UIFL Terminates Miami Sting

The Ultimate Indoor Football League has announced the Miami Sting will not compete in 2013. Do to unforeseen circumstances; the ownership group of the Miami Sting is currently not meeting all the obligations of the UIFL territory agreements. As a result of these circumstances, the UIFL has elected to terminate the ownership groups affiliation with the league. This formal release is effective immediately. The UIFL has worked diligently to find a new ownership group to allow the Sting to play this year. The UIFL was unable to secure new ownership in time to be competitively prepared for the 2013 season. The first game affected by the change is the Corpus Christi Fury, which will now travel to Missouri to take on the Missouri Monsters on Friday March 8th. The league has released the full revised schedule at http://www.uiflfootball.com.

Legends Football League Sexed-Down Ahead Of Australian Launch

By Kristin Shorten
The frills, bows, garters and chokers have been banished ahead of the Lingerie Football League's debut Down Under in a bid to attract better broadcasters, sophisticated sponsors and credibility.
But fans and players are bummed the risqué uniforms are being shunned for something a beach volleyball player might wear as the sport rebrands to Legends Football League.
The new uniforms - while still skimpy - will be streamlined in an effort to shift the focus from the babes to their ball-skills.
Fans have mocked the changes, saying that if the LFL was serious about sport it would cover its players up completely.
Meanwhile commentators in the US say this spells the end for the sport's franchise, claiming most people went to see the outfits rather than the actual game.
LFL founder Mitchell Mortaza, who arrives in Australia this week for team trials, said the rebranding was about empowering players.
"There are no longer garters, there are no longer chokers, there are no straps on the shorts, and you won't see the lace on uniforms," he said.
"We've taken away any sexy female figures in and around the branding as far as the logo's concerned.
"We've also done away with the tag line."
It has changed from "True Fantasy Football" to "Women of the Gridiron".
Johanna Theobald, who plays tight end, said she was initially disappointed by the conservative approach.
"We all liked Lingerie Football … but it's still called LFL and I think it will always have that image of chicks playing football while not wearing very much," she said.
"I was definitely attracted by the (original) uniform because you still got to be an athlete but the uniform was awesome.
"But it's really not that big of a change. It's just less like lingerie now and more athletic."
The league's rebranding has also seen Australia swap America's overtly sexual team names such as Philadelphia Passion, Las Vegas Sin, Los Angeles Temptation and Chicago Bliss for Queensland Brigade, New South Wales Surge, Western Australia Angels and Victoria Maidens.
But Brigade assistant coach Regan Webb still reckons they will attract bigger crowds than you see at some A-league soccer matches.
"(We expect) up to 10,000 … I'd be happy if we had 5000 along," he said.
"Our team's got from uni students through to defence force personnel, professional sportswomen, police officers and mothers.
"I don't think anyone tried out just so they could wear frilly knickers."
The Queensland team's uniform will be the first to be unveiled this Saturday.
Webb said changing the uniform was a risk but one he thinks will pay off.
"It was originally a half-time gimmick. Mitch teamed up with Hugh Heffner and had the playmates dress up and pretend to play football," he said.
"Then he turned it into actually playing league and drew sports-specific athletes.
"Mitch could probably stand to make millions if he kept the girls in lingerie but they would never be taken seriously and would probably reach saturation on their fan base.
"It's a risk (to rebrand) but he's pretty smart where he's got himself so far so he must know what he's doing."
Australian state trials kick off in Brisbane this weekend.
"We're looking for athleticism and coachability. The rest we can teach as long as they're comfortable with it," Webb said.
"The first season is just a contract to play - costs are covered but there's no remuneration.
"Girls want to raise their public profile and they see this as a perfect way to do it."

Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League
Tampa Bay Storm Begin Training Camp Saturday
The Tampa Bay Storm open training camp Saturday, March 2 at Skyway Park (3901 George Road, Tampa) in preparation for the 2013 Arena Football League season, announced the team.
"As a staff we have been hard at work preparing for the season," said head coach Dave Ewart. "We have set the bar high as an organization and we are excited to get to work with the players."
Players report on Friday, March 1 for physicals and meetings at Florida Hospital (2600 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544), with the first practice starting at 4:00 PM the following day, Saturday, March 2 at Skyway Park. The first two days (Saturday and Sunday) will be non-contact with Monday, March 4 the first day players will wear pads. Most days will consist of two sessions on the field, a practice in the morning and a walk-thru session in the afternoon.
The training camp roster consists of 35 players, plus invitees, who will compete for 24 spots on the opening roster. Final rosters are must be turned into the League office by 5:00 PM CT on Saturday, March 16.
All but one day of training camp will take place at Skyway Park. On Friday, March 8, the team will head over to Orlando and spend the day practicing with the Predators at the Citrus Bowl. The first practice of the regular season is Monday, March 18.
Upcoming Tampa Bay Storm Training Camp Practice Schedule
Date Location Time
Saturday - 3/2 Skyway 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday - 3/3 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Monday - 3/4 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday - 3/5 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday - 3/6 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Thursday - 3/7 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday - 3/8 Orlando (Citrus Bowl) 9:45 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday - 3/9 No Practice Off Day for Players - 28 Man Roster Due
Sunday - 3/10 Skyway 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM;
Monday - 3/11 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday - 3/12 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday - 3/13 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Thursday - 3/14 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday - 3/15 Skyway 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Saturday - 3/16 No Practice Final Roster due 5:00 PM CST

