What Is 2016 Iowa Barnstormers football team

Overview

The 2016 Iowa Barnstormers were a professional indoor football team based in Des Moines, Iowa, competing in the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league. This marked their second season in CIF after transitioning from the now-defunct Arena Football League (AFL), where they had played from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2015.

Under head coach Joe Gilbert, the team aimed to build on their previous season's performance and make a deep playoff run. The Barnstormers played their home games at Wells Fargo Arena, drawing consistent crowds and maintaining a strong regional fanbase despite the league change.

• Regular season record was 9-5: The Barnstormers won nine of their 14 games, securing a playoff berth and finishing second in the league's Central Division.
• Quarterback Arvell Nelson led the offense, throwing for 2,147 yards and 47 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league's top passers.
• The defense recorded 14 interceptions and forced 22 fumbles, with standout performances from linebacker Jermaine Sanders.
• The team played a full 14-game schedule from February 27 to July 2, 2016, including regular-season matchups and playoff contests.
• They lost 56-49 in the CIF semifinals to the Wichita Force, ending their championship hopes despite a strong offensive showing.

Season Performance

The 2016 campaign saw the Barnstormers adapt well to the competitive landscape of CIF, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Key players stepped up throughout the season, helping the team remain in playoff contention through the final weeks.

• Arvell Nelson (QB): Threw for 2,147 yards and 47 TDs, completing 63% of his passes while also rushing for 310 yards.
• Trandon Harvey (WR): Led the team with 1,038 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, forming a dynamic duo with Nelson.
• Jermaine Sanders (LB): Recorded 8.5 sacks and 3 interceptions, anchoring the defensive unit throughout the season.
• Home record was 6-1: The Barnstormers were dominant at Wells Fargo Arena, losing only once on their home turf.
• Away record was 3-4: The team struggled slightly on the road but managed to win key games against Central Division rivals.
• Playoff appearance: Qualified for the postseason for the second consecutive year, advancing to the semifinals before elimination.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 season can be compared to previous Barnstormers campaigns in terms of performance, roster continuity, and league context. The table below highlights key differences between the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

The transition to CIF in 2015 initially caused uncertainty, but by 2016, the team had stabilized under new leadership. Improved record and deeper playoff run reflected organizational growth and player adaptation to the new league's style and competition level.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was significant for the Iowa Barnstormers as it demonstrated their ability to remain competitive despite league instability and roster turnover. Their performance reinforced Des Moines as a viable market for professional indoor football.

• The team maintained average attendance of over 7,000 fans per game, showing strong community support in a mid-sized market.
• Success on the field helped attract local sponsorships and media coverage, boosting the team's financial sustainability.
• Development of players like Trandon Harvey increased visibility and potential for AFL call-ups.
• The Barnstormers' presence contributed to youth football programs and local events through community outreach.
• Remaining competitive in CIF helped preserve the team's legacy after the AFL collapse.
• The 2016 season laid groundwork for future stability, including eventual rejoining of the Indoor Football League (IFL) in later years.

Ultimately, the 2016 Iowa Barnstormers represented resilience and adaptability in the face of league changes, maintaining a proud tradition of professional football in Iowa.