Utah Blaze Announce Ownership Change

Utah Blaze owner Kristin Murdock has sold her majority share of the franchise to Salt Lake City business woman Kim Brown, the team announced today. A three-year member of the ownership group, Murdock was instrumental in resurrecting the Blaze organization in 2010.
"It is with mixed emotions that I have sold my majority ownership in the team," Murdock stated. "I joined this franchise just over three years ago and I'm extremely proud of what we've accomplished in that time.
"We went from being one of the worst teams in the league in 2010 to being one of the premier teams in the AFL, one play away from the ArenaBowl Championship game in 2012. I will be a fan for life and will continue to cheer for the Utah Blaze. With the League's best coaches, players, and fans, I am looking forward to a great 2013 season!"
Kim Brown joins Logan Hunter and Abundant Brands as majority owners of the Utah Blaze. Brown brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and media to the franchise. Over the past 10 years, the Kim Brown & Associates marketing firm has seen rapid expansion while becoming one of Salt Lake City's most prominent agencies.
"We're extremely excited to welcome Kim Brown to the Utah Blaze," said Head Coach Ron James. "She brings an abundance of energy and enthusiasm to our franchise. Kim's intelligence as a businesswoman instills confidence that her addition will really take our organization to the next level."
Brown has an extensive background in sales, strategic planning, creative production and media placement. She has worked with a variety of companies, from start-ups to national corporations, managing their marketing and advertising budgets.
Kim Brown & Associates is a full service agency covering all areas of the marketing realm. This includes brand identity and development, collateral, print (large and small scale format), script writing, television production, radio production, media buying (including television, radio, print and outdoor), public relations, website development and optimization, event planning, promotions and grassroots community outreach.

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.

Blaze Receivers Catching On In The NFL

Over the past two seasons, no one in the Arena Football League has thrown the football better than the Utah Blaze. That probably explains why Blaze receivers have become such a hot import commodity for NFL teams in recent seasons. One former Blaze wideout took the next step in his NFL career this past Sunday, while a current Blaze pass catcher earned an opportunity he hopes will lead to success on football's biggest stage.
Wide receiver Michael Preston joined the Blaze as a rookie in 2011 and burst onto the scene with 28 receptions for 332 yards and five touchdowns during the final three games of the season. His performance garnered attention from the Tennessee Titans, who elected to sign him to a contract shortly thereafter.
Up until this past weekend, Preston had spent all of the previous two seasons on Tennessee's practice squad. But all that changed last Friday, when Preston learned he would be suiting up for the Titans as a member of the active roster when the team took on the Indianapolis Colts.
"When I found out, I was excited," Preston explained. "It wasn't a nervous feeling, more of just being anxious. I spent the whole week preparing because you never know when you might get called up."
Although most players would expect to only see action on special teams in their first NFL performance, Preston earned playing time on offense in his inaugural game. In the second quarter, the former Blaze wideout hauled in an 11-yard pass from QB Jake Locker that was good for a first down, setting up a successful field goal by K Rob Bironas (ironically, another former AFL player). The field goal gave the Titans a 20-7 lead at halftime.
"I had been taking reps on offense, so I was prepared to go in. I know a lot of the [receiver] positions. I would like to work towards increasing my role on offense and special teams and help the team any way that I can. I just want to build off this first game, be consistent, and move on to the next one."
Days later, rookie LaMark Brown became the latest member of the Blaze receiving corps to earn an opportunity at the next level. Brown was signed to the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings this Monday following a standout performance during a tryout with the team. "I was excited," Brown stated. "I've been waiting for another opportunity. When you get a chance, you just try to help the organization become better every day."
Brown is hoping to follow a similar path as Preston by becoming the next Blaze receiver to achieve NFL success. "You have another way to continue playing the game and you can't give up on your dreams. It's important because you never know when you're going to get that call. Once the opportunity presents itself, then the sky's the limit."
In his first week with the Vikings, LaMark Brown will practice with the team as it prepares to take on the St. Louis Rams this Sunday. Meanwhile, fans can catch Preston live on national television next week as the Titans battle the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Utah Blaze Get Into The Holiday Spirit On Thanksgiving