Champions Professional Indoor Football League
Haymakers Wrapped Up Preseason Play Against Nebraska Danger
The Lincoln Haymakers wrapped up preseason play last Saturday night against the Nebraska Danger in Grand Island, NE. The exhibition game matched two of Nebraska's professional indoor football teams together to evaluate players before final cuts had to be made. Lincoln's starters looked very impressive maintaining the lead for the majority of the first half. Head Coach Dave Brumagen was pleased with the starters' first half performance. "We came out and controlled the majority of the first half; our guys were really competing and playing assignment football."
Game highlights started with Lincoln's former Husker Cortney Grixby picking off the Danger Quarterback on the first series of the game swinging momentum in favor of the Haymakers. The Haymakers relied on steady play from starting Quarterback A.J. Toscano who started the game 5 for 5 and finished with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Although down at the half 21-12 the Haymakers offense moved the ball consistently and the defense limited the Danger's offensive attack.
The second half was used as an evaluation opportunity for the Haymakers second string as they opened up against Danger starters. Overall, the coaching staff was pleased the Haymakers had limited procedure penalties while maintaining their composure as their counterparts had multiple personal foul calls throughout the game. For many of the players Saturday night was their first real time indoor football action.
Several other Haymakers had notable performances in Saturday's exhibition game. Safety Jon Banks' interception late in the first half set the offense up to regain the lead. Receiver Shane Scott had consistent play, reeling in a touchdown grab from Toscano in the first half. This week the Haymakers will continue to update the team roster as they prepare for their opening game March 17th against the Mid-Missouri Outlaws in Sedalia, MO.
The Haymakers first home game will be Friday March 29th in the New Victorian Suites Kickoff Classic against the Sioux City Bandits with kickoff at 7:05pm inside the Pershing Center.

Indoor Football League
Titans Topple Slaughter 58-52
The Cedar Rapids Titans (2-0) jumped out to an early lead Sunday against the Chicago Slaughter (0-2) and were able to hold on despite a late rally by Chicago winning 58-52.
The Titans have now won back-to-back games for the second time in team history and secure the team's first ever road victory.
After defeating the Chicago Slaughter at home last week,41-31, during the IFL's Kickoff Classic Weekend the Titans headed to Chicago this week in a rematch. After a scoreless first quarter the Titans got on the board first with a Radamez Rubio field goal. The Titans then added two Charles McCullum touchdown passes to Carl Sims and Damon McDaniel respectively to help the Titans build a healthy 17-7 lead going into halftime.
The Titans opened up the second half with a bang as QB Charles McCullum broke a 30 yard run for a touchdown to help give the Titans a 24-7 lead early in the third quarter. The Titans were then able to add an 18-yard touchdown from QB Colton Hansen to WR Bryan Pray to extend the Titan lead to 24 points. The Slaughter and the Titans then each exchanged two scores to end the third quarter 44-21.
The Titans and the Slaughter combined for 41 points in the third quarter.
The Slaughter scored quickly and often in the fourth quarter. K Chris Nendick added a 33-yard FG and then LB Lenny Radtke returned a missed Titans FG 35 yards to give the Slaughter a quick 10 point swing. The Titans responded with another Colton Hansen to Bryan Pray touchdown pass, their third TD connection of the night.
The Slaughter rallied late in the fourth quarter as QB Juice Williams dove into the endzone on a two yard run. The Slaughter then scored again on a 25 yard pass from QB Cody Kirby to WR Delric Ellington to pull the Slaughter within six points with less than a minute remaining. That would be as close as Chicago got however as Titans QB Colton Hansen connected with 2012 First Team All-IFL WR Carl Sims for a 24 yard touchdown. The Titans were able to hold on for a 58-52 victory.
After getting gouged for a franchise worst 191 rushing yards last week vs Chicago the Titans were able to clamp down on the Slaughter running game giving up only 53 Sunday afternoon.
Titans QB Colton Hansen finished the game completing five of nine passes for 105 yards and five touchdowns. Charles McCullum added an additional 113 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as an additional rushing touchdown. Combined the Titans Quarterbacks threw for seven touchdowns, a Titans team record. WR Carl Sims led all Titans Wide Receivers with five catches for 86 yards and three touchdowns. WR Bryan Pray also caught three touchdowns.
Chicago QB Cody Kirby finished the afternoon completing 15 of 24 passes for 171 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. WR Delric Ellington led the Slaughter with seven catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns
The Titans return home to Mediacom Field at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena Friday March 1st to face the Texas Revolution. Kickoff is at 7:05pm. Friday night's game is sponsored by i107-1 and is Student Night. All college, high school, and middle school students will receive $2 off the purchase of a bleacher seat by showing a valid student id.

