The
West Texas Roughnecks have teamed up with Odessa Regional Medical
Center for their game this Saturday versus the Amarillo Venom which is
Breast Cancer Awareness Night. This yearly event has traditionally been
known to be one of the biggest home games if not the biggest home game
of the year. The Roughnecks and ORMC have joined together to provide the
first 1000 fans a PINK BALL CAP in honor of Breast Cancer awareness. At
halftime and post game the Roughnecks will auction off game worn pink
themed jerseys and all proceeds will go to American Cancer Society and
Susan G Komen foundation. "I am proud to hold such a worthwhile
fundraiser and it just goes to show that our organization can be
utilized in raising money not only for such a cause as this, but it
further shows our continued commitment to giving back to our community",
boasted Owner Dale Morris. "This is a disease that effects everyone in
some way and we hope to raise at least $2,000 for the research and
someday a cure for this devastating disease", Morris further stated that
each year the Roughnecks organization strives to exceed the following
years donation. Odessa Regional Medical Center have graciously donated
10 mamograms to be given away at Saturday's game. The Roughnecks
presented ORMC with an authentic Breast Cancer Jersey framed as a gift
for all their hard work at treating this disease and helping promote
Saturdays fundraiser.
When
talking about the game Morris stated that "This game gives us the
opportunity to get back to 500 and in the hunt for the playoffs". The
Lone Star Football League inaugural season is at the midway point with
Amarillo Venom and the Roughnecks currently at 2-3, a win will put the
Roughnecks in front of Amarillo.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
San Antonio Talons vs. Pittsburgh Power Game to Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness
On
Saturday, May 12, the San Antonio Talons will take on the Pittsburgh
Power at a 7 p.m. game in the Alamodome. But the team hopes to make an
impact on a lot more than their opponents that night, as they host an
evening to promote breast cancer awareness in San Antonio.
During the game, the Talons players will wear commemorative pink gloves and wristbands, and the quarterbacks will have distinctive pink towels; the team will also use pink footballs as the official game balls for the evening. Immediately following the game will be a live auction on the field where fans can bid for the commemorative pink items. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to a local breast cancer charity.
For more information about the tailgate visit Facebook.com/SATalons.
During the game, the Talons players will wear commemorative pink gloves and wristbands, and the quarterbacks will have distinctive pink towels; the team will also use pink footballs as the official game balls for the evening. Immediately following the game will be a live auction on the field where fans can bid for the commemorative pink items. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to a local breast cancer charity.
For more information about the tailgate visit Facebook.com/SATalons.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Tampa Bay Storm Owner Vinik gives $10M to Duke University
A
Duke University graduate, AFL & NHL owner and asset manager pledged
$10 million to Duke to hire and retain professors who will work on
complex societal challenges, President Richard H. Brodhead announced
Tuesday.
Called the Vinik Faculty Challenge Fund, the alumnus Jeffrey N. Vinik and his wife Penny hope to see the professors focus on topics like engineering and related areas in energy, global health, brain sciences and the environment. The Viniks want the fund to create up to 10 associate or full professorships dedicated to addressing problems that affect the quality of life.
“The problems facing society today create immense opportunities for students who are capable of bridging their science and engineering education with complementary skills in economics, humanities and policy,” Vinik said in a news release. “Faculty members are the key to providing these students with an exceptional educational experience and for engaging them in hands-on research projects and independent studies that will give them the skills to become leaders in their fields and make a positive difference in the world.”
A 1981 graduate from Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Vinik earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, founded Boston-based Vinik Asset Management and now owns the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm and the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. He is also a minority owner of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox.
For more on Vinik, click here to read a recent profile of him published by the Tampa Bay Times. Or see this profile in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Called the Vinik Faculty Challenge Fund, the alumnus Jeffrey N. Vinik and his wife Penny hope to see the professors focus on topics like engineering and related areas in energy, global health, brain sciences and the environment. The Viniks want the fund to create up to 10 associate or full professorships dedicated to addressing problems that affect the quality of life.
