Post by Banana Cat on Sept 24, 2009 1:27:38 GMT -5
Very strange additions for a league that touted itself as strictly a small regional league that wanted teams close to each other to save on travel. That's how they usually start though, then the next year it's 'lets conquer the world.'
www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3908924
www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3908924
SIFL Welcomes Columbus, Carolina For 2010
September 23, 2009
LAKE CHARLES, La. (September 23, 2009) - The Southern Indoor Football League established its presence in the Southeastern U.S. with the addition of two proven teams who joined the league today.
SIFL President Thom Hager and Commissioner Dan Blum announced that the Columbus (Ga.) Lions and the Carolina (Greenville, S.C.) Force have signed letters of intent to play in the SIFL beginning with the 2010 season.
"It is an exciting day for indoor football and the SIFL,'' Hager said. "Not only did we grow in numbers today, but we are now associated with two outstanding organizations who share the proper vision of what indoor football is all about. We welcome Columbus and Carolina to the league.''
Beginning their fourth season, the Lions have posted ten wins or more and playoff appearances in all three years of their existence coached by Jason Gibson. Off the field, the Lions have been active in the Columbus community, sponsoring a youth indoor football league and a high school all-star game between Alabama and Georgia. The Lions have also partnered with nearby Fort Benning in support of those serving in the military both at home and abroad as well as local community outreach programs.
"The Columbus Lions are the epitome of what an indoor franchise should be both on off the field,'' Hager said. "They have a tremendous local ownership group led by John Hargrove that I'm eager to work alongside as we grow our league.''
The Force, owned by entrepreneur Andre White, completed their first season in 2009, overcoming a slow start to finish 7-7 and missed their league playoffs by one game. Carolina is coached by former Arena Football League standout Tony Wells, who has also served as head coach in af2.
"In the Carolina Force, we gain a great market with an owner who is passionate about the game of football and a coach who knows the ins and outs of the game,'' Hager said. "This is a organization with a lot of potential.''
Columbus and Carolina will anchor the SIFL's growth in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Nearby teams will be announced once due diligence and proper procedure has been completed by both the applicants and the SIFL office.
"These are very interesting times for all those in the sport of indoor football,'' Hager said. "I'm excited about the growth of the SIFL, but more importantly, I am excited that there are other entities out there who know what is truly important - giving coaches and players the opportunity to play the great game and providing affordable family entertainment for our communities with a sensible business plan that guarantees long-term mutual benefit and profitability for our owners, fans and sponsors.''
September 23, 2009
LAKE CHARLES, La. (September 23, 2009) - The Southern Indoor Football League established its presence in the Southeastern U.S. with the addition of two proven teams who joined the league today.
SIFL President Thom Hager and Commissioner Dan Blum announced that the Columbus (Ga.) Lions and the Carolina (Greenville, S.C.) Force have signed letters of intent to play in the SIFL beginning with the 2010 season.
"It is an exciting day for indoor football and the SIFL,'' Hager said. "Not only did we grow in numbers today, but we are now associated with two outstanding organizations who share the proper vision of what indoor football is all about. We welcome Columbus and Carolina to the league.''
Beginning their fourth season, the Lions have posted ten wins or more and playoff appearances in all three years of their existence coached by Jason Gibson. Off the field, the Lions have been active in the Columbus community, sponsoring a youth indoor football league and a high school all-star game between Alabama and Georgia. The Lions have also partnered with nearby Fort Benning in support of those serving in the military both at home and abroad as well as local community outreach programs.
"The Columbus Lions are the epitome of what an indoor franchise should be both on off the field,'' Hager said. "They have a tremendous local ownership group led by John Hargrove that I'm eager to work alongside as we grow our league.''
The Force, owned by entrepreneur Andre White, completed their first season in 2009, overcoming a slow start to finish 7-7 and missed their league playoffs by one game. Carolina is coached by former Arena Football League standout Tony Wells, who has also served as head coach in af2.
"In the Carolina Force, we gain a great market with an owner who is passionate about the game of football and a coach who knows the ins and outs of the game,'' Hager said. "This is a organization with a lot of potential.''
Columbus and Carolina will anchor the SIFL's growth in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Nearby teams will be announced once due diligence and proper procedure has been completed by both the applicants and the SIFL office.
"These are very interesting times for all those in the sport of indoor football,'' Hager said. "I'm excited about the growth of the SIFL, but more importantly, I am excited that there are other entities out there who know what is truly important - giving coaches and players the opportunity to play the great game and providing affordable family entertainment for our communities with a sensible business plan that guarantees long-term mutual benefit and profitability for our owners, fans and sponsors.''