Professional Indoor Football League
Panthers Announce 2013 YIFL and YICD Schedule
The Back-to-Back Champion and reigning Professional Indoor Football League Champion Albany Panthers are pleased to incorporate the Youth indoor Football and Cheerleading League into a tremendous lineup of festivities, being held in conjunction with each home game. Hundreds of youth and their families are expected to participate in the league, which will begin each Friday night and run through Saturday on Phoebe Field at the Albany James H Gray Civic Center prior to each Panther home game.
"The Youth Indoor Football and Cheer League is dedicated to its players, families and coaches," Albany Panther General Manager WILL CARTER said. "Through the Albany Parks and Recreation Department's leadership, the YIFL will deliver a fun and exciting season while offering a deeper knowledge of the sport and its inherent team-first values."
The season begins on Friday, March 15 and runs through June 29 with the championship games. The Youth participants will receive season tickets to all Panther home games.
Albany Panthers season tickets are still available for the 2013 season, one of the best values in all of professional sports, by calling the Albany Panthers offices at (229) 435-1230 or logging on to www.albanypanthers.net.

Ultimate Indoor Football League
Missouri Monsters Media Day & Fan Meet & Greet March 4th
The Missouri Monsters will hold a Media Day & Fan Meet & Greet on Monday March 4th. The event will be held at Shamrock's Pub & Grill located at 4177 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Peters, MO 63376 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
The event is open to everyone (including kids). During the event the team will introduce the players, coaches, dance team, front office, ownership, and sponsors. After the introductions, fans and media will access to all the Monsters personnel.
Finger food, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided (first come first serve). Anyone with questions, should contact the team office ay 636-395-0896.

Daily League News & Notes

Champions Professional Indoor Football League
Wichita Wild Releases Official Preseason Practice Schedule
The Wichita Wild has officially released their preseason practice schedule for the 2013 season. The Wild will begin practices on February 24th for their upcoming season in the newly formed Champions Professional Indoor Football League. The Wild would like to welcome members of the media and most importantly Wichita's wildest fans to come out and watch the team prepare for this exciting new season. All practices are open to the public and are free of charge. The team will begin two-a-day practices on February 24th running until March 2nd, when the team will cut its final roster to 25 players. The Wichita Wild would especially like to invite fans to come meet their favorite players as well as newcomers on Tuesday, March 5th at Hartman Arena immediately following practice. Practices will be held at Hartman Arena, Wichita State University (Bombardier Learjet Indoor Practice Facility), and Mustangs Softball Academy Indoor Facility for the duration of the season. Below is a list of scheduled practice times and locations:
Sunday Feb. 24 Mustangs Softball Academy 5:30am - 6:30am & 9:30pm - 11:00pm
Monday Feb. 25 Mustangs Softball Academy 5:30am - 6:30am & 9:30pm - 11:00pm
Tuesday Feb. 26 Mustangs Softball Academy 5:30am - 6:30am & 9:30pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday Feb. 27 Hartman Arena 6:00am - 7:20am & 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Thursday Feb. 28 Hartman Arena 6:00am - 7:20am & 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Friday Mar. 1 Wichita State University 6:00am - 7:20am & 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Saturday Mar. 2 Wichita State University 6:00am - 7:20am
Sunday Mar. 3 No Practice
Monday Mar. 4 Hartman Arena 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Meet & Greet)
Tuesday Mar. 5 Hartman Arena 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday Mar. 6 Mustangs Softball Academy 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Thursday Mar. 7 Mustangs Softball Academy 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday Mar. 8 Collegiate High School 6:30pm - 7:50pm (Walkthrough)

