New Orleans VooDoo To Hold Open Tryouts On January 20

The New Orleans VooDoo will hold its second open tryout of the 2013 season on Sunday, January 20 at Pan American Stadium in City Park. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with the tryout starting at 10 a.m.
Registration fee for all trying out will be $60 and due at the registration table prior to participating in the work out. The registration fee is non-refundable, and only cash will be accepted as a form of payment. Kickers WILL NOT be worked out at this tryout.
"Last year, we had a very talented crop of athletes attend our tryouts, and we invited two players from the tryouts to come to training camp with us," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "Louisiana produces so many talented and gifted athletes, and we are hoping to find those hidden gems, and those who are looking for an opportunity to showcase themselves."
In addition to the registration fee, all participants will need to bring outdoor cleats to wear on a field turf surface, and other proper athletic attire for the outdoors. The tryout will consist of testing that includes the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle followed by specific arena football drills.
Those attending the tryout from outside the metro area and are looking for a hotel should contact the Ramada Inn in Metairie (504-835-4141) for special rates. The Ramada Inn has set aside a block of hotel rooms at a special rate while supplies last.
New Orleans VooDoo Football Tryout
Date: Sunday, January 20
Time: Registration is at 9 a.m.
Where: Pan American Stadium in City Park; 194 Zachary Taylor Drive New Orleans, LA 70130
Surface: Field Turf (proper shoes required)
Fee: $60.00 (cash only)
Drills: 40-yard dash, 20-yard short shuttle, etc.

West Virginia Badgers Football Is Here

The West Virginia Badgers have formally announced the New Website is open for business. “The Website will be a great source of marketing for our businesses and stream of information for our ticket holders/ fans” said Justin Coble the Director of Football Operations.
Some of the many things you can now find on the team website.
2013 Schedule
Tickets for sale
Coaches/ Front Office/ Owners pages
Player signings
Coming soon will be merchandise store and player signings and football camps.
Justin Coble was quoted as saying, "We aim to bring Professional Indoor Football to Charlestown and showcase our great talent. We will have family friendly pricing with General Admission tickets only $10 We want all families to come out and enjoy themselves so we worked hard to make sure our prices were below market prices for other cities."
Check out the new revamped website at www.wvbadgers.com and get your 2013 tickets online now!
For more information about the West Virginia Badgers go to www.wvbadgers.com. Also check out and click "Like" on the West Virginia Badgers Facebook page. Follow the Badgers on Twitter at @WVBadgers.

Missouri Monster’s Name John Johnson Offensive Coordinator And Coordinator And Director Of Player Personnel

St. Louis native John Johnson has been named offensive coordinator and director of player personnel for the Missouri Monsters, it was announced by head coach John Parker.
Johnson played running back at Parkway West High School and at Iowa Central College. Locally, he has played for the St. Louis Bulldogs, and indoor football with the River City Renegades and River City Rage.
He has coached running backs and receivers at Kirkwood High School as well as running backs and defensive backs for the Elite Football Academy.
Parker said, ”He has a great deal of experience at this level and is highly enthusiastic about the position. I look forward to having him on the staff.”
About the Missouri Monsters:
The Missouri Monsters are proud members of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL).  The Monsters have a multi-year lease with the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Training camp begins in February, 2013.  Season ticket prices start at $42.00 and only $7.00 for single game tickets.
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com or call 636-395-0896.
Like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/missourimonsters and Follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/monstersfball

Utah Blaze Assist Efforts To End Homelessness

The Utah Blaze completed its second annual “Coats for the Cold” charity by delivering a substantial quantity of donated clothing to The Road Home Shelter on Thursday, December 20th. Players, Dancers and Coaches were all in attendance as the franchise contributed to the shelter’s efforts during its 18th annual Holiday Radio-a-Thon, which aims to end homelessness in Salt Lake City.
With the help of its sponsors, Costa Vida Restaurants, Chick-fil-A at South Towne Marketplace, Meadowbrook Station Apartments, and Arrow Moving & Storage, the Utah Blaze gathered clothing to be donated to The Road Home Shelter during the months of November and December. The franchise placed donation bins at sponsor locations around Salt Lake City for six weeks before collecting the items and delivering them to the shelter.
The Holiday Radio-a-Thon is annually conducted to raise funds for The Road Home as it strives to end homelessness and assist those in need. In addition to making a donation, Head Coach Ron James and Offensive Line Coach Ron McBride visited nine local radio stations for several hours, encouraging listeners to support The Road Home by making a donation.
At the same time, Utah Blaze players, dancers and mascot Torch spent time with children at The Road Home’s family center. Attendance included WR Aaron Lesué, DB David Hyland, OL Antonio Narcisse, OL Darryl Hicks, as well as Blaze Dancers Allie, Shelby, Kaylie, Mack, Alisha, Ashley and Kenzie.
“Going to the Road Home family center was a great experience,” said Hyland “My favorite part was playing with the kids who are currently residing there. It was nice to see that regardless of their family’s present circumstance, kids are still kids. They were laughing, playing, and having a great time. Hopefully they enjoyed it as much as we did.”
“I’m very thankful we had the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause,” said Head Coach Ron James. “We strive to represent this city to the best of our ability and we feel it is our responsibility to help make our community a better place. I’m honored to work with a first-class organization such as a Road Home, and proud of the way our sponsors, fans, players and dancers all contributed to helping those in need.”
The Road Home began in 1923 as Travelers' Aid Society, operating out of a local bus depot and providing assistance to stranded travelers and other disconnected persons. In 2001, they changed their name to The Road Home to better reflect their mission. The Road Home has since grown to become the state's largest homeless shelter.