“The problems facing society today create immense opportunities for students who are capable of bridging their science and engineering education with complementary skills in economics, humanities and policy,” Vinik said in a news release. “Faculty members are the key to providing these students with an exceptional educational experience and for engaging them in hands-on research projects and independent studies that will give them the skills to become leaders in their fields and make a positive difference in the world.”
A 1981 graduate from Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Vinik earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, founded Boston-based Vinik Asset Management and now owns the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm and the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. He is also a minority owner of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox.
For more on Vinik, click here to read a recent profile of him published by the Tampa Bay Times. Or see this profile in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Annual Tampa Badge Bowl Game Continues to Be Successful
Members
of the City of Tampa’s local law enforcement agencies brought a whole
new meaning to the mantra “serve and protect” on Saturday afternoon.
Rather than carrying out those responsibilities for the Bay Area’s local citizens, individuals from the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue instead did just that, but for their quarterback that is.
It was all part of Badge Bowl IX, an annual charity flag football game hosted for the first time by the Tampa Bay Storm and Tampa Bay Times Forum to benefit the 1Voice Foundation and the Foundation of Courage.
“We’re grateful to our valiant partners at both the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire and Rescue for once again making this year’s Badge Bowl such a tremendous event,” said Kasey Smith, senior director of the community relations. “They, along with all the sponsors and supporters, make Badge Bowl such an awesome day for the heroic children and families battling childhood cancer.”
Among the special guests in attendance to witness the Tampa Fire and Rescue Firestorm defeat the Tampa Police Department Gladiators, 12-7, were City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Lightning Community Hero Sister Anne Dougherty. Storm football operations executive Dave Wilson and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham also both served as honorary head coaches in the game.
As for the action on the field, Tampa Fire Rescue’s Erik Joyce looked more like one of Graham’s Buccanneers teammates out there in the secondary, as he came up with two interceptions on the day. But with the Firestorm behind 7-6 in the final quarter, it was the game’s MVP Brian Barsoumian who stole the show, as he returned an interception back to the house for six with 3:30 left that held up as the winning score.
“It was pretty huge,” Barsoumian said. “It was a great team effort and a great victory.”
But the victory, however, was by far more reserved for the children it benefited than the players themselves.
Anthony Alvarez, a 15-year-old Bloomingdale High School student beating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was one such individual named as an honoree of Saturday’s game, while Aaron Klingebiel, a 12-year-old Pasco County middle school student battling a malignant brain tumor was another. In all, the event raised thousands of dollars, all for a worthy cause.
“It doesn’t matter what side you’re on or what the result is, the real winners are the kids,” Tampa Fire and Rescue’s Tim Hayes said. “It’s great to see all the contributions of both the police and the fire departments who work hard behind the scenes to make it all possible.”
The Badge Bowl began in 2002 and was dedicated to Taylor Dumke, a young girl who was suffering from a brain tumor. A portion of the money collected from the event is directed to generating funds for both Alvarez and Klingebiel, while the remainder of the proceeds is divided up between the 1Voice Foundation, which provides families with children battling serious illness with emotional and financial support, and the Foundation of Courage. In the last decade, approximately $200,000 has been raised through this outstanding community event.
Rather than carrying out those responsibilities for the Bay Area’s local citizens, individuals from the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue instead did just that, but for their quarterback that is.
It was all part of Badge Bowl IX, an annual charity flag football game hosted for the first time by the Tampa Bay Storm and Tampa Bay Times Forum to benefit the 1Voice Foundation and the Foundation of Courage.
“We’re grateful to our valiant partners at both the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire and Rescue for once again making this year’s Badge Bowl such a tremendous event,” said Kasey Smith, senior director of the community relations. “They, along with all the sponsors and supporters, make Badge Bowl such an awesome day for the heroic children and families battling childhood cancer.”
Among the special guests in attendance to witness the Tampa Fire and Rescue Firestorm defeat the Tampa Police Department Gladiators, 12-7, were City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Lightning Community Hero Sister Anne Dougherty. Storm football operations executive Dave Wilson and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham also both served as honorary head coaches in the game.
As for the action on the field, Tampa Fire Rescue’s Erik Joyce looked more like one of Graham’s Buccanneers teammates out there in the secondary, as he came up with two interceptions on the day. But with the Firestorm behind 7-6 in the final quarter, it was the game’s MVP Brian Barsoumian who stole the show, as he returned an interception back to the house for six with 3:30 left that held up as the winning score.
