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Caballo Diablo

05-02-2009, 05:37 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Robert Quiroga
Coming Home
A Look at Austin TurfCat (SIFL) Robert Quiroga
by Jenna Weynand

Texas native Robert Quiroga has finally come home. Quiroga was born and raised in San Antonio and attended Baylor University but has spent the last five years playing football in Canada and Los Angeles. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to play closer to home where his family and friends can watch and support the Turfcats.

At 6 foot 2 inches tall and 210 pounds, Quiroga is a two way player. On offense he plays wide receiver and kick returner, and plays linebacker for the defense. "Quiroga is a threat anytime he gets near the ball," said TurfCats General Manager and Vice President Ronald Oswalt. "He is an extra weapon in the arsenal to ensure that we are 'The Fastest game on Turf'."

Most recently, Quiroga played for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League. He signed with the team in 2006 and re-signed in 2008. In 2007, he received the AFL Honor of being named Ironman of the game five times. Before joining the Avengers, Quiroga played one season with the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League. In 2004 he signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens and participated in their training camp.

Before his professional football career, Quiroga was a standout receiver at Baylor University where he was also a Track & Field All-American and majored in business. While at Baylor he caught 131 passes for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns in 46 games. He also returned 31 kickoffs for 752 yards (24.26 yd ave) and two touchdowns. As a senior in 2003 he caught 42 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns and was a First team All Big XII Conference selection by both the Waco Tribune and the Dallas Morning News. Quiroga is one of only two players in Baylor history to record a 100-yard kickoff return. In 2003 he also became just the second player in Big XII history to return two kickoffs for a touchdown in a single season.

Prior to attending Baylor, Quiroga shined in both football and track at Holmes High School in San Antonio, Texas. He was named to the first team All Greater San Antonio at both receiver and punter. He was listed among Texas' Top 100 by the San Antonio Express News and was an Honorable mention all state pick. As a senior Quiroga caught 51 passes for 1,061 yards and 18 touchdowns and also scored two touchdowns rushing and three on punt returns. In addition, he threw for a pair of touchdowns. As a member of the Holmes track & field team, he ran the anchor leg on the 1,600 meter relay team that captured the Class 5A State Championship in 1999.

He loves Arena Football because of the player interaction with fans. "They're right next to you," said Quiroga. "It takes a special athlete to play this game as well." After his Arena Football career is over he hopes to stay involved in the game and would like to be a part owner of an Arena franchise.

For now Quiroga has his eyes set on the NFL and hopes to get another shot at it. The most inspirational person in his life is Harold Jackson, Quiroga's receiver coach at Baylor. Quiroga say Jackson, who played wide receiver in the NFL for 16 years, tells him he has the talent to make it in the NFL. Although Jackson is his inspiration, growing up Jerry Rice was his favorite professional football player.

Quiroga is currently working in Austin for Luluemon Athletica, a yoga inspired athletic apparel company. He is married to Janine, who he met while in Canada playing for the Canadian Football League.

Caballo Diablo

05-02-2009, 06:12 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Darrick Wallace
All Football All the Time
TurfCat Darrick Wallace has played since the seventh grade
by Jenna Weynand

Darrick Wallace's veteran experience and leadership skills will serve as a great asset to the Turfcats inaugural team. Wallace has extensive experience playing Arena/Indoor Football and he plans on using that knowledge and his natural spped to help lead the TurfCats as a receiver and kick returner.

For the past six seasons he has played in Arena/Indoor Leagues including the af2, the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), and the Intense Football league. Within those leagues he has played for several teams including the Katy Copperheads, the Katy Roughriders, and the Bossier/Shreveport Battlewings. Wallace played for Coach Duliban during the 2008 season in Belton with the Centex Barracuda's. During that season wallace averaged 20 yards on returns, 11 yard receiving average and scored five touchdowns.

Before beginning his professional career, Wallace played football for four years for Grambling State University in Grambling Louisiana, where he also ran track. His football coach at Grambling State was Doug Williams, a legend and Super Bowl MVP in the NFL. During Wallaces' tenure at Grambling State, the team had a record of 27 wins with ine losses and won two consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference Titles. Wallace graduated from Grambling State with a bachelor's degree in leisure studies and a minor in therapeutic recreation.

Wallace's hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana where he played football and ran track for Green Oaks High School. His parents still live in Shreveport but he remains close to them. Although she lives out of state, his mom will attend all the Turfcat games she can.

Wallace has been playing football since the seventh grade and his favorite things about playing are the toughness it requires and the adrenaline rush he gets. His favorite parts of the game are scoring touchdowns and tackling his opponents.

When Wallace isn't on the turf, he still surrounds himself with football. During the winter and fall he helps coach and train other football players that benefit greatly from his natural talent as both player and coach. He openly admits that he is tough on the guys he trains and has high expectations for them. In return they respect and trust his knowledge and expertise. Outside of playing and coaching, he spends lots of his free time playing the video game Madden NFL.

Beyond eating, sleeping, and breathing football, Wallace also enjoys counseling and talking to the young men in his neighborhood. He offers them life lessons and his advice when it is necessary.

Wallace is confident about the prospects for the TurfCats inaugural season and assures the fans that "every game gets us one step closer to the Championship."

Caballo Diablo

05-02-2009, 06:35 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Joseph "J.R." Turner
Confidence to Win
TurfCats WR/LB J.R. Turner
by Jenna Weynand

Joseph "J.R." Turner, Jr. is not only confident in his own abilities, but he's confident that the TurfCats will bring the SIFL Championship trophy home to Austin. His previous professional experience, natural athletic ability, and knowledge of Coach Duliban's techniques will help make that reality.

Turner has previously played professional football for Coach Duliban while playing for thr Centex Barracudas in Belton, Texas. During the 2008 season, Turner recorded 69 tackles, six sacks, and six interceptions.

Before playing professionally, he played for Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where his name is still in the record books. In 2000 he set the record for most interceptions in a single game with four interceptions against Tarlton State. He also had nine pass breakups during the 2000 season which places him third for pass breakups in a single season and eighth for pass breakups during his career. During the 1998 season, Turner returned an interception for a touchdown. Turner received his associates degree from Texas A&M-Kingsville. Prior to going to college, Turner attended Ellison High School in his home town of Killeen, Texas.

Turner has been playing football for as long as he can remember. He started at the very young age of 5. True to his position as a defensive player, Turners favorite thing about football is getting to take out his feelings and aggressions on his opponents with strong, hard hits. His quick reactions and talent for making interceptions makes him a danger to all other teams in the SIFL.

In his free time, Turner spends as much time with his children as he can. His favorite thing to do with 4-year old Joseph Turner III and 2-year old Jeanetta is to take them to the park to play. Turner has already introduced his son to the game of football by playing catch with him. Although they are young, they are his biggest fans and will be at every home game, cheering him on from the TurfCats stands.

Turner is a charismatic and exciting player who will not disappoint. He decided to tryout for the TurfCats because he was confident in Coach Duliban and he wants to help the TurfCats to win the Championship. He wants the fans to know that "we're here and we're going to win this year."

Caballo Diablo

05-03-2009, 02:17 PM

Undefeated Swashbucklers Make First Visit to Capitol City
May 03, 2009

Austin, TX – This isn't something that has been manufactured for the sake of cheap publicity. The road to the SIFL championship goes through Austin and this week’s matchup against the Louisiana Swashbucklers will be a measuring stick to see how far the Turfcats have come through their third game of the season.

"It's kind of like David vs. Goliath almost," Turfcats head coach Chris Duliban said. "It's going to be a slugfest. It's going to be nasty."

The Turfcats' 64-32 road victory over the Houma Conquerors had ended only moments earlier, but few players in the Turfcats dressing room wanted to talk about or even savor the game that had just been played. The focus had promptly been placed on the task ahead.

"It'll be a great SIFL Game to watch," Duliban said.