Ultimate Indoor Football League
BJ Jernigan New Lakeland Raiders Defensive Coordinator
The Lakeland Raiders welcome new Defensive Coordinator BJ Jernigan to the organization. Jernigan joined the Raiders during the offseason as the team geared up to make a run at the UIFL Championship in its second season.
Jernigan's journey to coaching in the Ultimate Indoor Football League started with a successful stint playing linebacker and fullback at Thompkins High School in Savannah, GA. It took the better part of a decade for Jernigan to return to football after graduating high school. "My dad was real big on if you want a vehicle you've got to earn it," Coach Jernigan recalls.
"I had a choice. I could play football and ride the bus or I could work and get a vehicle. That's how I was brought up. I had to earn everything; nothing was given to me."
In his late 20"˜s, when he had established himself professionally and financially, B.J. returned to the game he loves.
He played 3 years of Semi-Pro football for the Tampa Cougars at Linebacker. He almost certainly would have continued on in the league but his football career was cut short by a knee injury. At least, his football playing career was. His career in football would continue on for many more years, just in another capacity.
"I knew I wanted to get into coaching so I followed all the outdoor teams around Florida," says Jernigan. He picked up the phone and cold called the coach of the Florida Barracudas. The team brought him in for an interview and hired him on the spot as Defensive Coordinator. His first year he led his players to the #1 defense in the league (Southern States Football League).
Family obligations meant that Jernigan had to work other jobs to provide for his wife and children, but coaching was his passion. "From there on out I was hooked on coaching. I knew I had to be a coach."
After 4 years putting together dominating defenses, Jernigan heard about Mike Mink and his fledgling Gulf Coast Raiders, a professional outdoor football team. "I called Mike and said "˜hey, are you looking for coaches?'" Jernigan remembers. "I said I could take some of the pressure off his shoulders as defensive coordinator." The inaugural pairing of Jernigan and Mink went 9-1 and won the championship in the first year.
"The day after we won the championship, Mike called me and said "˜we're going to go play indoor football down in Osceola.' I said "˜Mike, our guys don't know anything about indoor football' and he said "˜don't worry about it. It will be fun.' I said "˜OK.'"
Together they took a team of outdoor football players into Osceola. It was the first time any of them played or coached indoor football. Some of the guys were wearing cleats, rendering them unable to get any speed or traction on the indoor turf. The resulting score wasn't pretty for Jernigan's team.
Despite the one-sided beating his team took, Jernigan told Coach Mink after that one game, "Mike, you've got to get us into this." He was fascinated by the proximity of the fans. "Everything is right there. The fans can tell what color your eyes are. You can be standing there coaching and be talking to a fan. For me, that is huge because the people get to know you," Jernigan says.
One week later, Jernigan received another phone call from Mink telling him to pack his bags. They were off to coach a team in Montgomery, AL. The team was struggling on and off the field. They had a 1-5 record, a staff in disarray, and no hopes of making the playoffs when Mink and Jernigan arrived. Working with the same player personnel, the pair led the team to six wins in the remaining seven games and made it to the playoffs.
The opponent in the playoffs? That same Osceola team that so brutally introduced Mink and Jernigan to the game of indoor football. The results this time were very different.
After that taste of success, Jernigan took the opportunity to take the head coaching job with the Florida Sting Rays. The experience was not a good one and he chose to resign after seven games rather than continue to battle both the opposing teams and the bureaucracy of the Sting Rays organization.
He spent the next 4 years away from the game of football, building a successful business. Then he came to a Lakeland Raiders game last season - as a mere spectator - and felt the call once again. "I hadn't seen Mike in a few years so I gave him a call, just to say hello. The first words out of his mouth were "˜hey, do you want to coach?'." The bitter taste of his last coaching experience was still fresh in his mouth but he also remembered the enjoyable successful runs he had with Coach Mink in the past. "I said, "˜for you, I'm in.'"
Jernigan is dedicating this season to Coach Mink in honor of the incredible progress he has made from their first experience coaching together. His goal is to bring a championship to Lakeland.
Jernigan moved to Florida in 1990 to help take care of his aging father. He now lives in Wesley Chapel. He feels that meeting the fans is huge since he is not known in Lakeland. "That right there, building relationships with the fans, is so important. If we don't have fans in the stands and we don't have a good team, we're not going to have a good product on the field."
As a veteran of indoor football in general but a newcomer to the UIFL in particular, Jernigan brings a fresh perspective to the Raiders. "The Raiders were a small team last year. I like size and speed," Jernigan explains. "This is a small field. You should be able to have a big guy who can go five, six plays in a row and not get winded."
Asked what he looks for in a player, Jernigan's response is immediate and enthusiastic. "Heart. Non stop. An animal. I don't put up with talking smack or showboating. If you're going to do it you'd better back it up. If you don't back it up you may be on the bench next week."
Jernigan's smash-mouth style and extensive experience should instantly improve an already formidable Raiders team in 2013. The fans first opportunity to see his defense in action will be Saturday March 4th at the Raiders home opener against the Sarasota Thunder.