“It was pretty huge,” Barsoumian said. “It was a great team effort and a great victory.”
But the victory, however, was by far more reserved for the children it benefited than the players themselves.
Anthony Alvarez, a 15-year-old Bloomingdale High School student beating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was one such individual named as an honoree of Saturday’s game, while Aaron Klingebiel, a 12-year-old Pasco County middle school student battling a malignant brain tumor was another. In all, the event raised thousands of dollars, all for a worthy cause.
“It doesn’t matter what side you’re on or what the result is, the real winners are the kids,” Tampa Fire and Rescue’s Tim Hayes said. “It’s great to see all the contributions of both the police and the fire departments who work hard behind the scenes to make it all possible.”
The Badge Bowl began in 2002 and was dedicated to Taylor Dumke, a young girl who was suffering from a brain tumor. A portion of the money collected from the event is directed to generating funds for both Alvarez and Klingebiel, while the remainder of the proceeds is divided up between the 1Voice Foundation, which provides families with children battling serious illness with emotional and financial support, and the Foundation of Courage. In the last decade, approximately $200,000 has been raised through this outstanding community event.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Commissioner Kurz Agrees to Multi-Year Extension
The
Arena Football League Board of Directors voted unanimously to extend
the contract of Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz, the League office announced
today. The five-year contract extension puts Kurz at the helm of the AFL
through the 2017 season.
Kurz entered his third season as League Commissioner in 2012 after signing a multi-year extension last April. He has been involved with the game for 26 years, including five seasons as President of the af2. He also served as the AFL’s Vice President of International Development from 1987-2008, introducing countries such as Spain and Germany to the game of Arena Football.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the Arena Football League and watch it progress since the beginning,” Kurz said. “I am tremendously honored to continue to help lead its growth.”
The Board of Directors voted the approval of the multi-year deal last week. The result was a unanimous decision.
Commissioner Kurz is the lone remaining AFL executive to have been involved with the League since its inaugural season in 1987.
Kurz entered his third season as League Commissioner in 2012 after signing a multi-year extension last April. He has been involved with the game for 26 years, including five seasons as President of the af2. He also served as the AFL’s Vice President of International Development from 1987-2008, introducing countries such as Spain and Germany to the game of Arena Football.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the Arena Football League and watch it progress since the beginning,” Kurz said. “I am tremendously honored to continue to help lead its growth.”
The Board of Directors voted the approval of the multi-year deal last week. The result was a unanimous decision.
Commissioner Kurz is the lone remaining AFL executive to have been involved with the League since its inaugural season in 1987.
Philadelphia Soul Take over South Philly
The
Philadelphia Soul (6-2) will be holding a "Town Takeover" of South
Philly on Thursday, May 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. The Takeover, presented by
Susquehanna Bank and hosted by Geno's Steaks, will take place at
Capitolo Playground on 9th Street and Federal Street in South
Philadelphia (across from Geno's Steaks) and will feature a
"run-through" practice.
Practice will be open to the public and attendees are encouraged to participate. This will be the team's last practice before the Soul take on the Jacksonville Sharks (3-4) on Saturday, May 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center.
"South Philly will be a great environment to bring the excitement of Arena Football," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "We appreciate the staff at Susquehanna Bank and Geno's Steaks for hosting us this week and helping give this community a different perspective of what our game and players are about."
Local Philadelphia Band, Rivers Monroe, will be performing live before and after the practice. In addition to Soul players and coaches, there will be appearances by the Soul mascot, SoulMan, the Soulmates dance team, Soul ownership and front office staff. After practice, fans will be able to meet Soul players and Soulmates who will be signing autographs.
Practice will be open to the public and attendees are encouraged to participate. This will be the team's last practice before the Soul take on the Jacksonville Sharks (3-4) on Saturday, May 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center.
"South Philly will be a great environment to bring the excitement of Arena Football," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "We appreciate the staff at Susquehanna Bank and Geno's Steaks for hosting us this week and helping give this community a different perspective of what our game and players are about."
