Wheeling, W. Va. - Throughout the growth of the Wheeling University Football program some of its best stars have begun to make the jump from collegiate ball to pro ball. Over the last two seasons, three different Cardinals have signed professional contracts with the Indoor Football League (IFL) and the National Arena League (NAL). Over the weekend, another Cardinal joined that exclusive club as former Cardinal running back Sy Alli IV signed a contract with Mexicas LFA for the 2024 season as he begins his professional career.
During his time in a Cardinal uniform, Alli led the Cardinals running game in each of his five seasons, including becoming the first Cardinal running back to eclipse the 1,000-Yard rushing mark in a season during the 2021 campaign. During his career in a Cardinal uniform, Alli rushed for 3,108 yards and holds nearly every career rushing record in program history, including rushing touchdowns (24), yards per game (72.3), and rushing attempts (657). During his senior season, Alli once again led the Cardinal's rushing attack, finishing with 196 carries for 936 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns, while averaging a career-best 85.09 yards/game.
During the course of his career, Alli racked up several conference and national honors, including being named a three-time All-MEC award winner. He earned his first honor during the 2020 season, when he was named Second Team All-MEC running back and followed that up with back-to-back First Team All-MEC honors during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He also received National Recognition during that time, becoming the program's first All-American when he was named a Don Hansen NCAA DII All-American following his senior season. He rounded out his legacy by writing his name in the record books as the program's first-ever 3,000-Yard rusher for his career, finishing with 3,108 career rushing yards.
"I'm honestly just really excited for the opportunity to further my craft with Mexicas LFA," said Alli. "It feels good to get back out on the field and compete again while representing Wheeling University at the next level."
The Mexicas LFA are one of the founding members of the Liga de Futbol Americano Profesional (LFA) back during the 2016 season. The league features 11 teams all based in and around Mexico and is the top level of professional American Football in Mexico. They have an alliance with the Canadian Football League (CFL) as the top players look to make their mark and get noticed by scouts. During the 2023 season, the Mexicas finished 3-7 overall to finish eighth in the conference standings. Alli looks to carry the team's ground attack as they climb the ladder in the LFA and compete for a spot in the Tazon Mexico (Mexico Bowl) in early May.
Alli will begin play with the Mexicas during the 2024 season, with the season beginning in early March of 2024.
