Veteran Arena Defensive Lineman Puncho Aiono Comes to Carolina

GREENSBORO –  The 2018 National Arena League Champion, Carolina Cobras announce today the signing of Defensive lineman Punchio Aiono, who enters his seventh season of arena football and first with the Carolina Cobras.

Puncho Aiono (6’0, 275) comes to the Cobras after a seven-year career with the Omaha Beef, signing with the team in 2013 when they were members of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League helping the team to a 10-2 record. Since his rookie year Aiono remained on the defensive line even after the team left the CPIFL to join the Champions Indoor Football League (CIF) in 2015 where Aiono played five more seasons helping the Beef to two playoff appearances and one conference championship.

Prior to his arena football career, Aiono attended L.A. Harbour College where he played on the defensive line amassing 74 tackles, four sacks, and 14.5 tackles for a loss in his two seasons with the Seahawks football team. From there Aiono transferred to Adams State University and played for the Grizzlies to finish his college career. In the 2013 season Aiono made an impact on defense totalling 32 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass deflected.

Coach Res said that, “Aiono brings experience to the defensive line. The Cobras the last 2 seasons have dominated up front on defense. Aiono adds the physical play needed to help us keep the defense playing at that level.”

Aiono is a native of Compton, CA. Aiono attended and played football for Phineas Banning Highschool in Wilmington, CA.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA COBRAS
The Carolina Cobras are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2017, the Carolina Cobras are starting their fourth season in 2021 and were the 2018 National Arena League Champions. The Cobras play their home games at the Greensboro Coliseum. Cobra Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (336) 445-7232 or visit carcobras.com. Follow the Cobras on Facebook at facebook.com/carcobras, twitter.com/carcobras and instagram.com/carcobras.