Daily News & Notes

Arena Football League
Hollis Thomas Joins Soul Coaching Staff
The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, name former Philadelphia Eagle and 14-year NFL defensive tackle, Hollis Thomas, to the coaching staff as an assistant line coach for the 2013 season. Along with Thomas, Chris McKinney, Steve Criswell and Don Malloy join the coaching staff as assistant coaches to complete the Soul staff for the 2013 season.
"I am excited about this year's staff," said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "Each one of our coaches has a strong football background and will bring a wealth of knowledge that will get us closer to winning a championship."
Thomas, starting his first stint of coaching experience, played 10 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles where he is third in Eagles History for games played as a defensive lineman (124). He played three seasons for the New Orleans Saints, and the 2009 season between the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers during his tenure in the NFL. Thomas, who played football at Northern Illinois, finished his career with 512 combined tackles and 20 sacks.
McKinney, from Guilford College, begins the start to his first coaching experience at the AFL level. On his resume, McKinney spent the 2012-13 season as an offensive coordinator with the Georgia Rampage (UIFL). Prior to that, McKinney spent seven seasons as a wide receiver coach at the high school level.
As a player, McKinney played wide receiver and kick returner in the af2 and AFL leagues. McKinney finished No.7 for all-time career touchdowns (171) with the af2, and in college with four All-Conference awards and three All-American selections.
Criswell joins the Soul coaching staff with over 25 years of coaching experience at both the high school and indoor levels. As a member of the coaching staff with indoor leagues, Criswell's team's record stands at 109-35; qualifying eight out of nine seasons for the post season. In 2010, Criswell was named head coach for the Richmond Revolution (IFL) finishing 13-2. Criswell won the IFL Coach of the Year award.
Malloy will be entering his first year of coaching. Malloy played in the NFL as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions from 2001-03. He played in the AFL for the Chicago Rush (2003-04) and for the Las Vegas Gladiators (2004-05), where Dolezel was quarterback at the time. At New Mexico State, he was a candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award and was First Team All-Conference for two consecutive seasons.
The four coaches will join the coaching staff along with Phil Bogle, who was named assistant head coach last week. Bogle, a former NFL and AFL offensive lineman, is making his third stint with Philadelphia: twice as a member of the coaching staff and once as a player.
SaberCats, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Announce 2013 Television Schedule
The San Jose SaberCats and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area announced that the network will be the television home for seven SaberCats football games during the 2013 season. The majority of telecasts will be broadcast by the voice of the SaberCats, Bob Fitzgerald and former SaberCats wide receiver Steve Papin.
"Comcast SportsNet is the premier home for all Bay Area sports on television and we look forward to our renewed partnership this season," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "We are focused as an organization in providing our fans with the best broadcasts of our games possible as we continue our quest for our fourth ArenaBowl championship."
The SaberCats open the 2013 slate on the road on Saturday, March 23 against the defending Central Division champion San Antonio Talons at the AlamoDome at 5:30 p.m. PT. San Jose's home opener is in Week 2 against the Orlando Predators on Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. PT at the HP Pavilion. Season ticket packages start as low as $85 and are on sale now. Contact (408) 673-3400 or info@thesanjosesabercats.com for more information.
The partnership also includes a wide range of SaberCats programming separate from the televised games, including a 30-minute show, SaberCats Weekly. The show will delve into the latest action in SaberCats football both on and off the field, including game recaps, previews, interviews with Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet as well as a number of key players throughout the season.
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area President Ted Griggs added, "Comcast SportsNet is committed to providing the region's most comprehensive coverage of one of the Arena Football League's most illustrious franchises. As the SaberCats make a run at their fourth ArenaBowl Championship, we are pleased to provide our viewers a robust telecast schedule along with season-long news and analysis on SportsNet Central and Chronicle Live."
2013 San Jose SaberCats on Comcast SportsNet:
Date Opponent Time______ Network___________
Saturday, March 23 @ San Antonio Talons 5:30 p.m. PT CSN Plus
Friday, March 29 Orlando Predators 7:30 p.m. PT CSN Bay Area
Saturday, April 27 @ New Orleans VooDoo 5:00 p.m. PT CSN Plus
Saturday, May 18 @ Jacksonville Sharks 4:00 p.m. PT CSN Plus
Saturday, June 15 @ Iowa Barnstormers 5:05 p.m. PT CSN Bay Area
Saturday, June 29 @ Utah Blaze 6:00 p.m. PT CSN Bay Area
Saturday, July 27 @ Chicago Rush 5:00 p.m. PT CSN Bay Area
New Orleans VooDoo Training Camp to Begin Friday, March 1
The New Orleans VooDoo will start its 2013 training camp on Friday, March1.
The team will report for physicals on March 1, and then go through a three-day acclimation period before working out in full pads for the first time on Monday, March 4. After only 5 days together, the VooDoo will travel to San Antonio to face off against the Talons for their only preseason game of the 2013 season.
"I am looking forward to getting our guys into camp and getting them ready for our season," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "There will be a lot of heated competition at every position, which will bring out the best in these guys we bring to camp."
The VooDoo has its 35 training camp roster spots filled. All training camp practices are set to be held at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park, unless otherwise specified and are open to the public.

