Post by Banana Cat on Feb 16, 2009 1:04:32 GMT -5
www.pennlive.com/sports/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1234586425263920.xml&coll=1
14 February 2009
AIFA
League adjusts Stampede dates
James Phillips / Patriot-News
It's been business as usual for the Harrisburg Stampede. The fledging American Indoor Football Association team will open its season March 14 on the road against the defending league champion Florence (S.C.) Phantoms. Originally, the Stampede were schedule to open the season at the Farm Show Arena on March 7 against the South Carolina Force. There was a schedule change because two franchises -- the Canton Legends and Arizona Adrenaline -- suspended play because of financial issues. Stuff happens, but the AIFA show will go on. "We have some cities out there where the economy is really tough," said Stampede majority owner and AIFA owner John Morris. "We support our teams and we know that they will bounce back. The fans have supported the teams, but they were having a tough time with business support," Morris said. The Stampede, who will take on the Baltimore Mariners on March 28 in their home opener, will hold its first practice from 8-10 a.m. next Saturday at In The Net Sports Complex in Palmyra. Following practice, according to head coach Kelly Logan, final tryouts will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Registration for the tryouts is at 11 a.m. with a $50 fee. "There is a lot of work to be done before our first game," Logan said. "We have to make some cuts [next Sunday] to get down to the 30-man roster. We'll be in camp until March 13 and we're looking forward to preparing to the season." The Stampede are still buzzing about the fan reaction during the exhibition game against the AIFA All-Stars on Jan. 25 at the Farm Show Arena. Morris said that New Orleans Saints standout receiver Marques Colston, a former Susquehanna Twp. star, is still on board as minority owner of the Stampede. "We had very positive feedback ... the fans were great," Logan said. "I feel that we have a lot of potential on our team. We have some good-sized linemen and a solid offense. The defense clicked from the first day." A local player who has all but made the team is former Bishop McDevitt and University of Buffalo standout Dave Dawson, who is a wide receiver and kick returner. "It's no big deal about the season opener being changed," Dawson said. "I'm excited to get things going. I know that some of the players have moved here already and we're working out and preparing for the season. "The exhibition game was great and the fans really accepted us, and it looks like Harrisburg loves the Stampede. That was a fun game, but now it's time to get to work. I'm looking forward to the season." Added Morris, "The fans are champing at the bit for the season to begin. After the exhibition game, the phones were ringing off the hook the following day."
LEAGUE NOTES:
AIFA alignment:
North: Baltimore, DC Armor, Erie, Harrisburg, Reading.
South: Carolina, Columbus, Fayetteville, Florence, South Carolina.
West: Ogden, New Mexico, Utah Valley, Wyoming.
AIFA
League adjusts Stampede dates
James Phillips / Patriot-News
It's been business as usual for the Harrisburg Stampede. The fledging American Indoor Football Association team will open its season March 14 on the road against the defending league champion Florence (S.C.) Phantoms. Originally, the Stampede were schedule to open the season at the Farm Show Arena on March 7 against the South Carolina Force. There was a schedule change because two franchises -- the Canton Legends and Arizona Adrenaline -- suspended play because of financial issues. Stuff happens, but the AIFA show will go on. "We have some cities out there where the economy is really tough," said Stampede majority owner and AIFA owner John Morris. "We support our teams and we know that they will bounce back. The fans have supported the teams, but they were having a tough time with business support," Morris said. The Stampede, who will take on the Baltimore Mariners on March 28 in their home opener, will hold its first practice from 8-10 a.m. next Saturday at In The Net Sports Complex in Palmyra. Following practice, according to head coach Kelly Logan, final tryouts will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Registration for the tryouts is at 11 a.m. with a $50 fee. "There is a lot of work to be done before our first game," Logan said. "We have to make some cuts [next Sunday] to get down to the 30-man roster. We'll be in camp until March 13 and we're looking forward to preparing to the season." The Stampede are still buzzing about the fan reaction during the exhibition game against the AIFA All-Stars on Jan. 25 at the Farm Show Arena. Morris said that New Orleans Saints standout receiver Marques Colston, a former Susquehanna Twp. star, is still on board as minority owner of the Stampede. "We had very positive feedback ... the fans were great," Logan said. "I feel that we have a lot of potential on our team. We have some good-sized linemen and a solid offense. The defense clicked from the first day." A local player who has all but made the team is former Bishop McDevitt and University of Buffalo standout Dave Dawson, who is a wide receiver and kick returner. "It's no big deal about the season opener being changed," Dawson said. "I'm excited to get things going. I know that some of the players have moved here already and we're working out and preparing for the season. "The exhibition game was great and the fans really accepted us, and it looks like Harrisburg loves the Stampede. That was a fun game, but now it's time to get to work. I'm looking forward to the season." Added Morris, "The fans are champing at the bit for the season to begin. After the exhibition game, the phones were ringing off the hook the following day."
LEAGUE NOTES:
AIFA alignment:
North: Baltimore, DC Armor, Erie, Harrisburg, Reading.
South: Carolina, Columbus, Fayetteville, Florence, South Carolina.
West: Ogden, New Mexico, Utah Valley, Wyoming.