The Utah Blaze spread some holiday cheer on Thanksgiving morning by volunteering their time with the Salvation Army. Players, coaches, dancers and staff members were all in attendance as the team supported the organization's efforts to help feed those in need of assistance during the holiday.
Head Coach Ron James and his team arrived at the Salvation Army early on Thursday morning, loading up their vehicles with hot Thanksgiving meals. From there, the group traveled to homes across the Salt Lake City area delivering food to elderly shut-ins. Even mascot Torch got involved, as he entertained the staff while helping to prepare meals, much to the crowd's delight.
"It's a very rewarding experience anytime we have the opportunity to give back to our community, especially during the holidays," said James. "The Salvation Army's reputation of helping those in need is unsurpassed, and I'm very thankful they gave us the opportunity to support such a great cause."
Among those in attendance was 2012 Arena Football League Community MVP of the Year David Hyland. "Although it's become popular tradition, Thanksgiving isn't all about food, football and family," Hyland stated. "It's also about reflecting on the blessings in your life and acknowledging that you are grateful for those things. My wife and I have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving."
"Being physically able to deliver meals to people who are unable to care for themselves was a humble reminder of the blessing of health. I am so thankful for places like the Salvation Army that care about people and the people who are willing to put their personal plans aside to help others."
Coach James, Hyland and Torch were joined by offensive linemen Antonio Narcisse and Darryl Hicks, as well as Defensive Coordinator Rob Keefe, Director of Player Personnel Karl Bates and Blaze Dancers Kaylie, Hillary and Shelby.
The Salvation Army is the oldest and one of the most respected service organizations of its kind in the world, serving more than 20 million people annually. Celebrating over 120 years of service in Northern Utah. The Christian ministry of the Salvation Army focuses on helping people who are faced with social and economical problems, emergency assistance needs, limited opportunities, physical and emotional problems, and other situations preventing personal, social, moral and spiritual development.

AFL Coach Returns to Field for Blaze

Clay Harrell has decided to hang up his clipboard and return to the field, as the Utah Blaze announced on Thursday that the franchise has agreed to terms on a contract with the veteran AFL fullback. Harrell last played Arena Football in 2011 before serving as the Offensive Line Coach for the Spokane Shock in 2012.
"Clay has a lot of experience in this League and gives us another veteran leader," said Head Coach Ron James. "He said his body feels great and he's ready to play again. We're certainly willing to give a player of his caliber the chance to get back onto the field because we know what he's capable of."
Prior to becoming a coach in 2012, Harrell (6-2, 320, Northern State) started every game for the Shock during the previous two seasons. As a runner, he totaled 135 yards and nine touchdowns on 24 carries. Harrell help Spokane win ArenaBowl XXIII in 2010, where he played under current Blaze coordinators Rob Keefe and Matthew Sauk.
"I've always admired the way Utah runs its organization," Harrell said. "I've played against the Blaze for years from being in this division with the Spokane Shock and even with the L.A. Avengers. It helps that I have a couple of my former coaches on the staff in Coach Sauk and Coach Keefe. I have a lot of respect for them."
"I realized last year that I really wasn't done playing. I had a lot going on off of the field in 2011 and that led to my decision to retire. But I have a strong passion for football and I still have a few years left in me. I didn't want to be done playing, so that really factored into my decision."
Harrell began his Arena Football career in 2006 as a member of the af2's Everett Hawks, where he earned All-af2 second-team honors as a defensive lineman. He entered the AFL the following year with the Nashville Katz and converted to the offensive line. Harrell then joined the Los Angeles Avengers in 2008, where he caught seven passes for 79 yards and four touchdowns.

Utah's Grady, Lesué Support Local Boy Scouts

Utah Blaze QB Tommy Grady and WR Aaron Lesué have combined for more touchdown connections than any other pair in franchise history. But on Saturday, the duo teamed up to support the local Boy Scouts of America Trapper Trails Council through the organization's annual Holiday Auction.
Each year, the Holiday Auction is held to raise money for the organization. Proceeds from the event go to ensuring all of the community's youth has an opportunity to participate in Boys Scouts, regardless of economic situation. This year, over 500 supporters were on hand to participate in the auction.
In addition to making an in-kind donation, Grady and Lesué attended the event to show support on behalf of the Utah Blaze. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to support such a great cause," said Grady. "We're always trying to make a positive impact on the community, and the Boys Scouts share that goal.
Boy Scouts of America strives to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes while preparing them to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders. The Trapper Trails Council serves over 47,000 youth in Northern Utah, Southeastern Idaho, and Western Wyoming.