Lincoln Haymakers Announce First Player Tryouts

The new professional indoor football team in town, The Haymakers, will hold open tryouts for anyone looking to play professional indoor football. Tryouts will be held Saturday December 29th, 2012 at The Bison Sports Arena. Registration is set for 7:00 a.m.; with workouts starting at 8 a.m. Check out The Haymakers website at www.lincolnhaymakers.com for more info or like us on Facebook. Fans are also invited to come see prospects try-out!
The Lincoln Haymakers will begin play in The CPIFL (Champions Professional Indoor Football League) in March. All games will be at The Pershing Center.

Alabama Hammers Announce 2013 Coaching Staff

Alabama Hammers head coach Dean Cokinos has announced his coaching staff for the 2013 Professional Indoor Football League season.
Demetrius Derico will serve as defensive backs coach, Calvin "Big O" Ousby will direct the offensive line and Eric Scott will coach the defensive line. Joining the former Vipers on the sideline will be Don Clauser, who will be in charge of special teams.
"I am really pleased with the way the team is coming together and I am excited about the opportunity to work with this young coaching staff," Cokinos said.
"Demetrius, Calvin, Eric and I have all been through the battles together and have achieved the highest goal possible along the way (the Vipers 2008 af2 championship.) These guys will bring a lot of experience and knowledge of the game to the players, as well as support the culture and attitude that we will strive to incorporate here in Huntsville."
Derico served as defensive backs coach alongside Cokinos with the AFL's Georgia Force the last two seasons and served in the same capacity with the AFL's Alabama Vipers in 2010. As a player, Derico led the Vipers in tackles through the '08 and '09 seasons.
Ousby has served as an assistant coach at Grissom and was an anchor on the Tennessee Valley offensive line from 2006-09, while Scott currently coaches at Scottsboro and is coming off an arena career that saw him set a Viper team record with 17.5 sacks in '08 and later spend time with Georgia in the AFL and the Hammers last season.
Clauser is a long-time coaching veteran and two-year coordinator with the Hammers. He currently helps direct the Madison Academy football program.

Saginaw Sting Invite 21 From Tryout To Camp

The Saginaw Sting held their second, and last, open try-out for the 2013 season roster this past Saturday. The try-out was held at the Perani Arena in Flint and over 40 prospects from across the country came to showcase their talents. Each player was physically tested in a number of drills put on by the Saginaw Sting staff.
Each player presented their skills in front of head coach Fred Townsend and his coaching staff. At the end of the day, 21 players were invited to training camp in January. This brings the training-camp total to 29 players competing for open roster spots during camp. The Sting also signed on two players, Nate Samas and Andre McCauley, to join the Sting roster for the 2013 season.
Nate Samas played quarterback in 2012 for the Evansville Rage. Fred Townsend reminisced on last year's season contest against the Rage. "When we played against him last year, I felt he was one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He is a dual threat, and he was the hardest quarterback to prepare for last year because of his ability to run."
Andre McCauley played for the Troy Fighting Irish in upstate New York, a member of the Northeastern Football Alliance. Playing as a receiver and running back for the Irish he went on to earn the NFA Sunshine Bowl Game MVP in 2011 and 2012. He will play with the Irish against the Western Michigan Force in the USFA National Championship Game January 19th, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.
Coach Townsend was really excited to see Andre's performance at the try-out. "I believe he will be as exciting as C.J. Tarver on the field. He will be one of our top players this year, being utilized in many different positions. I can't wait to see him run the football."
The additional players invited to camp from the December 15th tryout include: Daryl Gooden, Antwon Simmons, James Falls, Calvin Pureifoy, Brant Brooks, Jeffrey Brush, Joe Makowski, Shuan Hladki, Ryan Kantola, Kyle Zabel, Ryan Janer, Jakendall Brown, Joshua Federspiel, James Bandy, Breck Chandler, Michael LeGrow, Damion Horton, Loren Wiechmann and David Akins.
This Sting's home opener is February 8th at The Dow Event Center with a 7:30PM kickoff. Single game tickets will go on sale January 3rd and start at only $10. Season tickets are on sale now and are available at The Dow Box Office or by calling 989.759.1330.