It didn't matter that the Conquerors were winless. All that mattered was that the Turfcats took care of business. And as far as they're concerned, the right team emerged from the game. If you ask some members of the Turfcats, the game versus the Swashbucklers has been circled since day one.

The Swashbuckler has a great front office, coaching staff, and players. The formula for success of the Lake Charles squad is one that all teams in the Southern Indoor Football League want to follow. The Swashbucklers have claimed back to back Intense Football League championships and have reeled off 20 straight regular season game victories.

It was between two clubs that lead several categories in league statistics, the Turfcats are number two in scoring with 46.5 points per game versus 65.5 for the Swashbucklers. The Swashbucklers boosted their point average by an 81-0 blowout in week one of the Florida Kings at home. The Turfcats have the number one rushing offense averaging 101.5 versus 62.0 for the Swashbucklers. The rushing game led by Deron Ellis, David Banks and Keith Clay are tops in the SIFL. The Swashbucklers ground attack is led by Southern Mississippi product Tim Blackwell averaging 49.0 yards per game.

The Turfcats must eliminate mistakes like they did in week two versus Houma to have a fighting chance versus the preseason favorites. The passing game of Freddie Harrison to Sammy Knight is the best in the league.

The Turfcats will counter with Robert Quiroga, Darrick Wallace and Jackie Warren as their deep threats. The red zone defense by the Swashbucklers is number one in the league closely contested by the Turfcats being ranked number two.

"I knew all year long we were two of the top two teams in the SIFL, just my opinion (from) watching all the other teams," Turfcats Assistant Michael Finney said. "When you've got a good defense like (the Swashbucklers and the Turfcats have), you can be in any game. Teams want to simulate Louisiana and Austin, just the way we play. But you can't coach what we've got. You've got to do a good job and bring the right players in to do it." "One thing about football, it's not about what you say. It's about what you do. And come next weekend, it's all about rolling that football out."

The Austin Turfcats (1-1) return to action on May 9th versus the undefeated Louisiana Swashbucklers at Adfirmative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

Caballo Diablo

05-05-2009, 08:15 PM

May 5, 2009
Turfcats Help Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

Austin, TX – The Austin Turfcats and the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas will work to end hunger in their local communities during a Twitter signup and two upcoming home games. The games selected will be the May 16th game versus the Houma Conquerors and the June 20th game versus the Texas Pirates of Houston. The organizations will collect canned goods and non-perishable food items at front ticketing entrances to Adfirmative.com Field at Travis County Expo Center for these two upcoming games.

The team will also donate 10 cents to the Food Bank for new TCAT followers in the next fourteen days at www.twitter.com/austinturfcats.

All fans who participate in the food drive will receive $2.00 off each game ticket and one winner selected by drawing will have the opportunity to walk out with the team for the opening coin flip with team captains.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to our community during hard economic times,” said Turfcats Vice-President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt. “I urge all fans attending the games to bring a canned good item or drop it off at the designated games. It may seem like a small donation, but it goes so far for our neighbors, friends and family in need.”

Participants can also drop off canned goods at the Capital Area Food located on 8201 S Congress Avenue in Austin during their office hours.

“More and more Central Texans are turning to their local food pantries for help; demand is up more than 50 percent across Central Texas,” said David Davenport, CAFB President & CEO. “On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people in need in our area, we are truly grateful to the Austin Turfcats and the entire indoor football community for hosting this food drive. Everything collected will help feed our hungry neighbors.”

Turfcat corporate partners Austin Extreme Graphics, Central Texas Collision Services, Do512.com and Sparknetcreative.com have already jumped in and we expect many more soon.

trifecta

05-06-2009, 08:18 AM

I was always told it is the thought that counts.....

10 cents donated per new twitter follower in the next 14 days????? Really??? Really........

1000 new followers will be $100!!!

More realistic 14 new followers will result in a whopping $1.40 donated to the cause...

Come strong or dont come at all.....

Caballo Diablo

05-06-2009, 08:51 AM

I gotta give it to ya, you are consistant.
As soon as I read it I told myself you would smack the 10 cent thing - lol

Is that the only thing you find wrong with this charitible outing?
How about begging the fans to help and donate from their own pantry during this rough economic time? Why the nerve of those people! $2 off a ticket- WTF? Come on, that's not enough! What about the corporate sponsors joining the effort, will they really give more than a few pennies ???

Come on Tri, step up to the plate and make a counter offer. How about you offer $10 per Tweet on the Twit. Maybe you could set up a table at your favorite strip center this weekend and collect food and donations for the cause.

Come strong or don't come at all ?? HUH? This isn't about your ego or boasting rights, it's about a real life problem. Sure, these hungry folks would love a free meal at Red Lobster but I'm pretty sure a pack of peanut butter crackers is a whole lot better than nothing. Don't come at all? Are you serious? I guess you've never had to deal with serious situations, starting small is better than no effort at all. You've heard the old saying, a thousand mile journey begins with one step. The hungry people are very thankful someone is bringing attention to their plight and every penny and every can of food donated make a difference at the end of the week. Then there's the comfortable souls spitting in the face of the effort saying it's not enough.:rolleyes:

Caballo Diablo

05-06-2009, 11:29 AM

Don’t Confuse this week’s Match-up with “JUST ANOTHER GAME”
5/5/09

This is the game that was circled on the first day the schedules were released. On this Saturday, May 9th, the Louisiana Swashbucklers come to Austin for the first of two meetings in the 2009 regular season. They aren’t just “Another Team”, they are the only existing franchise to join the sea of expansion teams in the Southern Indoor Football League’s inaugural season.

Most of the pre-season prognosticators picked the Swashbucklers and Turfcats to battle it out for the title, but it’s way too early to know if anyone can overtake Louisiana’s head start. I can quote stats, but it’s also too early to put much value on them. The ‘Bucs started the season with a bye, then opened against the Florida Kings, an exhibition team.
This past weekend they beat the Texas Pirates, who’s only win is against a winless Houma. Not much to judge them on from those two games.

Austin opened the season with a loss against an Acadiana team that has ex-Swashbucklers on their roster and are also undefeated so far. The TurfCats did mount a comeback against them, too little, too late. Austin rebounded the following week on the road and kept Houma winless.

This weeks game will be a huge test for both teams, the T-Cats will be the under Dogs but are expected to give the ‘Bucs their first real opposition of the season. Austin is coming off a bye week. Some feel a bye gives a team a chance to catch their breath and get some extra work on the game plan, while others feel a bye this early in the season just causes complacency.

Hopefully this game will be a springboard to a great season and build a stronger unit among the players as they battle the pre-season favorites for control of their own destiny.
I have a feeling this game could be closer than most think.

Let’s take a look at this weeks opponent;
The `Bucs are not only an existing franchise, but one of the most successful teams to ever take the 50 yard field. The Swashbucklers won the Intense Football League championships in 2007 and 2008, the latter with a perfect 16-0 record. Over the past three seasons under the direction of Head Coach Darnell Lee they are an amazing 33-1. They’ve only lost 11 games in franchise history. The team's season ticket base has grown from 912 its inaugural season to 3,182 this year.

One way to stay on top is by having personnel return, this season the Swashbucklers return 14 players from last years Championship team along with all three coaches.
On offense they return last years QB, Alvin Bartie. He was the League’s Offensive MVP and top scorer in his rookie season. His back-up, Freddie Harrison, came off the bench in the game against the Florida Kings a couple of weeks ago and threw 6 TD’s. They say that Marcus Wilridge is their Star receiver, but I think it’s awful close between him and Sammy Knight who seems to find the end zone regularly

On defense, they return DB Damien Hurren, a two-time Defensive League MVP, another is John Paul Jones, one of the most dominating DL’s to ever play the game. He was named the Intense Football Leagues' Defensive "Most Valuable Player" last year.
As a Swashbuckler veteran, Jones has become a fan favorite over the last two seasons, and begins his fourth year as a pro with two indoor championships. John Paul earned the nickname "Fluffy" in 2008 with his big smile and by knocking the ‘stuffing' out of opposing quarterbacks. This season Jones reported to camp at 6'2’’, 280 lbs., about 40 pounds lighter than last year, and quicker.