Utah Blaze Announce “Coats for the Cold” Holiday Charity

This holiday season, the Utah Blaze will once again be teaming up with sponsors to help donate to the less fortunate through its second annual “Coats for the Cold” charity. With the help of Costa Vida and Chick-fil-A restaurants, as well as Arrow Moving & Storage and Meadowbrook Station Apartments, the Blaze will gather coats, clothing and other donated items in an effort to make a significant contribution to The Road Home Shelter.
Donation bins will be in place at several Utah Blaze sponsor locations around the Salt Lake area from Monday, November 5th until Saturday, December 15th. The Blaze will then gather all of the donated items and deliver them to The Road Home Shelter during its 18th annual Holiday Radio-a-Thon on Thursday, December 20th.
The Radio-a-Thon is held each year to raise awareness of the homeless in our community and increase funding. Local radio stations will be broadcasting live from The Road Home Shelter while participating in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money. Listeners are also invited to bring in-kind donations to the shelter. Head Coach Ron James will be in attendance, along with Utah Blaze players, dancers, and mascot Torch.
“The holidays are a time for giving and I’m thrilled that the Utah Blaze will once again have the opportunity to help make our community a better place,” said Head Coach Ron James. “Our ‘Coats for the Cold’ campaign was very successful last season and I’m looking forward to even better results this year. Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of our sponsors. We thank them for their generous support.”
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.
If you would like to donate to The Road Home Shelter, please visit any of our sponsorship donation locations between Monday, November 5th and Saturday, December 15th!
DONATION LOCATIONS
Chick-fil-A  South Towne Marketplace
10090 S State Street
Sandy, UT 84070

Costa Vida Foothill
1336 South Foothill Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Costa Vida Town Center Plaza
10369 South State Street
Sandy, UT 84070

Costa Vida West Valley
3312 South Decker Lake Dr.
West Valley City, UT 84119

Costa Vida Centerville
639 W Market Place Dr.
Centerville, UT 84014

Costa Vida Draper
213 East 12300 South
Draper, UT 84020
Meadowbrook Station Apartments
3994 South Howick Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Costa Vida Sugarhouse
1010 East 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Costa Vida Murray
4361 South State Street
Murray, UT 84107

Costa Vida Riverton
3728 West 13400 South
Riverton, UT 84065

Costa Vida Sandy
1902 East 9400 South
Sandy, UT 84093

Costa Vida West Jordan
3812 West 7800 South
West Jordan, UT 84084

Blaze Support YMCA through DishED Gala

The Utah Blaze supported the YMCA of Northern Utah through its first annual DishED Gala on Wednesday, October 17th. As the YMCA of Northern Utah’s primary fundraising event, DishED fuses the long standing success of Sports Night with the joy of love and food. In addition to making an in-kind donation, Blaze Head Coach Ron James, Offensive Line Coach Ron McBride and Defensive Back David Hyland attended the event as celebrity guests.
“As an organization, we constantly strive to help make our community a better place,” said James. “The YMCA has a long-standing tradition of helping the community’s youth reach their full potential. I’m thrilled we had to opportunity to contribute to that goal and honored to be a part of this event.”
The night began with a silent auction and dinner, which was followed by a spirited live auction. In total, the event raised over $20,000. All proceeds raised from the event will be used to ensure that all youth, regardless of income and background, have the opportunity to participate in the YMCA’s programs, such as early childhood education for four and five year olds, Afterschool, day camps in Salt Lake and Weber and overnight camp at Camp Roger.
Joining James, McBride and Hyland as celebrity guests were several prominent Utah sports figures such as former Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan, former Utah Jazz players Mark Eaton and Thurl Bailey, and former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Manny Hendrix.
For over 100 years the YMCA has been making a difference and strengthening our community. Its mission is to provide communities with experiences that enhance healthy mind, body and spirit while striving to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. If you would like to donate or volunteer your time to the YMCA of Northern Utah, please visit www.ymcautah.org.