Lone Star Football League
Amarillo Venom to Open up Amarillo's First Ever Arena Flag Football League
The Amarillo Venom will be hosting an Arena Flag Football League that will be played parallel to Venom home games. The Amarillo Venom will have a registration form on our website in which participants can fill out at www.govenom.com.
Each team will be composed of maximum of 14 members (minimum 11 members), seven of which will be on the field at one time. The league will be broken up into age groups depending on the amount of participants. Flag rules will apply with some changes to account for the indoor football field. All games will be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be played at the Amarillo Civic Center. The schedule of the games will be as follows:
o Saturday, March 23rd
o Saturday, April 20th
o Saturday, May 4th
o Saturday, May 18th
o Saturday, June 1st
o Saturday, June 22nd
o Saturday, July 7th - PLAYOFF
The cost will be $400 per team, or $30 per person for individuals that will be assigned to a team. Teams will preferably need to provide their own flags.
For more information contact Coach Julian Reese and/or Andrew Sanders at the Venom office, located at 901 S. Buchanan, by phone at (806) 350-7277 or by fax (806) 242-0079. Coach Reese can also be reached by email at headcoach@govenom.com.
Those interested can visit our website at www.govenom.com . Also be sure to "Like" our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/amarillovenom.

Philadelphia Soul’s Marketing Deal With Stopain Maker Troy Has Synergy

By John George  
The Philadelphia Soul added another marketing partner this week.
Troy Healthcare signed a sponsorship agreement for the 2013 Arena Football League season.
The Hazelton, Pa., company is the maker of Stopain, a line of topical analgesic pain relief products for people suffering from arthritis, muscle aches and back pain.
Soul co-majority owner Ron Jaworski, the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and current ESPN analyst, also recently signed a deal to be the national spokesperson for Stopain.
Financial terms for the deals were not disclosed.
Troy Healthcare’s sponsorship agreement with the Soul includes brand visibility for Stopain at Philadelphia Soul games, plus “significant” opportunities for product sampling with fans.

Daily News & Notes

American Indoor Football
AIF Adjusts Schedule Due To Unfortunate Circumstances
The AIF was recently informed that due to a serious illness to the owner of the Roc City Thunder, the team will not be able to move forward in 2013.
Jeff Teed, the principle owner has worked hard at keeping things going but unfortunately will be unable to proceed forward. After discussions with Mr. Teed, the AIF decided it was best to remove Rochester from the schedule for 2013 season and re-evaluate the situation in the future.
During the summer of 2012 Mr. Teed was diagnosed with a serious illness and in October he started treatment.
This past January, Mr. Teed's heath started to fade again and he decided at this time he must devote all his efforts to his health and recovery. Other options were explored including bringing on additional investors to the team but the time frame was too short for a full evaluation. The AIF and the Roc City Thunder have decided the best option is to remove the Roc City Thunder from the 2013 league schedule and the AIF has revised the 2013 schedule.

Arena Football League
Spokane Shock Selects Hyfiniti for Modern Customer Service
The Spokane Shock announced that it has selected Hyfiniti to enhance its customer service capabilities and complement the best customer experience value available today in American sports.
Hyfiniti is a network-based technology that modernizes the contact center by incorporating intelligent callback, social care, and advanced capabilities for smartphone users. The result is that customers get to choose how they communicate with the organization and never experience the frustration of waiting on hold listening to elevator music.
Utah Blaze to Host 2013 Fan Fest on March 15
The Utah Blaze will host its 2013 Fan Fest at the EnergySolutions Arena on Friday, March 15th, the franchise announced today. Fans will have the unique opportunity to watch the Utah Blaze in action, including 2012 Arena Football League MVP Tommy Grady, completely free of charge. Doors open to the public at 7:00 p.m.
The evening will begin with 2012 AFL Head Coach of the Year Ron James addressing the fan base from midfield. The Blaze will then hold an intersquad scrimmage in which all players on the training camp roster will complete in live game action in front of the fans. The event will conclude with an on-field autograph session, giving fans the opportunity to meet and greet all Utah Blaze players, dancers and coaches.
"Fan Fest is always an exciting evening," said Coach James. "It's the first opportunity our fans have to interact with the players and experience the fast-paced action of Arena Football. Because it's open to the public, it also gives fans that haven't seen the Blaze a chance to witness the excitement of an AFL game, free of charge. I encourage all football fans to come out on March 15th and see this team in action."
WHAT: 2013 Utah Blaze Fan Fest Live Intersquad Scrimmage On-field autograph session
WHEN: Friday, March 15th Doors open to the public at 7:00pm
WHERE: EnergySolutions Arena 301 W. South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101
DETAILS: There is no price for admission. The 2013 Utah Blaze Fan Fest is free and open to the public. No reservation is necessary.