Reminder:
Don’t forget your Season Ticket Holder parking pass. They are attached to your ticket sheet, many were picking up their season tickets at will call last game and didn’t have them yet. That, along with the car show is the reason they weren’t asking for them at the first game. Also on your ticket sheet is an ID Card 10% discount ticket to use on your team merchandise purchases.

Once again we’ll be tailgating at the Southwest corner of the Arena, meeting new fans and getting our games face on. Bring your grill and a couple chairs and enjoy the pre-game festivities with us.

ronaldoswalt

05-06-2009, 06:11 PM

Please join us at www.twitter.com/austinturfcats we will be giving updates at game there and turfcats.com thanks so much

Caballo Diablo

05-07-2009, 10:06 PM

TurfCats / Swashbucklers game at;

http://www.turfcats.com/index.html

http://twitter.com/austinturfcats

Sat 5/9/09 at 6:30 pm CST

Caballo Diablo

05-08-2009, 08:24 AM

May 7, 2009
Turfcats Ranked Third In Massey Computer Rankings

Austin, TX – In the latest Massey Rankings for the Southern Indoor Football League, the Austin Turfcats are ranked third in their inaugural season. The rankings system is available at http://www.mratings.com/.

The computer rankings is ran by Kenneth Massey, he is an sports statistician well-known for his development of a methodology for ranking and rating sports teams in a variety of sports. His ratings have been a part of the Bowl Championship Series since its inception.

Jack Dixon, Turfcats Director of Operations, said, ‘It is fun for football fans to have a tool like this to track the progress of your team.”

The Turfcats ranked third overall behind the Louisiana Swashbucklers and Acadiana Mudbugs in the poll. The lowest two ranked teams were the Texas Pirates and the Houma Conquerors, both teams have combined for one win this season.

The Turfcats ranked third in power, second in offense and fifth in defense.

The Massey Ratings are designed to measure past performances of teams.

Caballo Diablo

05-09-2009, 11:57 AM

It's Game day in Austin for the Turfcats, join us at the Expo center.

Mention TWITTER and get $2 off every ticket!

trifecta

05-09-2009, 12:05 PM

Massey Computer rankings??

Do you really need a computer to rank the teams in a SIX team league????

Just look at the standings and I think we are good.

Caballo Diablo

05-09-2009, 12:20 PM

This is how things get started. You start small and refine whatever it is that you do. Next year several teams are supposed to join the league, more after that. Should they wait until they got a certain number of teams before they do anything?

Maybe the league itself shouldn't have started play this season, after all some feel there's not enoug teams to make it worthwhile.

Where's that darn sarcasm icon when you need it - lol

Will you be joining us at the Arena today?
If so, stop by the tailgate.

Caballo Diablo

05-09-2009, 12:21 PM

Week 4 Games Bring Familiarity
May 08, 2009

The Southern Indoor Football League enters Week 4 of the inaugural season with two games that are sure to be hotly contested matchups … and have a sense of familiarity for those involved.

The first game tomorrow night will feature the Austin Turfcats (1-1) hosting the Louisiana Swashbucklers (2-0) at the Travis County Expo Center at 6:05 p.m.

Austin is looking for their first home win of the season, after falling just short in their first attempt in the season opener against Acadiana, a 37-29 loss. Coach Chris Duliban is looking toward the Swashbucklers as a benchmark game.

``This game will be the toughest test for our team, and it will serve as a measuring stick as far how far we still need to go as a new franchise,” Duliban said.

Meanwhile, Louisiana coach Darnell Lee feels that the Turfcats match up well against his team.

FULL ARTICLE:
http://www.southernifl.com/news/2009-05-08/week-4-games-bring-familiarity.html

trifecta

05-09-2009, 01:06 PM

Have a conflict today But I wish the Turfcats the best of luck.

I am looking forward to making at least one of the 4 remaining home games.

Caballo, You are so sensitive...When you post on boards you cant be so darn sensitive about any comment that is posted.

Your passion is to be applauded as you seem to Fall in Love with every Indoor Football team that comes your way. You have a history of taking the posts WAY to personal.

Caballo Diablo

05-09-2009, 03:51 PM

Not at all, just trying to stay positive.
You should know by now most of my posts are done with a chuckle.
Just because I refute what someones says or poke them with a stick doesn't make it personal. It's all just entertainment, I agree with you that this is no place for people with easily hurt feelings. ;)

I fell in love with the sport over 20 years ago when the AFL first started.
Yes, I support all leagues and do go all out for any team that comes to our area.

trifecta

05-09-2009, 11:12 PM

Congrats to the Turfcats for a Huge win.

indoor fan

05-10-2009, 12:50 AM

Congrats to the Turfcats for a Huge win.

Only 1200 in attendance (400 less than last week). How deep are the owners pockets?

Caballo Diablo

05-10-2009, 01:47 AM

Only 1200 in attendance (400 less than last week). How deep are the owners pockets?

I've got money to burn:o

Caballo Diablo

05-10-2009, 01:48 AM

TurfCats 56
`Bucs 53

HUGE
What can I say besides, HUGE !!

CoachSMB05

05-10-2009, 11:24 AM

some of you guys are amazing. AMAZING! The TurfCats just did the unthinkable in knocking off a team that has not been beat in two years, and all you can fricking think about is only 1200 in attendance? Really? Thats what you are worrying about?

trifecta

05-10-2009, 02:31 PM

Let me say I was the first to congratulate the Turfcats on the win.

Unthinkable???? That makes it sound like Buster Douglas beating Tyson OR the Jets beating Baltimore......Let's face it we are talking about a 6 team league of Single A football talent......I doubt any any win in this league is UNTHINKABLE.......

With regards to attendance.....This is not a good sign to have so few fans to see the VERY FIRST two home games. As we have seen in the past--- attendance is vital for the longterm success of the team. At this rate the existing sponsors would have better return by sponsoring a local PTA for a year rather than 6 games at 1200 fans per game. It is ALWAYS going to be the 800# elephant in the room..Without fans you cant pay the bills for long.

The Inaugural game and the second game should be among the best attended all season as the team had more time to generate ticket sales (off season, and Bye week). It will become harder NOT easier as the season progresses.

To summarize:

Great win yes
Miracle----No
1200 fans problem no matter how you spin it

mwhite212

05-10-2009, 03:26 PM

Go Turfcats! Congrats on a great win. And my own Mudbugs are in first place because of it! LOL. But seriously, I really was pulling for you guys because I'm an underdog kinda guy....which is why I'm following this league I guess.:)

But, yes, 1200 fans is a problem. From what I've read in an interview with John Fourcade (who has coached and managed a few minor league teams,) you need at least 2,000 showing up every game to break even. 3,500 and you're making money. The problem I see is that Texas is an extremely "spoiled" state when it comes to pro sports. You have pretty solidly successful teams for just about every major league sport. 2 NFL teams, Like 3 NBA teams, an NHL, and don't you also have 2 MLB teams? And there's always the crowd who says..."Why watch that when I can watch the "real" thing." Whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. I actually like indoor football more than "real" football.

I currently live in Plano/Frisco in Texas (original New Orleans native) and the only minor league thing they support is the baseball team out here. We once had a IFL team that lasted maybe 2 seasons. Speaking of, I think there are 5 or 6 IFL teams here in Texas. I could be wrong, but maybe Texas is just a bad market for minor league football. Especially since High School football is a really big deal out here...that truly blew me away when I moved to Plano.

I truly wish the SIFL and all of the teams success, but it's going to be rough.

daytonadan

05-10-2009, 03:35 PM

I love Frisco. Great town, great arena. Great potential. I'd go back in a minute.

Caballo Diablo

05-10-2009, 08:58 PM

May 9, 2009
Turfcats Upset #1 Swashbucklers 56-53
Turfcats Get First Home Win In Team History

Austin, TX – The Austin Turfcats have blown the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) championship race wide open, battling to a 35-27 halftime lead and continuing in the second half to post a 56-53 win at Adfirmative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center.

