Ex-Husker QB Glissman battling for Capitols' top spot

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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star

With the season opener looming March 25, Lincoln Capitols head coach Pat Schaben works to fill the gaps on a roster that remains in flux after a week of practices.

Schaben can take comfort that the Capitols appear to be solid at perhaps the most important position — quarterback.

Former Nebraska backup Garth Glissman is receiving stiff competition from Aaron Thumann, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound former Peru State player.

"Both of them will make each other better, and I feel really good about both of them," said Capitols offensive coordinator Trever Whiting.

The 6-5, 210-pound Glissman, a Waverly native, has impressed coaches and teammates with his strong work ethic, Whiting said.

"He's just a little rusty with his reads," Whiting said. "But he has the work habits you need. He's busting his butt."

Thumann, meanwhile, has impressed with his feel for the game and arm strength, Whiting said.

"Aaron doesn't overanalyze — he just takes what's there," Whiting said. "And when the ball comes out of his hand, it's just flying. You had better know where it is, or he'll take your head off."

Whiting said he's mulling a two-quarterback system as Lincoln prepares for its fourth season in the National Indoor Football League.

Thumann played mostly backup behind Toby Henry at Peru State after graduating from Centennial High School in Utica. Thumann spent the first half of last season with the Omaha Beef, "but things just weren't working out," he said.

"I decided I needed to move on to other things, and see where else I could go with my future," Thumann said. "I love football. It's been a passion of mine for my entire life. Watching the indoor game and being a part of it, it's an exciting and fun time for me."

Thumann is a student teacher in the Tecumseh Public Schools system. He drives to Lincoln for evening practices five days a week, returning home at about 11 p.m.

The Capitols are looking to replace quarterback Justin Coleman, who guided an injury-depleted squad to a 3-11 record last season.

Thumann is looking forward to the opener at Pershing Center against the 1-0 Odessa (Texas) Roughnecks.

"That game is coming up quick, but I'm really excited about it," Thumann said. "We're really coming along as a team. I think we're developing well and have made some big strides in practice."

Schaben, entering his first full season as head coach, has 30-some players in camp, including former Husker kicker Sandro DeAngelis and former Lincoln Southeast standout receiver J.R. Edwards.

The Capitols practice at Abbott Sports Complex.

"We're going to surprise some people this season, no question about it," Whiting said.