Omaha Beef Ralston Arena Open House On Saturday

The Omaha Beef have had some changes over the last few weeks...New Owners, New Arena, New League and New Lower Season Ticket Prices!!!! The Omaha Beef is now owned by local businessmen Rich Tokheim and Gerard Daly. Rich is the owner of the Husker Express and The Dugout. Mr. Daly is a commercial real estate agent and has helped developed Ralston along 72nd St....including their new home!
They will be calling Ralston Arena home in 2013!!!! 3,500 seats and 500 standing room only. If visiting teams thought they were loud before at the Civic, just wait til they hear the cowbells at Ralston!
They are now proud members of the CPIFL...renewing their rivalry with the Sioux City Bandits and starting a new rivalry with the Lincoln Haymakers!!!
Last but not least, season ticket prices are lower!!!! During the month of December they have a special going on. Seven game season ticket packages start at $89, and for a limited time, you can save up to 30% on season ticket packages. Prices do go up in January, so do your last minute Christmas shopping today!
Come to the Ralston Arena for a special open house Saturday from 11am-1pm. to visit and secure the best seat for you. The special ends Jan 1, and tickets are going fast, so drop by today!
You can stop by the arena and see Malissa or fill out the ticket request form on beeffootball.com. Tickets can also be purchased at The Dugout or The Husker Express.
Business Partner Opportunities:
The Omaha Beef is proud to offer some of the finest partnerships for corporate sponsorships on and off the field. This is your chance to be seen by thousands of fans across Omaha. Nothing beats the fast-paced, in-your-face action of indoor football at the new Ralston Arena. The Omaha Beef offer unique and innovative opportunities that fully utilize your advertising dollars. They form close partnerships with their business partners, creating a network among peers to maximize your time and money.
2013 Schedule
*Home Games
3/17/13 @ Kansas City Renegades
3/29/13 vs. Kansas Koyotes*
4/07/13 vs. Sioux City Bandits*
4/13/13 @ Lincoln Haymakers
4/20/13 @ Wichita Wild
4/27/13 @ Sioux City Bandits
5/05/13 vs. MidMissouri Outlaws*
5/11/13 vs. Lincoln Haymakers*
5/17/13 @ Bloomington Edge
5/24/13 vs. Oklahoma Defenders*
6/01/13 @ Lincoln Haymakers
6/07/13 vs. Kansas City Renegades*
For More Information on the 2013 Omaha Beef Season Ticket Packages email malissa@beeffootball.com.

Missouri Monster’s End Of The Year Review

As the new year approaches and holiday plans are in full force, the Missouri Monsters of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL) are also gearing up for their inaugural season that begins in March. Training camp is just two months away.
“It’s an exciting time,” said owner Andrew Haines. “The response from the community has been great, and we are all ready to step on the accelerator when the calendar turns to 2013.”
Haines is so committed to the St. Charles/St. Louis market that he sold his interest in both the UIFL and the Florida UIFL team he owned last season to devote his full attention to the Monsters. The season rent for the Family Arena in St. Charles is already more than 40 percent paid.
A dedicated and passionate staff led by Howard Balzer, senior vice president of operations; Jeff Vernetti, director of marketing; Brian Klimaski, assistant director of operations and sales manager Scott Johnson, have been lining up sponsorships and selling season tickets for the seven-game home season that begins March 8.
Johnson continues to develop a sales staff that has deep roots in the community, along with a call center that is making contacts for additional local business support.
The team has donated 1,000 season tickets to those that have served in the military and is working on theme nights for games that will accentuate the commitment to the community.
On the football side, head coach John Parker is finalizing his coaching staff with an eye on experienced local coaches as well as players from the St. Louis area.
Two tryouts have already been held under Parker’s watch with another expected to be scheduled in early January.
It’s always good to know that an indoor football season is just around the corner.
About the Missouri Monsters:
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com
Like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/missourimonsters and Follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/monstersfball
2013 MISSOURI MONSTERS SCHEDULE
March 2 (Sat.)          at Sarasota
March 8 (Fri.)           FLORIDA
March 16                  OPEN WEEK
March 25 (Mon.)      at Georgia
April 1 (Mon.)           CENTRAL FLORIDA
April 6 (Sat.)             TBD
April 14 (Sun.)          GEORGIA
April 19 (Fri.)            at Florida
April 27 (Sat.)           SARASOTA
May 3 (Fri.)              MIAMI
May 11 (Sat.)           at Corpus Christi
May 18 (Sat.)           at Lakeland
May 24 (Fri.)            CORPUS CHRISTI