The Swashbucklers came into tonight’s game carrying a 20-game winning streak, as well as their back-to-back championships in the Intense Football League (IFL) in 2007 and 2008. The Turfcats, in their inaugural season, sought their second win in team history and their first home win.

Defense ruled the first quarter, as neither team was able to score. The Swashbucklers began the 2nd Quarter with a bang, scoring a 5-yard touchdown pass from Freddie Harrison to Marcus Wilridge with only four seconds off of the clock. The offenses continued to ratchet up the scoreboard, scoring a combined 62 points during the 2nd quarter alone. As the buzzer sounded to end the first half, the Swashbucklers’ Tommy Hebert made a 21-yard field goal to cut the Turfcats’ lead to 35-27.

The Swashbucklers would come out of the locker room with a desire to even the score; a 33-yard pass from Alvin Bartie to Henry Hunter cut the ‘Cats lead to 35-34 following a Tommy Hebert kick. After trading a pair of touchdowns to bring the score to 42-40 (following a Swashbucklers missed PAT), the Turfcats expanded the lead to 49-40 following a 25-yard touchdown pass from Ellis to Reggie Smith at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The Turfcats defense buckled down in the 4th quarter, preventing Louisiana from scoring until almost the 3-minute mark. The Turfcats offense, meanwhile, rolled off a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ellis to Darrick Wallace, bringing the score to 56-46 with 3:12 remaining in the game. The Swashbucklers added one more touchdown, but missed a crucial 2-point conversion and allowed the Turfcats to run out the clock and preserve the victory, by a final score of 56-53.

Vice-President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt said following the win, “Even though this was only our third game, I believe the indoor football world is looking at a possible changing of the guard.”

Turfcats Head Coach Chris Duliban commented postgame, “We came to play tonight. Our guys believe in our system and we played a complete, 60-minute game for the first time this season. There is much more I expect from this team in 2009.”

Great locations are still available for the 2009 season! Act now to reserve the best seats. Call a Season Sales Representative today at 866-969-TCAT (8228.) to reserve your seats today. The Austin Turfcats are committed to being a premier team in the Southern Indoor Football League and being involved in the community for which we serve.

Caballo Diablo

05-11-2009, 11:30 AM

May 10, 2009
Oswalt Pays Up To Turfcats
Turfcats Enjoy Getting Bet Paid In Full

Austin, TX – At the initial press conference of the announcement for the indoor football team, Turfcats Vice-President General Manager Ronald Oswalt offered the team a dare for his players. He told the team that if they could win by sixty points or more or even better beat the two time former Intense Football League Louisiana Swashbucklers he would shave his head for a payment of success.

Before pregame versus the Swashbucklers, two Turfcats players namely Darrick Wallace showed up to the locker room with a hair trimmer and said tonight is the night. Unknown to the General Manager how seriously the players took the bet for the teams second home game.

The Turfcats stormed out the gate and led the former champions by as many as nine points in the final minutes before claiming a 56-53 win at adfirmative.com field at the Travis County Expo Center.

During the fan interaction time at games end, there were as many as 100 fans cheering on Wallace and Tim Cook as they cut stripes into his head until they finished it off.

Oswalt said, “I will do anything to motivate these guys, now I look like the General Manager of the Swashbucklers Richard Dow.” “The players have been so good to me and now I must think of another bet to get us to the championship.”

Caballo Diablo

05-11-2009, 11:52 AM

Southern Indoor Football League
Gameday Edition -- May 10, 2009

UPSET! Turfcats Stun Bucs 56-53, End LA's 20-Game Run

AUSTIN, Tex (May 9, 2009) - Deron Ellis threw three touchdown passes and rushed for two more as the Austin Turfcats snapped the Louisiana Swashbucklers' 20-game winning streak with a 56-53 Southern Indoor Football League victory at the Travis County Expo Center.

GARY CHISM'S PHOTO GALLERY:
http://garychismphotography.smugmug.com/Southern%20Indoor%20Football%20League/758887

The Turfcats (2-1) led 56-40 on Ellis' 12-yarder to Darrick Wallace with 3:28 remaining and held off a furious Swashbuckler (2-1) rally.

Sammy Knight's second kickoff return and a 2-yard Alvin Bartie run brought the Swashbucklers to 56-53 with 30 seconds left. The Turfcats recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

Ellis completed 12 of 15 passes for 118 yards and touchdowns to Wallace, Smith and Robert Quiroga.

After a scoreless first quarter, the teams combined for 62 second-quarter points as Austin took a 35-24 lead on Ellis' 21-yarder to Quiroga with 23 seconds left in the period. The Turfcats got return scores for Shon Mitchell and Keith Clay.

Marcus Wilridge (six catches, 84 yards) and Henry Hunter (5-90) each caught two touchdown passes for the Swashbucklers.
A BUG'S LIFE: Acadiana Goes To 3-0 Behind 4 Bartik TDs

LAFAYETTE, La. (May 9, 2009) - Bo Bartik threw four touchdown passes as the Acadiana Mudbugs took first place in the Southern Indoor Football League with a 31-23 victory over the Houma Conquerors Saturday.

The Mudbugs are the SIFL's only undefeated team, and took over the lead after the Louisiana Swashbucklers lost to the Austin Turfcats.

Houma (0-3) led 16-13 at halftime and again in the third quarter when Omar Haugabook threw his touchdown pass with 4:51 left in the third quarter to make it 23-19.

Acadiana regained the lead on Bartik's touchdown to Anthony Parks with 2:53 for a 25-23 advantage, and the Mudbug defense registered a fourth quarter shut out.

Antonio Logan's rushing touchdown in the fourth closed the scoring.

STANDINGS

..... Team ....................W - L - T - For - Opp - Pct - Home - Away - Streak
Acadiana Mudbugs ....... 3 - 0 - 0 - 106 - 64 - 1.000 - 2-0 - 1-0 -- Won 3
Louisiana Swashbucklers 2 - 1 - 0 - 184 - 70 - .667 -- 1-0 -- 1-1 -- Lost 1
Austin Turfcats ............ 2 - 1 - 0 - 149 - 122 - .667 -- 1-1 -- 1-0 -- Won 2
Texas Pirates .............. 1 - 2 - 0 - 72 - 115 - .333 -- 1-1 -- 0-1 -- Lost 2
PASM Florida Kings ...... 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 81 - .000 -- 0-0 -- 0-1 -- Lost 1
Houma Conquerors ...... 0 - 3 - 0 - 82 - 141 - .000 -- 0-1 - 0-2 -- Lost 3

This Week
5/16 Acadiana at Louisiana
5/16 Houma at Austin
5/17 Florida at Texas

Caballo Diablo

05-11-2009, 02:33 PM

Only 1200 in attendance (400 less than last week). How deep are the owners pockets?
On a serious side, I do understand the concern. We won't mention any names but someone will say this is all just a list of excuses, but here goes anyways - lol

When the Louisianna swashbucklers first started they had less than 1,000 per game. It seems many teams throughout the 4 majoe leagues and the numerous minor leagues have struggled with attendance, sponsorship/advertising, etc this season due the the economy. Sports fans enjoy their hobby on discretionary income and it has shrunk drastically. I know many that had season tickets for the Wranglers and have said they will follow the T-cats as much as possible, it's just a bad time to be spending money.

This is a very difficult time for existing business, and much harder on new business. The economy goes in cycles and will come back around. The teams need to put a good product on the field, even in good times it's tough to get butts in the seats when you stink. Most of the PR is through word of mouth, the local media never seems interested in minor league sports.

I would like to see lots more fans in the stands, but it'll take some time to build the fan base along with the franchise.

phydeaux72

05-11-2009, 02:47 PM

It also doesn't help the Turfcats' public perception being that they came in on the heals of the Wranglers who failed as both an AFL and af2 franchise. I'm willing to bet that there a lot of people that are taking a "wait and see" approach to the Turfcats. The Swashbucklers went though it. And the El Paso Generals, to an extent, are going through the same thing, even though the crowds are somewhat larger.