Local Philadelphia Band, Rivers Monroe, will be performing live before and after the practice. In addition to Soul players and coaches, there will be appearances by the Soul mascot, SoulMan, the Soulmates dance team, Soul ownership and front office staff. After practice, fans will be able to meet Soul players and Soulmates who will be signing autographs.
New Orleans VooDoo: 21 Questions with VooDoo Mascot Mojo
I
know I usually post articles that are more business and marketing
centered but I have a soft spot for mascots. In fact when I go on a
sports road trip I try to get my picture taken with as many mascots as
possible. This might be a series of interviews with different mascots
that are posted to this sight so let me know if you enjoy this face to
face with Mojo.
This interview was conducted by Cody LaHoste.
CODY LAHOSTE: What would be your ultimate Sportscenter highlight?
MOJO: "Catching the game-winning TD catch from Kurt Rocco in ArenaBowl XXV.maybe I'll talk to Coach O'Hara about letting me get one play."
CL: What's your most embarrassing moment on the football field?
MOJO: "Most embarrassing? I run around every game with no pants on; it doesn't get much more embarrassing than that!"
CL: Who's your favorite line from a movie?
MOJO: "From Airplane: 'Surely you can't be serious?' 'I am serious.and don't call me Shirley'"
CL: What do you like to do on your off days?
MOJO: "I like to just spend time with my best friends Bones, Kelly, Gumbo, Hugo, Sir Saint, Boudreaux, and Clotile.we always manage to get into something fun!"
CL: What is your favorite style of music?
MOJO: "I can listen to anything, absolutely anything, and enjoy it; I just love dancing."
CL: What is your favorite song of all time?
MOJO: "This one is easy..CHICKEN DANCE!!"
CL: What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
MOJO: "My favorite to this day is Scooby Doo. I always had to tune in to see what crazy antics Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang were up to. I think that explains my other job as a private eye."
CL: What is your favorite snack food and why?
MOJO: "Cookies. Go ahead and make your Cookie Monster jokes.that guy didn't look nearly as good as me!"
CL: What's the first thing you'll do if the VooDoo win the ArenaBowl?
MOJO: "Shout to the sky, run all over the arena, take a moment to soak it in, dogpile with the team.honestly I have no idea what I would do! Hopefully we find out in a few months!"
CL: What is your personal touchdown celebration?
MOJO: "This is something I've been keeping under wraps for a while, but it's the next craze. My celebration is of course, the Mojo Twist!! It's a combination of the 'Dirty Bird', the 'Icky Shuffle', and several other well-known TD celebrations. Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Chad Ochocinco haven't seen anything yet!!"
CL: Theme parks or waterparks, and why?
MOJO: "Theme parks absolutely. I look like a wet dog when I go to the waterpark and the sun doesn't do Bones any favors, so we try to stay away."
CL: What's the one thing you'd like to change most about the world?
MOJO: World peace.that alone would solve so many of the problems we have today.
CL: What's your most valued possession?
MOJO: "I don't know if this counts, but there is nothing I value more than bringing a smile to the face of one of our younger VooDoo fans."
CL: Do you have any funny cooking stories?
MOJO: "You kidding? I'm a fantastic cook, just ask Bones! I've actually been thinking of getting onto one of those competition shows on The Food Network.I can see it now, Mojo vs. Chef Paul Prudhomme vs. Emeril Lagasse!"
CL: What's your advice to kids?
MOJO: "Never give up on your dreams. Where there's a will, there's a way and you can do anything you set out to accomplish. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
CL: What is your favorite New Orleans Festival?
MOJO: "Definitely Mardi Gras! If there's any city that knows how to throw a party, it's the Big Easy. You can always count on that time of year to have some incredible sights, great food, a variety of music, and a whole lot of fun!
CL: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
MOJO: "I'd want the ability to fly. Believe it or not I've always liked being up in the air and it would make travel much easier!"
CL: What's the biggest obstacle you've ever had to overcome?
MOJO: "You should have seen me trying to get back into shape before the season last year. I really let myself go while the team was out of commission.never again!"
CL: Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
MOJO: "I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives."
CL: What's your favorite TV show today?