Philadelphia Soul To Hold Open Tryout On January 19 At Novacare Complex

The American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul will hold an open player tryout on Saturday, January 19 in the Philadelphia Eagles' NovaCare Complex located at One NovaCare Way, Philadelphia. Soul Head Coach Clint Dolezel, General Manager Tom Goodhines and staff will be evaluating all players in attendance. Kickers will be evaluated at this tryout.
The Soul recently signed two players - wide receiver Tyrone Collins (6'0, 200, Wagner) and wide receiver Ryan McDaniel (6'3, 198, Samford) - from the last tryouts on Oct. 20, 2012.
"This market clearly has the talent," said Goodhines. "We have been impressed by what we have seen in this area over the years and the signing of Tyrone and Ryan shows that we are serious about finding players that will help get us back to the ArenaBowl."
All participants can pre-register before Thursday, January 17 at www.philadelphiasoul.com . The cost of the tryout is $60 for those who pre-register and $80 at the door by cash, money order or certified funds only. A t-shirt will be included in the cost and all fees are non-refundable.
On the day of the tryout, registration will begin at 8 a.m., with stretching starting promptly at 9 a.m.
Players will be tested on their 40-yard time, broad jump and short shuttle with other position-specific drills and one-on-ones to follow. Please bring appropriate workout gear and shoes/cleats. Testing will take place on field turf - no metal cleats are permitted. A trainer will be on hand for emergencies only - not for player taping.

The Tampa Bay Storm Is In The Giving Spirit

Recently the Tampa Bay area media ran features about the low-level of donations to the Toys for Tots program this season.  These stories pulled at the heart strings of members of the Storm staff.
The Tampa Bay Times reported on December 13 that “Toy donations are so low, Toys for Tots officials worry they won't have enough gifts for the estimated 40,000 boys and girls on their lists.”
Tampa Bay Storm owner and Chairman, Mr. Jeff Vinik, recently announced that he was going to give $75, funded by the Lightning Foundation, to all full-time Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment employees to use towards Christmas gifts for those less fortunate.
So the decision was made, by Storm president Derrick Brooks, to take a shopping trip to pick up toys and drop them off at the local Toys for Tots collection warehouse.
“Today was not just about giving away toys,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “It was about giving back to the community, and that’s what is important this time of year.”
Members of the front office and coaching staff took time out of their schedules to go shopping at a local Super Walmart. Each employee, armed with their $75, a $25 gift card donated by Walmart, and some of their own money, headed to the toy aisles.
“We’re a big part of this community,” said Storm head coach Dave Ewart.  “We have to give back and we encourage others to do the same.”
For the Storm, and Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, this was just another way to show their continued support and commitment to the Tampa Bay Community.

San Antonio Talons Sky Dancers Audition Finals Tonight

Tonight the San Antonio Talons will be holding dance audition finals for the 2013 Sky Dancers from 7-10pm at Sam's Burger Joint located at 330 East Grayson Street San Antonio, TX 78215.
Finals will consist of 21 girls competing to fill 16 spots. They will be performing both individual and group routines. They will be competing in front of a panel of seven judges including some of San Antonio's own, Publisher and Editor of INSIDE and NFIT Magazines, Elliott Garza, and former San Antonio Roses Dancer and current Co-Host & Co-Executive Producer of Fox's "Daytime at Nine" Cassandra Lazenby, among others.
Dance finals are open to the public and all are welcomed to come see the 2013 San Antonio Talon Sky Dancers for the first time. This is the perfect opportunity to support San Antonio's only professional football team.
The San Antonio Talons are entering into their second season in the Arena Football League (AFL). The team was moved to San Antonio from Tulsa, OK in 2012 and won the AFL's Central Division title, as well as hosted their first AFL playoff game in the 2012 season. For more information or to inquire about season tickets please call 210.227.TEAM.