Caballo Diablo

05-13-2009, 11:56 AM

CONGRATULATIONS TOPHAT !!

Matt Cross: May Fan Of The Month
May 13, 2009

This month’s Fan of the Month is Matt Cross, a resident of Austin, Texas. Matt has been a fan of indoor football for 6 years, and he looks forward to enjoying more indoor football in the future. His favorite things about indoor football are the pace of the game, the fan friendly environment, and tailgating. HeI loves razzing the opposing team during the game (all in good fun) and being able to chat with them after the game win or lose and they understand it was all in the spirit of the game and they appreciate the fact that we are there to support our team and the league.

He also loves the fact that if a ball goes into the stands, you get to keep it. Regarding the players, part of the allure of indoor football is that the players sign autographs after the game, and that the players are playing the game because they love the game.
Some memorable experiences during the Turfcats so far has been the players crashing into the wall right in front of him in the first game.

His most memorable moment was carrying the American Flag on the field for the start of the game between the Turfcats and the Swashbucklers which was won by the Turfcats. Outside of the game experience, Matt has made many friends throughout the years, and looks forward to seeing everyone at the tailgates before the game, during the game, and after the game, along with spending time with them during the off-season.

The Austin Turfcats want to congratulate Matt and his passion for our game.

Caballo Diablo

05-13-2009, 12:00 PM

Conquerors Are Coming To Town This Weekend
May 13, 2009

Austin, TX – It’s that time of the year in indoor football again. Worried fans, holding their breath, waiting for it. But why do fans seem antsier this year?

It’s because this year the Turfcats are coming off their biggest win in their early franchise history and now they must focus against a winless Houma Conquerors squad that the Turfcats leveled in week two 64-32 in Houma, Louisiana. Can you say staying focused on the game? Houma is a sleeping giant just waiting for the right moment; they have gotten better each week of the season.

So what do Turfcat fans need to worry about? The Conquerors, led by Quarterback Highly Touted Draft Prospect Omar Haugabook out of Troy State will lead the Houma Conquerors. Haugabook enrolled at Dodge City CC in 2004 and played two seasons, completing 348 of 639 pass attempts (54.5 percent) for 5,052 yards and ook44 touchdowns, and running for another 570 yards and four TDs.

He transferred to Troy in 2006, starting all 13 games as a junior and completing 241 of 393 pass attempts (61.3 percent) for 2,401 yards, 21 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. In 12 games (11 starts) as a senior, he ranked among the nation's top 20 in total offense (300.5 yards per game).

He completed 291 of 475 pass attempts (61.3 percent) for 2,975 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In his two seasons at Troy, Haugabook also ran for 944 yards (3.2 average) and 16 touchdowns, and even had five receptions for 51 yards and a score. Haugabrook brings a great blend of athletic ability and arm strength to adfirmative.com field versus the Turfcats.

Still, there are some areas you know Houma will try to attack.

Turfcats’ running game or not

The Turfcats are led by Deron Ellis he has 144 yards in three games and averages 5.2 yards per carry. David Banks has 79 yards on the ground and Keith Clay has added 34 yards but comes up big when needed. But the Turfcats really opened up their aerial attack last week for the Swashbucklers.

Turfcats’ secondary

People have been questioning them all season, but so far the Turfcats secondary hasn’t given up any truly detrimental plays except in the first quarter versus the Mudbugs in game one.

Mycal Catchings, Shon Mitchell and Cory Perez need to be ready for Houma’s deadly receiving corps. This is not the same team the Turfcats ripped in week two, as they put a big scare into the Acadiana Mudbugs last week.

Caballo Diablo

05-13-2009, 03:40 PM

May 13, 2009
Wallace Garners Record Number of Votes inVidswap.com POW Awards

Austin, TX – Darrick Wallace can add the achievement of the Vidswap.com Southern Indoor Football League Player of the Week to his trophy case along with setting a record number of votes with 561 in the poll. The fans from Central Texas turned out in high volumes as he collected 59% of the vote to only 37% for Kemmie Lewis of the Acadiana Mudbugs.

Last week, Wallace had a 12-yard touchdown pass reception from Deron Ellis late in the game to halt the Swashbucklers 20-game winning streak and dreams of a comeback.

He is a leader in the SIFL as he is number two in the league with an average of 103.0 all-purpose yards per game. He has scored 24 points and holds the SIFL records with the longest missed field goal return and also longest kickoff return.

Wallace’s veteran experience and leadership skills have served as a great asset to the Turfcats inaugural team. Wallace has extensive experience playing arena and indoor football and he has used that that knowledge and his natural speed to help lead the Turfcats as a receiver and kick returner.

For the past six seasons he has played in arena leagues including the Arena Football League 2 and the National Indoor Football League. Within those leagues he has played for several teams including the Katy Copperheads and the Shreveport Battlewings. Wallace played for Head Coach Chris Duliban during the 2008 season while playing with the CenTex Barracudas. During that season, Wallace averaged 20 yards on returns, 11 yards receiving, and scored five touchdowns.

Wallace played football for four years for Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, where he also ran track. His football coach at Grambling State was Doug Williams, a legend in the NFL. During Wallace’s tenure at Grambling State, the team had a record of 27 wins with nine losses and won two consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference titles.

Wallace is confident about the prospects for the Turfcats inaugural season and assures the fans that “every game gets us one step closer to the championship.”

Caballo Diablo

05-13-2009, 05:51 PM

Blanchard's SIFL Blog: Turfcats Throw Hat In Ring With Win Over Bucs
May 13, 2009
By Scott Blanchard

Right now, I see three teams playing for a championship, with all due respect to a Houma team that I have not seen since an opening game performance with an awful first half. As a fan and member of the Swashbucklers organization for five years now, I have to say the Austin Turfcats are legit. They won the football game Saturday night by three points, but it was obvious their intensity far succeeded that of my two time champion Bucs.

It was a three-point win, but in watching the game from a front row seat in a luxury box, thanks to the Turfcats front office, I witness something I haven’t seen in a long time. I saw the birth of a new team go blow for blow with one of the premiere powers of the sport, and came out on top. The long battles with the Swashbucklers and Odessa Roughnecks of the Intense Football League were always special, mainly because so much was on the line, like a title game appearance. Maybe if there was that much on the line, the Swashbucklers wouldn’t have come out so flat.

The Turfcats from bell to bell matched if not dominated the pace of the game. The Turfcats also dominated the line of scrimmage on defense, not allowing plays to develop, which was huge when matching the Swashbucklers’ powerful offense. I believe you will see a much different football team in Louisiana this weekend when they host the undefeated front running Mudbugs of Acadiana. This is the first time in a good long while that the Swashbucklers are looking up in the standings. If it stings me a little as a fan, I know what it must feel like in the locker room. Is it time to panic?

Absolutely not, we knew this league was built to compete, with Thom Hager leading the front office and leading these owners and coaches to strive for perfection, you should have expected this kind of performance. The shocking part of it is that it happened so soon. The Turfcats are an expansion team, but they have experience on both sides of the ball, familiarity with the opponent, and a top notch coach. These factors ooze success at every seam. So why is everyone so surprised? The surprise is how quickly the rest of the pack caught up!

Unfortunately after the Swashbucklers, Mudbugs, and Turfcats there seems to be a huge drop off at the competition level. Robert Winfrey, Director of Football Operations watched this past weekend’s Mudbugs- Conquerors game and said that Houma was the best 0-3 team he has ever seen in the sport. That is quite a complement, they have taken close loses from 3-0 Acadiana and now the Upset Specialist Turfcats, but it’s the first game loss to Texas that concerns me. They have played great after half time, but it is their early game that causes concerns. Texas and Florida both have ways to go, and the mystery surrounding PASM Florida is that they have had such a huge break between games; the fun could be in a whole different outcome to their next game.

