryan Vena

Tuesday January 4, 2011

 PHILADELPHIA (January 3, 2011) – The ArenaBowl XXII champion Philadelphia Soul have signed quarterback Ryan Vena (6’1, 225, Colgate) for the 2011 season. Vena will be entering his 10th season in Arena Football – four in the AFL and six in arenafootball2.

“Ryan is a talented quarterback with a wealth of Arena experience and unique abilities,” said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee. “His mental toughness and competitive nature have allowed him to have a successful Arena Football career. With the schedule extended to 18 regular-season games, we felt it was necessary to have two quarterbacks on the roster that have been starters a majority of their careers.”

Vena becomes the second quarterback on the Soul roster, joining Justin Allgood, who signed in October.

Vena’s three prior seasons in the AFL were with the Iowa Barnstormers (2010) and Columbus Destroyers (2003-04). While with the Barnstormers, Vena completed 318-of-499 passes for 3,964 yards and 78 touchdowns. He also rushed for 275 yards and 22 touchdowns. In his AFL career, he completed 644-of-1,023 passes for 8,106 yards and 151 touchdowns. He also rushed for 574 yards and 38 touchdowns over those three AFL seasons.

During his af2 career, Vena played with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (2007-09) and the Albany Conquest (2002-03 and 2006) where he passed for 23,817 yards and 440 touchdowns. Vena also rushed for 972 yards and 88 touchdowns in six af2 seasons. He led the Pioneers to two ArenaCup championship appearances (2007 and ’09) and was named Offensive Player of the Year and All-af2 First Team in 2007 while throwing for 4,241 yards and 92 touchdowns.

During his collegiate career, the former Red Raider was a three-time Patriot League Player of the Year and the Patriot League’s all-time leader in total offense with 9,435 yards. Vena was the first Patriot League quarterback to pass for over 7,000 yards and rush for over 2,000 yards. He was a Walter Payton Award finalist as a Junior, while also being named Second Team All-American by Football Gazette.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL

We’re back! The 2011 season opens at the Pittsburgh Power on Friday, March 11. Home games will be played at Wells Fargo Center (formerly Wachovia Center). The Soul capped their previous five seasons with an ArenaBowl title in 2008. Season ticket plans are now on sale, fans may order by calling the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com.