TorontoTriumph Head Coach Steve Moore Reflects On 2012

By Mark Staffieri
Having endured three straight losses to begin the 2012 Toronto Triumph season, the final game of the season held much tension for Triumph head coach Steve Moore. In his first season at the helm of the Triumph franchise, Moore did not want to end his inaugural season on a losing note.
Dating back to the Triumph’s season in 2011, in which they went 0-4 as an expansion club in LFL US, the franchise had high hopes in the first season of LFL Canada. Having endured an 0-3 start in LFL Canada, the beleaguered franchise had a seven game losing streak. Toronto’s first season in LFL Canada consisted of road losses to BC and Regina, and a home loss to the Saskatoon Sirens and their dynamic duo of Heather Furr and Anne Erler (known as Furrler).
With an end of season battle against the eventual Lingerie Bowl Canada champion BC Angels, the 0-3 Triumph emerged as winners. Moore saw how quickly the players went from desolation to jubilation after experiencing their first win. “I am overwhelmingly happy for the entire team. Throughout the season they never gave up the drive to win.”
One of his biggest challenges during the season was watching the squad attempt to overcome injuries. Knee injuries forced US import Jenny Butler and charismatic leader Alicia Bell (also an LFL Canada Mortaza Award nominee) to sit out a few games. “We will need to get to where we have the right personnel healthy enough to play their appropriate spots and be able to deliver to their capabilities each game. To do that it will also require some recruiting to build on the great deal of talent we already have.”
For a proud roster of determined players, Moore saw how visceral the losing streak was. “After every loss, I saw tears and frustration but never the sign of quit. After this win I saw a sense of relief and determination for drive. That look that says, ‘Okay, here we go, win one.’ Now we must make moves to become a playoff contender.”
Looking to build on the momentum of a franchise milestone, Moore is aiming towards leading the Triumph into the postseason. To get to the postseason in 2013, Moore believes it will take “a lot of hard work; from developing the program to where we are all comfortable in our positions and with the plays, to developing as players and coaches to adapt to the fast paced game.”

The 2013 New Orleans VooDoo Dolls Selected

Hundreds of patrons were in attendance at the Esplanade Mall on Saturday afternoon for the New Orleans VooDoo Doll Finals. The franchise is very pleased to announce that 17 young ladies have been selected to represent the franchise for the 2013 season as VooDoo Dolls.
“I’ve always heard that in these auditions they already know who they want before Finals, that was so not the case, it literally went down to the wire from day 1 up to Finals and was no easy task,” said VooDoo Doll Director Jasmine Martijn. “However, I narrowed it down to the best of the best across the board.”
All 17 ladies selected as 2013 VooDoo Dolls are from Louisiana. Of the 17 selected, 8 are veterans, having danced for the team last year or in years prior.
“I’m ecstatic with the Dolls I have selected, and I know they will rock,” said Martijn. “I can’t wait for us to work in preparing for the upcoming 2013 season.”
The 2013 VooDoo Doll Dance Team is listed below:
Alisia Senegal – Lafayette, LA
Ayesha Callaway– New Orleans, LA
Bre Eley– New Orleans, LA
Brittanie Williams- Marrero, LA
Brittany Warden– Kenner, LA
Brooke Meyer- River Ridge, LA
Danielle Linn– Luling, LA
Domonique Ovide -Harvey, LA
Holly Denmark– Gretna, LA
Jaime Clark– Harvey, LA
Jennifer Frost– Slidell, LA
Keina (Nani) Duncan- New Orleans, LA
Lon'Rai Joshua -New Orleans, LA
Lynn Kleinberger– New Orleans
Megan Cortez– Luling, LA
Mindi Matherne– Des Allemands, LA
Shelley Theresa – Metairie, LA

Missouri Monsters Announces Final Player Tryout

The Missouri Monsters professional football team will be holding their FINAL open player tryouts on Saturday January 12t at the St. Louis Sports Arena.
The tryout is open to anyone 18 years old or older.
Who/what: Missouri Monsters (UIFL) Player Tryouts/Combine
When: Saturday January 12th, 2013
Time: Registration begins at 1:15pm, and tryout begins at 2pm
Cost: $50.00 pre-registered
Where: St. Louis Sports Arena, 6727 Langley Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63123
Surface: Field turf
Players will be tested in combine style tests, individual position drills, and group drills. To register click the PAY NOW button below:
About the Missouri Monsters:
The Missouri Monsters are proud members of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). The Monsters have a multi-year lease with the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Training camp begins in February, 2013. Season ticket prices start at $42.00 and only $7.00 for single game tickets.
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com or call 636-395-0896.