Champions Professional Indoor Football League
Omaha Beef Announce Single Game Tickets on Sale Now
The Omaha Beef has announced that they have begun selling 2013 single game tickets today for as low as $15. The Beef also announced, to celebrate the move to the Ralston Arena, additional season ticket discounts will be offered through February 23, 2013. During the special, 7-game season ticket packages start at only $89.
Omaha Beef owner Rich Tokheim was pleased that the Beef will continue to offer affordable family entertainment in the new Ralston Arena, "Season ticket renewals have been occurring a record pace, and fans have expressed that the prices are really affordable. We wanted to extend our special discount until February 23 to reward our loyal fans and so far the fans are responding. We love the passion and excitement that Beef fans have been displaying!"
The Beef have moved to the brand new, 3,500 seat Ralston Arena after playing the last 13 seasons at the 8,100 seat Omaha Civic Auditorium. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets fast and visit the Ralston Arena to personally select their seats. Visit the Omaha Beef at beeffootball.com or Facebook to see seat selection, or call 402.346.BEEF. Season ticket reservations are also currently available by email cari@beeffootball.com.
Omaha will play a six regular season game in the new Champions Professional Indoor Football League, and will host geographical rivals like Sioux City, Kansas City and Lincoln.

Indoor Football League
Colorado Ice Open Preseason Tonight
The Colorado Ice take on their first opponent of 2013 tonight at 7pm when they host Metro State Club Football at the Budweiser Events Center.
The training camp just completed by the Ice has given coaches a good idea of their players' talent level, but the preseason game will be an important evaluation for the team heading into their regular season schedule.
"Being able to have our players in a full game will help us make our final roster decisions going into the first home game on March 1st. Metro State has stepped up to help us so we will be helping them by having a fundraiser for their club" stated Ice Head Coach Heron O'Neal.
The Ice will be playing this one preseason game before kicking off the start of the 2013 IFL season with a game at home against the Tri-Cities Fever at 7:00 PM on Friday, March 1st.
The MSU Football Club is starting the 3rd year in program history, and they are a member of the APFL II (American Developmental Football League). The APFL II has teams in Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. Last season saw the Roadrunners make the playoffs after a 3-3 regular season before they were eliminated in the first round. The team is coached by Jim Cobb, a former coach in the Colorado Football Conference and has experience with the Indoor Football game as well.
Said Cobb about his team, "The players we are getting in the Club Program are transferring in and are looking at this as an opportunity for them to possibly get moved up to Division II or III programs."
This game will be a fundraising event for the Metro State team as well. Being a club sport, the players have to raise funds or pay out of pocket to participate.
The Colorado Ice are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). All home games are played on Majestic Roofing Field at the Budweiser Events Center located in Loveland, Colorado. 2013 Season Ticket information is available by contacting the Colorado Ice offices at (970) 472-0128. For more information, please visit www.thecoloradoice.com.

Lone Star Football League
New Mexico Stars Local Tryout a Success
The New Mexico Stars open their 2013 campaign as any other team does, with tryouts. This year they held them at Cabazon Park in Rio Rancho, and the turnout was better than most expected. 41 players showed up and gave it the old college try, and 15 were invited to training camp.
The Stars currently have 15 players under contract, with another 12 players that are completing the contract process. Some of the players include Roland Bruno (University of New Mexico), Michael Carrasco of Eastern New Mexico University, Marcus Stars of New Mexico State, Joshua Floyd (Indoor Football League's leader in all-purpose yards leader in 2011), and Matt Caward, who is a Chaplin with the Rio Rancho Fire Department and back-up QB for the Stars. While no players were offered training camp contracts at the tryouts, the coaching staff is interested in bringing several of them into camp to give them a second look.
With the Stars making the switch from the IFL to the Lone Star Football League this season, there are plenty of questions surrounding the product fans will see on the field. Stars Coach Chris Williams downplayed those questions when he said "This is still football right? The game hasn't changed. The only difference you will see this season as compared to last season is that you will see more players from New Mexico on the field."
The Stars will play a 12-game schedule this season, and they kick it all off with an away game on March 16th against the San Angelo Bandits.
Amarillo Venom Unveils New Logo

In anticipation of the 2013 Lone Star Football League season, the Amarillo Venom has changed their logo to inspire a fresh look for a fresh new run at another LSFL championship. Facebook fans also already got a sneak peek at the new logo.
"We are excited about the new logo," Venom owner Stephanie Tucker said. "We are building off the success of last season with not only a new logo, but new contests, new promotions, and new ways to interact with the best fans in the LSFL."