All in all as a Swashbucklers fan, I was heartbroken as the Turfcats knelt the clock away Saturday night. As a League executive, we couldn’t have asked for more -- A battle to the very end, a home town crowd getting much more than they paid for, a beginning of a League that is built around sportsmanship and competition, and doing it the right way. There are flaws, but in the end its football and it is entertaining.

Isn’t that what we are all here for?

Scott is a former Swashbucklers General Manager, VP of Operations, Information Director, and now serves as Creative Services Director for the Southern Indoor Football League.

Caballo Diablo

05-14-2009, 04:42 PM

May 14, 2009
Turfcats Wallace and Earvine Take SIFL Awards

Austin, TX – The Southern Indoor Football League communications department released today that Austin Turfcats’ players Kevin Earvine and Darrick Wallace have been awarded Player of The Quarter Awards from league offices in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Earvine tied with Kemmie Lewis of the Acadiana Mudbugs for defensive player for the first quarter of the season and Darrick Wallace, a Grambling State product, won the Special Teams award for Austin.

Along with the Turfcats, Mudbugs Quarterback Bo Bartik won the offensive award by a unanimous choice of league officials. The Louisiana Swashbucklers were represented by John Paul Jones for Lineman of the Quarter.

Last week, Wallace had a 12-yard touchdown pass reception from Deron Ellis late in the game to halt the Swashbucklers 20-game winning streak and dreams of a comeback.

He is a leader in the SIFL as he is number two in the league with an average of 103.0 all-purpose yards per game. He has scored 24 points and holds the SIFL records with the longest missed field goal return and also longest kickoff return.

Earvine has 13 solo tackles and 4 assist and 3.0 sacks. He is a leader for the Turfcats on defense. His three sacks in three games lead the SIFL through the first quarter of the season. He also is third in the SIFL for tackles for a loss.

Caballo Diablo

05-14-2009, 08:17 PM

Turfcats GM speaks to Buda Chamber of Commerce
May 14, 2009

Buda, TX – Turfcats General Manager Ronald Oswalt was the guest speaker at the Buda Chamber of Commerce May luncheon. Oswalt gave a very entertaining presentation to the 80 plus chamber members and guests about how the Turfcats got their start, their business model, community involvement, and recruiting respectable players and staff. He highlighted the affordability of attending the games and how to run a football team the honorable way.

“I’m not Jerry Jones and I’m not trying to get rich from this team,” said Oswalt. “My mission for this team is to make sure families and fans in the Austin and surrounding areas have a fun and affordable form of entertainment. We’re here for our fans; they are our top priority.”

“It was exciting to hear about the Turfcats and their successes,” said Dick Schneider, the President of the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce. “What a great way to enjoy football and entertain your family and clients for a very affordable price.”

The Turfcats definitely have some new fans and several of the luncheon attendees will be cheering the team on from the stands this Saturday when the team looks to improve their record to 3-1 with a win over the Houma Conquerors.

Special thanks to Jenna Weynand for contribution to this story.

Caballo Diablo

05-14-2009, 10:01 PM

Business as Usual;
Up next Game #4 vs the Houma Conquerors
Fan Blog By Diablo 5/14/09

Last weeks Home victory against the Louisiana Swashbucklers was one for the record books and a huge confidence builder for the Turfcat’s players and coaching staff. Although it was a milestone for the young franchise, it still only counts as one win in the standings. I petitioned for two and was quickly ushered out of the building by a couple of big ugly guys.

While the fan base gets an entire week to savor the win, the players only got until the next practice and the coaches until the next day. High’s and Low’s must be short lived while keeping focus on the bigger picture of reaching the Post-Season and chasing their goals towards a Championship.

The Turfcat’s played in Houma in week #2 and won 64-32, but that game is over. Last week Houma played undefeated Acadiana losing by only one score (plus a 2 point conversion) 31-23, and holding them to their lowest point total of the season. It looks like the Conquerors are getting better. Yes, Houma is 0-3 but that makes them dangerous. They are desperate for a win and played an undefeated team close, it would be a huge feather in their cap to knock off the Austin team.

The coaches and players are well aware every game and every opponent needs to be take very serious and one at a time. It may be an old cliché, but it’s better than typing another one about an over confident team dropping the ball next week. I predict the Turfcat’s will use this game to show that last week was not a fluke and come prepared for a battle.

So far the most improved player for the T-Cats is QB Deron Ellis. In training camp the starter was expected to be Clint Toon, a highly touted QB out of Texas State. When he decided to accept a coaching position late into camp the coaching staff took it in stride and put Ellis behind center. Fans were asking who? Some stats have him listed at 265 lbs while others say it’s 285. Did they really put a lineman in the QB position? Without many days to prepare and little time to work on the timing with his receivers, Deron took the leadership role and lead the team into the opening game.

The first game he attempted 25 passes, completing only 6. Well, unless you count the 4 interceptions he completed to the Mudbug DB’s. He did better running the ball, 8 times for 76 yds. There were some very ugly things said about him and everyone wanted his head on platter. Coach Duliban did a great job of keeping Ellis focused on the next game instead of the towns folk with pitchforks. The following week Deron only attempted 12 passes with 8 completions, nothing to write home about but he did increase his completion percentage from a dismal 24% to a respectable 67% and no interceptions. Part was due to his hard work in practice and part due to Coach Duliban’s game planning.

Last week against the #1 defense he completed 12 out of 15 pass attempts with 3 TD’s increasing his completion percentage to 80% and leading the T-Cats to victory over the Swashbucklers that were riding a 20 game win streak. Ellis is also one of the top rushers in the league and has grown into a QB the team can count on.

The players know the name on the opponents jersey is unimportant, it’s all about preparation, determination, and execution. Look for the Turfcat’s to take the field with a swagger, it’s not over confidence or arrogance, it’s pride about being part of a team on the rise and seeing all of their hard work come to fruition.

Caballo Diablo

05-17-2009, 02:42 PM

May 16, 2009
Turfcats Dominate Improved Conquerors 55-27

Austin, TX – The Austin Turfcats jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back cruising to an easy 55-27 victory over the Houma Conquerors at Adfirmative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center.

Ray Hall got the Turfcats on the board early with a 9-yard run and Derrick Wallace added a 50-yard missed field goal return in first quarter action for the Turfcats. The Conquerors got their first points with a Gerald Landry 21-yard grab for a score with 3:12 left in the opening stanza to close the gap 14-6.

The 2nd quarter remained mostly scoreless, until Deron Ellis capped off a 4-play, 3:20 drive for a touchdown. The T’Cats scored again after a Michael Catchings interception was returned for a touchdown.

Following the half, Houma started the 3rd quarter with renewed life as Omar Haughbook completed a 24-yard pass to Clevan White to bring the score to 26-12. After trading scores, the Turfcats returned a missed Houma field goal to the end zone to bring the score to 40-19 to end the 3rd quarter.

Ellis continued his star performance in the 4th quarter, rushing in 35 yards for a touchdown to bring the score to 47-19 with 9:17 to go in the game. Houma would make their final score of the night as Haughbook connected on a 23-yard pass to White. Haughbook would add the two point conversion to bring it to 47-27. The Turfcats did not let up, however, as David Banks scored on a 6-yard run. The Turfcats would then go on a 2-point conversion pass from Ellis to Earvine to bring the final score to 55-27 at the 0:54 mark.

Turfcats Head Coach Chris Duliban commented postgame, “We came out strong, offensively we held on to the football. Defensively we kept pressure on them, and special teams played a solid game for us tonight. We are happy to be 3-1 in the SIFL.”

Conquerors Head Coach Franklin Thomas said, “Austin played a good game, and obviously we made too many mistakes to win a football game. You can’t win football games with as many mistakes as we made tonight.”

Turfcats General Manager/Vice-President Ronald Oswalt added, ”The team is improving week by week and have exceeded first year expectations.”

Radio Jack

05-19-2009, 12:42 PM

trifecta

05-19-2009, 11:10 PM

Ok....I just watched Dave Cody's report on the Turfcats...