Tampa Bay Storm Get Set For Third Annual Public Safety Memorial Bowl

The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce that the team will play the Tampa Bay Sentinels, a member of the National Public Safety Football League, in its third annual charity flag football game Saturday, January 12 out at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex (Plant City, FL) at 1:00 PM. All proceeds from the game will benefit the MacDonald Training Center with locations in Tampa and Plant City.
"Whenever you have a chance to entertain and give back to the community, it's a great thing," said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. "We are all looking forward to getting out there, playing some football, and having fun with our local heroes."
The Tampa Bay Sentinels is a football team comprised of first responders from the Tampa Bay area, including local members of the military. The team participates in the full contact National Public Safety Football League, a league comprised of teams made up of public safety officers from around the country.
"We are pleased that the Storm and Sentinels will once again play a fun-filled, family friendly, game of football to benefit the MacDonald Training Center and support our community," said Sentinels general manager, Rex Sano. "Please join us to meet your first responders, Storm players and other local athletes for this day of fun and entertainment."
The past two years, the two teams have played a charity football game benefitting the Kocab Curtis Foundations and Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation respectively. Regardless of which team came out on top on the field, the charities came out winners with the funds raised and lives touched.
Tickets to the game are only $7.00 and can be purchased at the gate the day of the game. Children under five and people with disabilities get in for free. There will also be auction items and a 50/50 raffle with all the proceeds going to benefit the MacDonald Training Center.
Otis Andrews Sports Complex is located at [2058-2099] E Cherry St, Plant City, 33563 at the Mike E. Sansone Community Park.
About the MacDonald Training Center : MacDonald Training Center (MTC) is dedicated to shattering barriers to independence for people with disabilities. MTC's innovative life and job skills training curriculum, community based residential supports, and competitive employment placement services are designed to reduce dependence on state funding for the individuals we are privileged to serve and for the organization. All business services provided to the community are held to the highest quality standards.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook or Twitter for up to date news and exclusive content.

Arizona Rattlers Announce Second Open Tryout

The Arizona Rattlers have announced a second open tryout for any athletes interested in showcasing their skills for a chance to join the 2013 squad. The open tryout will take place on Saturday, February 9 from 9:00am until 12:00pm at the Gene Autry Sports Complex located at 4125 E. McKellips Road, in Mesa.
Cost to participate is $80.00 and must be paid in the form of cash or money order (no personal checks will be accepted). Registration will begin at 8:00am and end at 8:55am. Players must be registered to participate in the tryout.
General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Guy along with his coaching staff will be testing players in 40's, short shuttles and positional drills.
Participants should bring cleats, shorts and accessories and show up ready to go, no locker room facilities will be made available. Camp activity is non-contact therefore no pads or helmets are required.

Knoxville Nighthawks Announce GM

The Knoxville Nighthawks have named professional sports veteran Andy Haskell as their new general manager.
Haskell brings over 20 years of experience to the Knoxville front office.
"It's exciting to add someone with Andy's experience to our organization," Southern Sports & Entertainment president Joe Stroud said.
"Andy is a total professional and knows the ins and outs of the business. He will work well with the Knoxville business community and surrounding areas."
Haskell's professional career includes stops with the Wichita Outlaws of the Global Basketball Association, University of Arkansas Little Rock athletic department, the Arkansas RiverBlades of the East Coast Hockey League, Arkansas Twisters and Tennessee Valley Vipers of arena football 2, the Alabama Vipers of the Arena Football League, and most recently the AFL's Georgia Force.
He has held a variety of titles during that time that range from account executive to general manager. Many of his responsibilities have been in the area of ticket and corporate sales.

Twelve AFL Officials Assigned To College Bowl Games

During this upcoming college football bowl season, 24 Arena Football League officials will be working games across the country ranging from the Division III playoffs to BCS bowls.
This season marks the highest number of AFL officials assigned to bowl games in the history of the League.
“The officials are selected because of high ratings on their performance during the college football season.  They take the top officials from each position, and then they assign them to bowl games,” said Carl Paganelli, Supervisor of Officials for the AFL.
Several AFL officials have already worked in high-profile games this season including line judge Paul Engelberts who worked ArenaBowl XXV and the Big Ten championship game, side judge Jim Coropa who also oversaw ArenaBowl XXV and the ACC championship game, and Shawn Hochuli who refereed ArenaBowl XXIV and the Pac-12 championship game.   
The fast-paced action of the AFL makes the transition to high-profile college games easier for officials.
“Arena Football helps with their college games because the Arena game is so rapid and fast.  You have to pick up your reads a lot faster because the game moves much quicker than a college game," said Paganelli. “So they learn more from Arena Football than from the college game.”
The selection process for bowl officials is not something that a supervisor of officials takes lightly. Bowl games are highly visible and an honorable achievement for football officials throughout the country.
“Each supervisor knows he put his best person out there,” said Paganelli. “They have achieved the highest thing that they can, which is a bowl game.”