MOJO: "Well, I'm a sucker for anything Louisiana so naturally I'm a big fan of Swamp People. Especially that Troy. 'Choot 'em!!'"
CL: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
MOJO: "I hope to be right where I am today, entertaining the VooDoo fans and cheering our team on. By then, there might be a couple ArenaBowl titles or even a Mrs. Mojo and some Mojettes, who knows!
This interview was conducted by Cody LaHoste.
CODY LAHOSTE: What would be your ultimate Sportscenter highlight?
MOJO: "Catching the game-winning TD catch from Kurt Rocco in ArenaBowl XXV.maybe I'll talk to Coach O'Hara about letting me get one play."
CL: What's your most embarrassing moment on the football field?
MOJO: "Most embarrassing? I run around every game with no pants on; it doesn't get much more embarrassing than that!"
CL: Who's your favorite line from a movie?
MOJO: "From Airplane: 'Surely you can't be serious?' 'I am serious.and don't call me Shirley'"
CL: What do you like to do on your off days?
MOJO: "I like to just spend time with my best friends Bones, Kelly, Gumbo, Hugo, Sir Saint, Boudreaux, and Clotile.we always manage to get into something fun!"
CL: What is your favorite style of music?
MOJO: "I can listen to anything, absolutely anything, and enjoy it; I just love dancing."
CL: What is your favorite song of all time?
MOJO: "This one is easy..CHICKEN DANCE!!"
CL: What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
MOJO: "My favorite to this day is Scooby Doo. I always had to tune in to see what crazy antics Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang were up to. I think that explains my other job as a private eye."
CL: What is your favorite snack food and why?
MOJO: "Cookies. Go ahead and make your Cookie Monster jokes.that guy didn't look nearly as good as me!"
CL: What's the first thing you'll do if the VooDoo win the ArenaBowl?
MOJO: "Shout to the sky, run all over the arena, take a moment to soak it in, dogpile with the team.honestly I have no idea what I would do! Hopefully we find out in a few months!"
CL: What is your personal touchdown celebration?
MOJO: "This is something I've been keeping under wraps for a while, but it's the next craze. My celebration is of course, the Mojo Twist!! It's a combination of the 'Dirty Bird', the 'Icky Shuffle', and several other well-known TD celebrations. Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Chad Ochocinco haven't seen anything yet!!"
CL: Theme parks or waterparks, and why?
MOJO: "Theme parks absolutely. I look like a wet dog when I go to the waterpark and the sun doesn't do Bones any favors, so we try to stay away."
CL: What's the one thing you'd like to change most about the world?
MOJO: World peace.that alone would solve so many of the problems we have today.
CL: What's your most valued possession?
MOJO: "I don't know if this counts, but there is nothing I value more than bringing a smile to the face of one of our younger VooDoo fans."
CL: Do you have any funny cooking stories?
MOJO: "You kidding? I'm a fantastic cook, just ask Bones! I've actually been thinking of getting onto one of those competition shows on The Food Network.I can see it now, Mojo vs. Chef Paul Prudhomme vs. Emeril Lagasse!"
CL: What's your advice to kids?
MOJO: "Never give up on your dreams. Where there's a will, there's a way and you can do anything you set out to accomplish. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
CL: What is your favorite New Orleans Festival?
MOJO: "Definitely Mardi Gras! If there's any city that knows how to throw a party, it's the Big Easy. You can always count on that time of year to have some incredible sights, great food, a variety of music, and a whole lot of fun!
CL: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
MOJO: "I'd want the ability to fly. Believe it or not I've always liked being up in the air and it would make travel much easier!"
CL: What's the biggest obstacle you've ever had to overcome?
MOJO: "You should have seen me trying to get back into shape before the season last year. I really let myself go while the team was out of commission.never again!"
CL: Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
MOJO: "I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives."
CL: What's your favorite TV show today?
MOJO: "Well, I'm a sucker for anything Louisiana so naturally I'm a big fan of Swamp People. Especially that Troy. 'Choot 'em!!'"
CL: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
MOJO: "I hope to be right where I am today, entertaining the VooDoo fans and cheering our team on. By then, there might be a couple ArenaBowl titles or even a Mrs. Mojo and some Mojettes, who knows!
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