Team admininistrative meetings around what looks to be someone's living room table.

GM making a statement to a prospective customer that he KNOWS that members of the Turcats could make NFL rosters.

GM Shaving his head for a win early on in the inaugural season.

Report says that GM is the face of the Turfcats.

Where do I start?????

WOW!!!!

ban trifecta

05-20-2009, 02:13 AM

trifecta,

Please do everyone a favor and do one of the following three things:

1) Have a drink - you will be in a better mood

2) Get laid - you will be in a better mood

3) Go to a game - any game will do, but preferably an Austin game since you always seem to pick on them and their fans, even back in the Wrangler days. Meet some of the players, fans, and staff in person and then and only then will you be qualified to make as many derogatory comments as you do. But I bet if you went to a game instead of waiting for Diablo to post something so you could make comments about it, you would find that you might enjoy yourself.

If you can't do any of the above three things, then please follow my Mother's old rule, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say nothing at all". If you can't do that then please............................................ .........

SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!

trifecta

05-20-2009, 08:17 AM

I will review your suggestions and get back to you.

I am sorry if I am a little jaded on arena/indoor football in the Austin market. I don't know how I could have let that happen.

I did not get the memo that you can only offer comments that always offer one side of an issue.

I don't believe I have ever been rude ...maybe a little frank...but never rude.

I am glad I made you use a different color font....It really highlighted your overall message.

exit322

05-20-2009, 08:21 AM

The team would have been much better served by a report focusing on the football and what the team is doing in the community.

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 09:05 AM

Where do I start?????

WOW!!!!
Anywhere you'd like.
You know the old saying, you can't please everyone - lol

In the past you complained about no exposure, now they finally got some from the local media and it's all wrong.

Baby steps Tri, Baby steps.

There's nothing wrong with constructive criticism, and even though it's tough to tell tone/attitude in the typed word yours always does seem to have negative connotaions towards the sport and team.

Sure, this is the 6th team in the history of the 50 yard game in the Austin market. We've all got a choice, follow it or not, most don't hang in the middle of the road to just critisize. Most continue to follow or walk away. Always being negative is not giving it a chance like you keep saying you'll do.

If you really followed the Wranglers like you say then you know some of the difficulties a niche sport is up against. Then add in a fickle market and the Wranglers were way over priced, would you like me to reiterate some of the underlying reasons for that again?

The Turfcats are very reasonably priced, most everyone I've talked to that have actually seen a game have enjoyed it immensly. You keep saying you'll give it a chance, yet you haven't made it out to a game yet and only offer negative comments.

Come on out to the Expo center this Sat and share a beer with us at the tailgate. Mention Twitter or bring the email for $2 off your tickets. See the game first hand, talk to the players and staff. Then let me know if you can find that much entertainment for pocket change around the Austin area.

It's not perfect and never will be. I could come on everyday and list the problems with the NFL, NBA, and MLB, but why? They're billion dollar babies and still do things we don't like or disagree with. I try to spend my time doing things I enjoy, *****in for a livin would seem to wear on ya. Are you an avid fan of one of the other Austin minor league teams and just trying to disuade fan growth for the TurfCats?

You have complained about attendance, do you really have that right if you don't make the effort to put your own Butt in a seat? Hmm, another complicated question - haha

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 09:12 AM

Everyone watch Fox 7 News tonight at 5 & 9.

Dave Cody is doing a behind the scenes story on the team and GM/VP.

Story will rerun Wednesday morning at 5:15 am.

www.myfoxaustin.com

Jack Dixon
Director of Operations
Austin Turfcats
Here ya go Tri, I know you'd like to watch it again.

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/sports/local/051909_Turfcats_GM_Key_to_Teams_Success

trifecta

05-20-2009, 09:46 AM

Caballo,

I do not wish to hinder the success of the turfcats...far from it. I just am jaded by the lack of success of teams of the past. Not the turfcats fault but I just don't jump in head first with my unwavering support.

The statement from the GM......I have athletes on the Turfcats right now that could play in the NFL......is something amazing to me.

Come on Caballo...even YOU can't believe this comment. If they could play in the league they would be playing in the League. I have not been to a Turfcats game yet but I feel VERY comfortable in saying that an athlete would rather make Several Hundreds of thousands of dollars rather than $200/game...I may be a little wacky but I will go out on the limb with that thought.

I will not post any more comments about the Turfcats and will leave the board to You, the League and team employees and the two other posters that post on Turfcat threads.

I am sorry if I offended anyone in anyway. Was never my intent.

Go Turfcats!

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 11:12 AM

I do not wish to hinder the success of the turfcats...far from it. I just am jaded by the lack of success of teams of the past. Not the turfcats fault but I just don't jump in head first with my unwavering support.
It's just my opinion, but jaded to the sport doesn't make sense to me. If the past history of the sport has turned people off, they generally ignore it instead of frequenting the forum.

Unwavering support isn't given by many of the fans that actually attend the games. There are diehards like me that love the sport and jump in full throttle. I've often been accused of having rose colored glasses, I just try and enjoy it as much as possible while it's in my area no matter what the name of the team is.

Most are just looking for a reasonably priced sports entertainment event, and this fits the bill to a "T."

The previous "Failures" have numerous reasons, lack of media and fan support plus the cost of ArenaBall all had a part in their demise. I don't care what others think of the sport, I love it. The niche is just fine for me.

The statement from the GM......I have athletes on the Turfcats right now that could play in the NFL......is something amazing to me.

Come on Caballo...even YOU can't believe this comment. If they could play in the league they would be playing in the League. I have not been to a Turfcats game yet but I feel VERY comfortable in saying that an athlete would rather make Several Hundreds of thousands of dollars rather than $200/game...I may be a little wacky but I will go out on the limb with that thought.
I did chuckle when I heard it, but I don't think it's something to get upset over. It's possible a few of their guys could play in the NFL, but not probable.
Kevin T. Earvine and Darrick Wallace have the talent, but it takes a whole lot more. Size can be an issue, sure there have been some undersized players in all sports but it's rare. Many times Indoor/Arena Players don't fit the prototypical mold and don't get a second look. Age can be a factor also, while young they want to but as they get older they lose the dream and settle into life while continuing to play for the love of it.

All Indoor and Arena leagues have had players move up to the NFL, but this is also a rarity percentage wise. It doesn't mean some can't or you shouldn't mention it. It's called PR, and some do believe.

I will not post any more comments about the Turfcats and will leave the board to You, the League and team employees and the two other posters that post on Turfcat threads.
I would just as soon see you stay. Pessimism can be a tough thing to overcome, but it's a great feeling and worth the wait to overcome. I predict the TurfCats will be in the Championship game against the Swashbucklers and wouldn't miss it. Austin will avenge their loss to the Mudbugs later this season and hit the playoffs pumped.

I am sorry if I offended anyone in anyway. Was never my intent.

Go Turfcats!
No need to worry about hurt feelings, it's just part of life.

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 01:20 PM

Up next, the First of Back to Back Games vs Texas Pirates
5/20/09
By Caballo Diablo

The TurfCat’s head into their fifth game of the season tied for first place focused on giving their fan’s another Home victory before hitting the road again. This weeks game is against a team in turmoil seemingly trying to rebuild during the season. The Pirate’s started the season with a 46-27 victory against the Houma Conqueror’s before unraveling.

Texas lost their next two games by a combined score of 88 to 26 before their head coach, Leon Thomasson stepped down as they headed into their Bye week. Then last weeks home game against the Florida Kings had to be rescheduled due to a supposed arena problem. Were the Kings tired of travel only games just to get severely beaten? Or is it just to play with the Pirate’s favorite letter of the alphabet, Rrrr, as in Reschedule. A new coach has not been announced and the Pirate’s website hasn’t been updated in awhile. Then again they haven’t had much positive news to post.

None the less, they are coming off a two week Bye. Will they be rusty or ready to play? The T-Cats can’t worry about the Pirate’s frame of mind, but we will be accommodating as we knock the rust of them and the snot out of them.