Pacific Cup Represents First Interleague Matchup in History of LFL

By Mark Staffieri
In a battle that promises to carry with it much intensity, the Lingerie Football League is featuring a match unlike any in its history. The Seattle Mist of LFL US shall battle the BC Angels of LFL Canada in an interleague match at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash. Known as the Pacific Cup, this border battle raises the stakes for the BC Angels as they are the 2012 Lingerie Bowl Canada champions.
Seattle Mist fans were given the 8th Man Award, given to the best fans in LFL US. With the match being contested in Seattle, there is no question that the home field advantage is a big factor. One advantage for the Angels is that they come into the game with a lot of momentum. Having last played November 18 (the date of Lingerie Bowl Canada), the Angels should be game ready. During the LFL Canada regular season, BC did not win a road game. The key for BC is to maintain their composure should they turnover the ball in the first quarter.
In looking at BC’s strength, there is no question that their running game is superlative. Angels running back Stephanie Manou (the LFL Canada rushing champion) is not just a franchise player, but she is the one Canadian that could be a superstar in LFL US. If she can grind out 60 yards in this contest, BC has a phenomenal chance of claiming their first road win of 2012.
During the Angels 2012 season, two players from the Seattle Mist, Jessica Hopkins and Christine Moore, were US imports that were part of the roster. Every squad in LFL Canada (BC, Regina, Saskatoon and Toronto) featured several US imports, as LFL US did not have any games scheduled during the Canadian season. Considering that Hopkins and Moore were key contributors to the Angels’ Lingerie Bowl Canada title, the Angels will have to find a way to win without them.
Jessica Hopkins, the 2011-12 LFL US Mortaza Award winner, had a tremendous influence on the Angels. She led all players in LFL Canada with 27 tackles, while serving as a mentor to Katie Marshall, the winner of the LFL Canada Defensive Player of the Year Award. Ironically, Marshall would also claim the LFL Canada Mortaza Award.
Student will now play against the teacher as Marshall is lining up against Hopkins. With LFL minicamps under way in the US, Hopkins and Moore will be playing for the Seattle Mist in the Pacific Cup. Seattle finished with a .500 record during the 2011-12 LFL US season. With the contributions that Hopkins and Moore made with the Angels, the franchise is very confident that in 2013, the club will accomplish their postseason aspirations.
Marshall emerged as the LFL Canada sack champion, while providing 23 tackles. Although Seattle has a punishing defense, BC also comes with other weapons on its defense. Former Rugby Canada member Stevi Schnoor is perfect for the LFL Canada game, while Ashley Hamer-Jackson and Darnelle Bernemann are both heavy hitters.
While the Mist and the Angels have never played each other, the key to winning the match will be which team makes the fewest mistakes. While Hopkins and Moore have familiarity with the Angels and their style of play, many of the Mist players have not competed for several months. The team that commits the most turnovers will likely be the team that loses the inaugural Pacific Cup.
In what promises to be an annual event, the Mist and the Angels may develop one of the most intense and visceral rivalries in the LFL. Emotions shall run high as friendships were forged on the Angels roster with Hopkins and Moore. The possibility remains strong that the Pacific Cup may turn out to be as prized a holiday football event as any of the New Year’s Day Bowl games.

IFL's Top Running Back Signs with Titans

Titans fans may remember last season's Green Bay Blizzard's RB Laron Council running up and down the field against the Titans. This season Titans fans will be rooting for Council as he will be a member of the 2013 Titans. The Titans announced Thursday that Council has agreed to play for Cedar Rapids.
In 2012 Council broke the Indoor Football League single-season rushing record, rushing for 1,040 yards in the regular season. Council is one of only eight players in the history of indoor football to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, and is the first to do so since current Buffalo Bill RB Fred Jackson did so in 2005.
In addition to setting the all-time rushing record, Council set IFL records in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns one season ago earning him First Team All-IFL honors. He finished the regular season with 1,040 yards, 32 rushing touchdowns, and 202 total points breaking multiple Green Bay Blizzard records. He also set Blizzard single game records with 148 rushing yards on June 16th and five rushing touchdowns on June 8th
The 5'10" 210lbs. Northwest Missouri State product is entering his third season in the IFL. His professional career started when he was brought in by the Minnesota Vikings for mini camp workouts, but was later released before the start of training camp. After the Vikings, Council signed with the La Crosse Spartans in 2010. As a Spartan, Council saw action in all 14 games, carrying the ball 177 times for 640 yards and 13 touchdowns. On the receiving end, Council had 30 catches for 220 yards and four touchdowns.
At Northwest Missouri State, Council led all of Division II with 35 touchdowns in 2008 and was third in the nation with 1,739 yards. That season, Council was named to the Third Team Little All-American team which is the top selection of players in Division II, III, and NAIA.
In his 2009 senior campaign, Council ran for 1,782 yards and 22 touchdowns, both good for fourth-best in the country. He was named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill award (Most Valuable Player in Division II) while leading the Bearcats to the school's third national championship. He completed his career as the school's second-leading rusher all time with 4,044 yards and 59 TD's.