Utah Blaze Complete Coaching Staff

After engineering an impressive midseason turnaround on defense, Rob Keefe will return as Defensive Coordinator of the Utah Blaze. The franchise announced today that Keefe has agreed to a new contract, ensuring that the entire 2012 Blaze coaching staff will return to the team for the 2013 season.
“Coach Keefe played an integral role in our National Conference Championship run last season,” said Head Coach Ron James. “His unwavering energy and enthusiasm instilled a newfound sense of confidence in our defense. I’m excited to officially have our 2012 coaching staff back intact. I have no doubt that we have the right group in place to take this franchise to the next level in 2013.”
“I’m extremely grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of the 2013 Utah Blaze,” said Keefe. “Our expectations are to win a championship and we’re going to work tireless towards that goal every day.”
Defined by his energy, excitement, and overall passion for the game, Keefe is well known for his hands-on approach to coaching. After allowing an average of 64 points during its first 10 games, Utah hired Keefe midway through the 2012 season. Keefe commenced an immaculate turnaround on the defensive side of the ball, as the Blaze allowed just over 51 points per contest over its final eight games. In the opening round of the 2012 postseason, the change in culture was loudly put on display as the Blaze defense surrendered a mere 34 points in a victory over the top-seeded San Antonio Talons.
Keefe began his coaching career in 2009, joining the af2’s Spokane Shock as the secondary coach. He was promoted to Head Coach when the organization joined the Arena Football League in 2010 and became the youngest coach in AFL history to win a championship, as the Shock defeated the Tampa Bay Storm in ArenaBowl XXIII.
As a player, Keefe entered Arena Football in 2004 with the Columbus WarDogs of the af2. He joined the Spokane Shock for the club’s inaugural season in 2006 and ended his two-year tenure with the franchise as the team’s career leader in tackles (168) and interceptions (19), twice earning all-af2 accolades as a defensive back. Keefe entered the AFL in 2008 and won an ArenaBowl title as a member of the Philadelphia Soul.
Keefe is one of few people in Arena Football history to capture championship titles as both a player and coach in the AFL and af2.

Matthew Sauk To Return To Blaze in 2013

Offensive Coordinator Matthew Sauk will return to the Utah Blaze in 2013, as the team officially announced he has agreed to a new contract. Now entering his third season with the Blaze, Sauk was named the Arena Football League's Assistant Coach of the Year in each of his first two campaigns in Utah.
"Coach Sauk is an invaluable member of this organization," Head Coach Ron James said. "His track record of consistently producing high-powered offensive units is a testament to his level of dedication. We're excited to have him back on board."
"I would like to thank the Utah Blaze and Coach Ron James for allowing me the opportunity to continue what we have built here for a third season," said Sauk. "To be where we are from where we started in 2010 is truly a compliment not only to the coaching staff, but to the ownership group as well. I know that we will continue to build towards a championship team in 2013 and beyond."
Known for his cerebral approach, Sauk has achieved unparalleled on-field production throughout his career. In each of his first two seasons in Utah, the Blaze offense has led the Arena Football League in passing. Under Sauk's direction in 2012, Utah set regular season AFL records for passing touchdowns (142), passing yards (5,758), passing first downs (332), pass attempts (753) and pass completions (510).
Under Sauk's tutelage in 2012, Utah Blaze QB Tommy Grady shattered countless regular season records en route to winning the AFL's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Grady surpassed previous all-time AFL marks for total touchdowns (149), total yards (5,932), passing yards (5,870), passing touchdowns (142), pass completions (507) and pass attempts (743). In two years working with Sauk, Grady has thrown for 11,002 yards and 264 touchdowns.
As a former Arena quarterback, Sauk is a 2009 af2 Hall of Fame inductee after playing career that saw him thrown for over 17,000 yards and 345 touchdowns. His coaching career began in 2008 as a member of the Spokane Shock. Sauk helped guide the Shock to an ArenaBowl title as the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator in 2010 before joining the Utah Blaze prior to the 2011 season.

Blaze Launches Stay Active, Stay Strong Program

In an effort to encourage the community's youth to stay in shape through daily exercise, the Utah Blaze have launched the "Stay Active, Stay Strong" program. The program kicked off this week with Blaze players and mascot Torch visiting several elementary schools around the Salt Lake City area.
"Visiting the schools was a great opportunity to interact with the community and have a positive influence on our youth," said Blaze defensive back David Hyland. "I really enjoy seeing the smiles on the children's faces and it's a very rewarding experience. I hope that they enjoy it as much as I do."
The program focuses on children using daily play activities as a form of exercise. Rather than stay inside playing video games or watching television, kids are encouraged to keep themselves in better health by having fun with physically engaging activities, such as playing tag, riding bikes, or playing sports. For their efforts, participating students are rewarded at the end of the program.
Here's how the program works: 1. Each student is given a "Stay Active, Stay Strong" chart that allows them to track their daily activities for one month. 2. Students participate in the program by filling out the chart for 30 days. 3. At the end of the 30 days, the student brings the completed chart to the EnergySolutions Arena box off on a Utah Blaze game night and redeems it for a FREE ticket!
"Stay Active, Stay Strong is a great way to remind and encourage our youth to participate in daily physical activities," said Hyland. "By providing the incentive of tickets to a Utah Blaze game as reward for participation, children have more reasons than ever to live healthy lifestyles."
The program will run throughout the remainder of the 2012 Utah Blaze season. If you would like your elementary school to participate in "Stay Active, Stay Strong," visit UTBlaze.com and fill out the contact form, or send an email to info@utblaze.com.