Serbia Champion Kragujevac Wild Boars Secure QB Ian McGinnis
Serbia’s defending national champions, the Kragujavec Wild Boars, has signed quarterback Ian McGinnis for their 2017 season.
McGinnis (6’3″, 215) played at San Lorenzo Valley High School in Santa Cruz, California, where he lettered in each of his four years. A two-time All-Conference selection, McGinnis, 26, also lettered in track and basketball. He spent two seasons at Cabrillo College before transferring to Belhaven University in Mississippi. In 6 games in 2013, McGinnis went 96-180, for 1,257 with 4 INTs and 12 TDs. He also rushed for 201 yards and 4 TDs.
Wild Boars head coach Aleksandar Ristic Alf on the signing of McGinnis;
“The first thing that I thought to myself when I saw Ian’s film was that he would be really good match for us. I was most impressed with his footwork and his pocket presence. The only thing we needed to make sure of was his personality. In our quarterback, we value a quality leader on and off the field. A good friend is as important as football skils.
After talking on the phone with Ian I am glad to say that we were lucky to have got him for this season. In my opinion, he should be just the thing that we were looking for. A great guy, with the football knowlege and the great skills that he’s willing to share with the rest of the teammates. Everybody is excited to meet him, especially our wide receievers.
With God’s blessing, this will be one great year and a huge experience for Ian and Wild Boars nation. We hope, above all else, that he will make a lot of lifetime friends around here.”
American Football International had a chance to chat with McGinnis about his signing.
AFI: How did you decide to sign with the Wild Boars?
McGinnis: Deciding to come and play for the Wild Boars was a fairly quick process. I was actually looking over about three other contracts when I was contacted by a board member and former player Shane Wong. After speaking with him about the caliber of athletes, Gabe Chambers being one of them, and the family aspect of the football team there was no doubt in my mind that playing for the Wild Boars was the place for me. With all the teams I’ve spoken with over the last month and a half or so, the Wild Boars and the people in the organization that I spoke with simply seemed to jump out at me and grab my attention from everything I saw on film and from what I heard of the character and caliber guys that are on the team.
AFI: What do you expect from this coming season in Serbia?
McGinnis: Going into every season every player has high expectations. Every team from rec league to the pros wants to win the championship for their division, state or nation. To hold the championship at the end is always the goal. The Wild Boars are coming off a great season, and winning a championship last year, I think solidifies those expectations. I’ve seen some film on the guys that I’ll be playing with come season and heard of the team chemistry that they have in the locker room. My expectations are big and I’m hoping to win a championship as I’m sure everyone on the team is. I’m looking forward to a great season.
AFI: How much do you know about the club and football in Serbia?
McGinnis: I know a good bit about the present team but I don’t know much history of the club and the sport of football in Serbia. From my understanding though, Coach Alf is a living legend and has done a lot for the sport in Serbia.
I’m looking forward to working with him on and off the field for sure as well as learning from the guys all about the history of the club and football in Serbia.
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