Professional Indoor Football League
Columbus Lions To Host Meet And Greet This Sunday
The Columbus Lions of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) will be hosting a meet and greet at Mr. Wing Sports Bar and Grill on Sunday February 24th at 6:30 PM for all fans, friends, and members of the media.
Head Coach Jason Gibson will be on-hand to discuss the first week of training camp and his thoughts on the upcoming season. Gibson is entering his seventh season at the helm of the Lions leading the organization to the playoffs every season.
Three of the most-longest tenured Lions in WR Gerald Gales, LB Justen Rivers, and OL Dion Small will also be on-hand to discuss their decision on returning for another season to Columbus is about "˜unfinished business.'
Sunday's meet and greet will also serve as a chance for season ticket holders to pick up their 2013 season tickets. Fans will also have an opportunity to get an early look at some of the new Lions gear for the upcoming season.
The 2013 season kicks off on Sunday March 10th when the Lions host the Knoxville Nighthawks for Military Appreciation Night. For more information about Sunday and season tickets, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336.

Ultimate Indoor Football League
Missouri Monsters Announce Broadcast Team
The Missouri Monsters, members of the professional Ultimate Indoor Football League, are proud to announce the hiring of Randy Moehlman and Jeff Stahlhut as game day broadcasters for the 2013 season.
Randy Moehlman is a native St. Louisian, who grew up in Creve Coeur and attended Parkway North High School. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1994. He will serve as the Monsters radio play-by-play man. Randy is well known around the state of Missouri for his work as a Public Address Announcer. He is currently the PA Announcer for the Mizzou Tigers college football program, having just finished his third season in that role. He also has been the River City Rascals PA Announcer/On-Field Emcee for the past six seasons, and will continue that role this upcoming summer. The Rascals are a professional minor league baseball team located in O'Fallon, MO.
Other credits include being the full time PA Announcer for the University of Missouri-St. Louis women's college basketball program, and he has done PA work for the St. Louis University Billikens men's and women's basketball programs as well as Mizzou basketball. He can also be seen working PA in various high school tournaments around the state, and also as the Webster Groves High School basketball PA Announcer. Randy's background is in play-by-play, and he is thrilled to be back in that seat. "It is exciting to get back to what I love doing, and that's play-by-play broadcasting. The Missouri Monsters have given me an opportunity to get back to my roots, and I can't thank them enough. I am thrilled to be a part of their first season at the Family Arena in St. Charles. I can't wait to get started." Moehlman currently resides in Shrewsbury with his wife Karen, daughters Abby (11) and Bridget (9), and son Danny (5).
Stahlhut is also a native of the St. Louis region, having grown up in Maryland Heights - a graduate of Pattonville High School. From there he went to Drury University, graduating in 1994 with a degree in Communications. "I spent most of my time at Drury in the Communications building, at the radio station, or in the newspaper office," said Stahlhut, who will do color analysis for the Monsters. "I never had much doubt what I wanted to do - even way back then - and I'm very much looking forward to getting back in the booth with Randy to call Monsters football."
Stahlhut started his professional career in the Suburban Journals Marketing Department, and has since worked with the Houston Chronicle, Yahoo! Sports, NFL.com, NFLPlayers.com, USAHockey.com,USAFootball.com, MLBPlayers.com, Rivals.com, MOSports.com, MetroMix.com, was sports editor atPatch.com, senior content manager and sports editor for HermannNews.com, served as content editor for "LeBron James: King On and Off the Court," has done PA work for the Pattonville High School football team, and will be reuniting with Moehlman in the broadcast booth where the two previously worked together broadcasting Hermann High School football. "Randy and I had a lot of fun working in Hermann, and I feel like we make a great team," he said. "He makes my job easy, and I in turn often find myself trying to make his as difficult as possible. I like to keep him on his toes."
Stahlhut has two children, who both attend Pattonville High School (Jacob is a sophomore and Tessa is a freshman). He also has four step-children (Taylor, Turner, Trey and Tristyn), and resides in St. Charles with his wife, Tera.
Tarpons Kick off Season of Giving Back
On March 18th, at 7:30 PM at Germain Arena in Southwest Florida the UIFL Southern Conference Champions Florida Tarpons are kicking off it's 2013 season of giving back. They are announcing that this year they are honoring those hero's that protect their community as well as our country will receive 2 FREE SEASON TICKETS to their home games. This is their way of saying 'THANK YOU'.
If your are an Active Duty Military, a Veteran, in Law Enforcement, a Firefighter or a EMS then come join them in honoring you for their fun filled games. at their home opener they will be naming their home field, "Hero's Field. They will also be honoring General Shelton Retired United States Army, Florida State Commander for American Legion Steve Slachta, Post Commander American Legion Kevin Boyd Retired Navy, Veterans from the community, The Brotherhood Riders (they ride bicycles to honor those police and firemen that lost their lives in the line of duty), Lee County Sheriff, Collier County Sheriff, FT. Myers Police Chief. Helping us honor our hero's will be Matt Pusatari District Director for Congressman Trey Radel, State Representive Matt Caldwell, City Councilmen from Bonita Springs. We are still waiting to hear back from the Governor Office.
At each of their home games they will be honoring more hero's from their community as well. They will help with the coin toss as well as be honored on the field. They would like to thank their sponsor for the naming of the field, "Real Time Wireless".