Steelhawks And Jerusalem House Team Up To Give Back

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are proud to announce that they will be teaming up with Jerusalem House Ministries to help people in need in our surrounding communities. Now and throughout the season, the Steelhawks will be accepting donated items at our office (648 N. New St. Bethlehem, PA 18018), and at all our home games at Stabler Arena.
As a special thank you to all our fans helping those in need, if you bring 3 canned goods or a clothing article to the Steelhawk office, you will receive a ticket voucher good for one general admission ticket at a Steelhawk game of your choosing! Fans can also make donations at all home games.
Jerusalem House Ministries was founded in 1993 as a resource for those who are unable to overcome their social handicaps, dysfunction, and inability to achieve the most basic hopes and dreams of our society. Part of their efforts is serving our neighbors physically by soliciting resources from groups and individuals to meet the needs of those to whom our supporters are often separated by society's boundaries. Their mission is to establish a mission in inner-city Allentown that ministers comprehensive services to the body, soul and spirit of those who church and society find it most difficult to reconcile to God and to the community in which they live.
The Steelhawks will be holding a second and final open tryout for the 2013 PIFL season on January 19th at Iron Lakes Sports complex. The team is still hard at work recruiting for the upcoming season and filling their preseason roster with a ton of talent. The Steelhawks' 2013 PIFL schedule is now available online and season tickets are available. Get yours now! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news!
Fans are reminded that 2013 season ticket deposits are being accepted now to reserve your seats for the 2013 PIFL season. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100. Ticket packages start as low as $48!

Sioux Falls Storm Open Tryout Set for December 29th

The Sioux Falls Storm would like to announce that the first open tryout for the 2013 team will take place on Saturday, December 29th.
The tryout will take place at the Sanford Fieldhouse located at 2215 West Pentagon Place in Sioux Falls. Registration for the tryout will start at 7:30pm with tryouts starting at 8:00pm.
Those wanting to register can do so online at www.siouxfallsstorm.com. The pre-registration fee is $25 if paid before December 29th. Registration is $50 on the day of tryouts and will only be accepted by cash or money order.
Players will be evaluated based on 40-yard sprint, 10 yard sprint, vertical jump, agility and various position specific drills. Those trying out are asked to wear shorts and t-shirt as no pads or helmets will be used during tryouts. Sweats and turf shoes are also required of all players trying out.
Players are encouraged to contact the Storm office at 605-274-6686 for more information

AFL, NET10 Wireless Establish Landmark Partnership

The Arena Football League and no-contract cell phone leader NET10 Wireless announced that they have signed a landmark partnership making NET10 Wireless the League’s first title partner. For the 2013 season, the League will be branded as the “NET10 Wireless Arena Football League”. In addition, the partnership will debut a new co-branded logo which will be used throughout the upcoming season.
“We are thrilled to partner again with NET10 Wireless for the 2013 season,” AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. “NET10 was an outstanding presenting partner for our national broadcastlast season and we could not be more pleased to grow our relationship through even deeper integration.”
NET10 Wireless will leverage the sponsorship both on and off the field, through comprehensive marketing programs and promotion. NET10 Wireless will also serve as the title partner for the AFL National Game of the Week, every Saturday Night on CBS Sports Network.
“We see the AFL as a solid fit with our brand, as we both offer families affordable, quality products and entertainment,” a NET10 Wireless spokesperson said. “We’re excited to expand the partnership and look forward to another thrillingseason.”
NET10 Wireless offers consumers flexible spending options for wireless service with premium phones on America’s best networks, all without a contract. With the recent introduction of NET10 Wireless Unlimited Family Plans, a family of two can save $1500 a year on their cellular service.
Additional elements of the sponsorship include event signage, in-game promotion and exclusive brand placement including the return of the “NET10 Wireless Dream Team”.
“An important component of the 2013 partnership is promoting fan participation in every arena and at all AFL games,” AFL Senior VP of Corporate Partnerships Adam Robbins said.  “NET10’s fan engagement promotions will only add to the overall AFL entertainment experience.”
Further updates and product information can be found on NET10Wireless.com.