Post by Banana Cat on Sept 23, 2010 9:56:37 GMT -5
sportsyakima.com/2010/09/warriors-look-to-prove-staying-power/
Warriors look to prove staying power
September 23, 2010
by Dave Thomas
Warriors leader says team is in it for the long haul ||
YAKIMA, Wash. — This week felt like a new beginning for Michael Mink and he readily embraces the opportunities ahead.
The Yakima Valley Warriors managing partner, in Yakima for a couple of days, was energized and enthusiastic about getting to work on the 2011 Warriors season — while also helping to rebuild the West Division of the American Indoor Football Association.
“I believe Yakima is a good market … and the Warriors are here to be a staple in Yakima,” Mink said Wednesday, adding that 2011 preparations have already begun.
The team has secured its arena dates, with the schedule set to be released Nov. 15. Season tickets will go on sale starting this weekend — with ticket prices remaining the same — and the sales staff “will hit the streets late next week,” Mink said.
“The main thing is that the Warriors plan on playing year two — and years three, four and five,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”
Perhaps the biggest reason for Mink’s optimism is that the Warriors quieted doubters, many who didn’t think that the team would play a single game last spring, let alone finish the season.
“A lot of people were skeptical,” he said. “We weren’t perfect (last season) but we kept chopping wood and handled our responsibilities.
“With our sponsors, everything was positive. I hope they’ll welcome us back with open arms.”
The bigger challenge facing Mink, the just-named commissioner of the AIFA’s West Division, will be creating stability in a division that will have a vastly different look.
Only Yakima and San Jose — which is moving to Stockton, Calif., to get a better arena deal — will return.
Gone are four teams — with Ogden and Alaska shut down, and Wenatchee Valley and Wyoming bolting for the rival Indoor Football League.
Helping fill the void will be new teams in Reno, Nev., Tucson, Ariz., and, likely, Eugene, Ore., although that last deal hasn’t been finalized quite yet.
“It’s a challenge but the good thing is that it’s September,” he said. “There’s lots of time to market the teams.”
That was the primary problem last season, as Yakima Valley didn’t get started until early November, just 31/2 months before training camp started, with Ogden and Alaska having only 11/2 months of prep time.
“With Ogden and Alaska, we just made the wrong decisions,” Mink said. “Everyone wanted six teams rather than four, but if a team is not ready to play, it’s not ready. That’s what cost us.”
While back, the Warriors will have a different look, with Mink taking a less prominent role on and off the field because of his expanded league duties.
“(Owner) Steve Sheldon will be more active … and you’ll see more local people in the day-to-day operation,” Mink said.
There will also be a new coaching staff, with head coach Lance Brown taking a job with a team in Kentucky, and Mink relinquishing his defensive coordinator duties.
As for players, Mink is hopeful several players will return, including defensive stalwarts Wilson Afoa, Ryan Wright, Rokiem Rowland, and, possibly former Central Washington standouts Prince Hall and Jerome Williams, “if they don’t move up,” Mink said.
One player the Warriors have already secured is Devin Hollins, who was Wenatchee Valley’s quarterback last season. In 10 games, Hollins completed 113 of 179 passes for 1,361 yards with 32 touchdown passes to just two interceptions.
“We’re definitely excited to have him as our starting quarterback,” Mink said.
Just one more reason for Mink to be enthusiastic about the upcoming season.
September 23, 2010
by Dave Thomas
Warriors leader says team is in it for the long haul ||
YAKIMA, Wash. — This week felt like a new beginning for Michael Mink and he readily embraces the opportunities ahead.
The Yakima Valley Warriors managing partner, in Yakima for a couple of days, was energized and enthusiastic about getting to work on the 2011 Warriors season — while also helping to rebuild the West Division of the American Indoor Football Association.
“I believe Yakima is a good market … and the Warriors are here to be a staple in Yakima,” Mink said Wednesday, adding that 2011 preparations have already begun.
The team has secured its arena dates, with the schedule set to be released Nov. 15. Season tickets will go on sale starting this weekend — with ticket prices remaining the same — and the sales staff “will hit the streets late next week,” Mink said.
“The main thing is that the Warriors plan on playing year two — and years three, four and five,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”
Perhaps the biggest reason for Mink’s optimism is that the Warriors quieted doubters, many who didn’t think that the team would play a single game last spring, let alone finish the season.
“A lot of people were skeptical,” he said. “We weren’t perfect (last season) but we kept chopping wood and handled our responsibilities.
“With our sponsors, everything was positive. I hope they’ll welcome us back with open arms.”
The bigger challenge facing Mink, the just-named commissioner of the AIFA’s West Division, will be creating stability in a division that will have a vastly different look.
Only Yakima and San Jose — which is moving to Stockton, Calif., to get a better arena deal — will return.
Gone are four teams — with Ogden and Alaska shut down, and Wenatchee Valley and Wyoming bolting for the rival Indoor Football League.
Helping fill the void will be new teams in Reno, Nev., Tucson, Ariz., and, likely, Eugene, Ore., although that last deal hasn’t been finalized quite yet.
“It’s a challenge but the good thing is that it’s September,” he said. “There’s lots of time to market the teams.”
That was the primary problem last season, as Yakima Valley didn’t get started until early November, just 31/2 months before training camp started, with Ogden and Alaska having only 11/2 months of prep time.
“With Ogden and Alaska, we just made the wrong decisions,” Mink said. “Everyone wanted six teams rather than four, but if a team is not ready to play, it’s not ready. That’s what cost us.”
While back, the Warriors will have a different look, with Mink taking a less prominent role on and off the field because of his expanded league duties.
“(Owner) Steve Sheldon will be more active … and you’ll see more local people in the day-to-day operation,” Mink said.
There will also be a new coaching staff, with head coach Lance Brown taking a job with a team in Kentucky, and Mink relinquishing his defensive coordinator duties.
As for players, Mink is hopeful several players will return, including defensive stalwarts Wilson Afoa, Ryan Wright, Rokiem Rowland, and, possibly former Central Washington standouts Prince Hall and Jerome Williams, “if they don’t move up,” Mink said.
One player the Warriors have already secured is Devin Hollins, who was Wenatchee Valley’s quarterback last season. In 10 games, Hollins completed 113 of 179 passes for 1,361 yards with 32 touchdown passes to just two interceptions.
“We’re definitely excited to have him as our starting quarterback,” Mink said.
Just one more reason for Mink to be enthusiastic about the upcoming season.