Week by week Austin seems to be settling into a rhythm and gelling as a team. Every time an opposing team game plans to neutralize one of our players, another one steps up to the challenge.

Last week the TurfCat’s got an interception early from Mycal Catchings that he returned for a TD, and late in the game as the Conqueror’s attempted a come back, another from Shon Mitchell. J.R. Turner has settled into the DB position quite nicely and has been a difference maker in the secondary with his big hits.

Once again Darrick Wallace makes the return game look easy as he took two missed field goals back to the house for scores and broke the 100 yard All-Purpose mark, again. Coach Kerry Cash has done a good job of mixing the plays and keeping the opponents off balance. Last week Austin had 11 first downs, 5 by run, 5 by pass, and 1 by penalty. Deron Ellis was 50% on passing with 1 TD and 2 more on the ground. At 265 lbs Deron is much faster than he looks as he scampered for a 35 yd TD while the defenders were grasping at air two steps behind.

The one downside to last weeks game were the penalties, the T-Cats had a season high of 10 called against them after they had been averaging slightly above 4 per game. Possibly it was a rebuilt line not used to working together, but I’m sure Coach Duliban will have it worked out before this weeks game.

NOTES:
The TurfCats have scored 50 or more points in their last 3 games (all wins)
The defense has also had a shut-out quarter in each of their last 3 games.

Let’s take a look at some of the player awards so far this season for the TurfCats and give some prop’s to the winners.

Vidswap.com player of the week:
A Turfcat has won the Award 3 out of the 4 weeks they played a game.

Week #1 – we lost, it’s tough on selection.
Week #2 - Kevin T. Earvine
Week #3 - we had a Bye
Week #4 - Darrick Wallace
Week #5 - Deron Ellis

SIFL Player of the Quarter:
DEFENSE – Winner, Kevin T. Earvine
SPECIAL TEAMS - Winner, Darrick Wallace
OFFENSE – Honorable Mention, Deron Ellis
LINE – Honorable Mention, Joshua Sooter and Demond Bedford

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 01:26 PM

Turfcats Promote Weynand and Martinez
May 20, 2009 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) Austin Turfcats

Austin, TX - The Austin Turfcats announced today that Jenna Weynand and Joe Martinez have been promoted within the team's front office.
Weynand is now Director of Media Relations. She has previously served the team in various roles while expanding her knowledge of indoor football, and is nearing completion of her degree in Mass Communications from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She brings extensive public relations and media experience to the team's media and public relations efforts.

Martinez will serve as the team's new Assistant General Manager. A graduate of the University of Texas-Pan American, Martinez started with the Turfcats' sales efforts; however, his skill set and his experience in many areas of business and operations has made it necessary for the team to increase his responsibilities.

"As our team has grown on and off the field, we needed to bring in highly qualified individuals to fill team roles. Whenever our team has the opportunity to hire from within we will that is why our intern program is so strong. Adding these individuals shows our commitment of growth and stability to the Austin area," added Turfcats Vice-President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt.

This week's game will be played on Saturday at the Adfimative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. for tailgating, arena doors open at 5:30, and kickoff will be at 6:30.

Order your tickets in advance by calling 866-969-TCAT (8228.) or come to the ticket booth Saturday. If you can't make it to the game, live updates are available on Turfcats.com and on Twitter.com/austinturfcats. Also, keep an eye out for the pre-game episode of the Turfcats Insider podcast presented by Subway, Austin Extreme Graphics, sparkNet Creative, Rick's Tees and More, and Adfirmative.com.

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 03:13 PM

May 20, 2009
Turfcats Prepare For Potential 290 Rivalry

Austin, TX – Just three hours away in Houston, the Texas Pirates prepare for the first game of the Turfcats versus Texas in-state rivalry. In the first game of a four game season series the Turfcats are looking to add to their three game win streak and improve their record to 4-1 with a win over the 1-2 Texas Pirates.

All sports fans, and especially Texans, love a good rivalry. Just look at the Longhorns and Aggies. One of the most heated rivalries in college football. With only 165 miles and highway 290 separating these two professional teams, this match-up between the Pirates and Turfcats has potential to be the great rivalry of the SIFL.

The Turfcats are coming off of a near 30 point win over the Houma Conquerors last Saturday night that tied them for first place in the league. The team also moved up from number three to number two in the Massey Ratings this week. The first half saw scores by Ray Hall with a 9-yard touchdown run, Darrick Wallace with a 50-yard missed field goal return, quarterback Deron Ellis with a touchdown run, and Michael Catchings with a returned interception. The half ended with a score of 26-6 in the Turfcats favor.

During the second half, the Turfcats continued to prove that they had a full arsenal of scoring weapons. Ellis had another rushing touchdown, this time for 35 yards, and Wallace and another missed field goal return for a touchdown. Robert Quiroga, caught at 12-yard touchdown pass, David Banks scored on a 6-yard run and Kevin Earvine added six with a reception. The Turfcats came out on top with a final score of 55-27.

With the Pirates’ announcement of Troy Esprit as their head coach, it’s a reunion of sorts for Turfcats Vice President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt and Esprit. They worked together at the Katy Copperheads of the National Indoor Football League and the Texas Copperheads of the af2. “From my experiences with Troy I know they will have a much better product on and off the field than before,” said Oswalt.

This week’s game will be played on Saturday at the Adfimative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. for tailgating, arena doors open at 5:30, and kickoff will be at 6:30. Order your tickets in advance by calling 866-969-TCAT (8228) or come to the ticket booth Saturday. If you can’t make it to the game, we will have live updates as always on Turfcats.com and on Twitter.com/austinturfcats. Also, keep an eye out for the pre-game episode of the Turfcats Insider podcast presented by Subway, Austin Extreme Graphics, Sparknet Creative, Rick’s Tees and More, and Adfirmative.com.

exit322

05-20-2009, 04:10 PM

And that marks the first time in at least 50 years, I'd guess, that a 'rivalry' used the U.S. Route moniker opposed to the Interstate one.

Granted, in this case that's because there's no Houston-to-Austin interstate highway (yet?), but nevertheless, I'm impressed.

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 04:19 PM

That's because Texas is so large and much of it borders on the Gulf of Mexico, it doesn't have the Interstate Highway system like most states.
The only Interstate Hwy in Austin is I-35 which goes no where near Houston.

Caballo Diablo

05-20-2009, 05:46 PM

Turfcats Deron Ellis wins Player of the Week award in a landslide
May 20, 2009 by Jenna Weynand

Austin, TX – The polls are closed and once again a Turfcats player was voted the VidSwap.com Southern Indoor Football League Player of the Week. Quarterback Deron Ellis, a Texas Southern product, won the honor by an overwhelming majority with 73 percent of the total votes. This is the third straight week in a row fans have voted a Turfcats player for Player of the Week.

This award comes after Saturday’s game against the Houma Conquerors where Ellis was named offensive MVP and had 65 yards passing, 58 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. Ellis leads the league in rushing yards and ranks third for total offense and fourth for pass efficiency.

“It’s a great honor to receive the Player of the Week award, especially because the decision is left up to the fans,” said Ellis. “Even though I’m proud for the title, it doesn’t change anything. I still have to practice just as hard, focus just as much, and prepare myself for the next game on the schedule.”

Previous Turfcats Players of the Week include Darrick Wallace, after his performance in the Turfcats upset over the Louisiana Swashbucklers, and Kevin Earvine in the road win against the Houma Conquerors. Wallace was once again nominated for Player of the Week in this week’s poll and received eight percent of the votes. Second place was Swashbuckler’s quarterback Alvin Bartie with 17 percent and Tommy Herbert, the kicker for the Swashbucklers, came in fourth with two percent of the votes.

Big Easy

05-20-2009, 10:24 PM

indoor fan

05-20-2009, 11:09 PM

It was....well...uh...entertaining...right? I thought it was a funny piece, not sure if that was the intent though.

I agree. I've never seen a team where the GM gives quotes after the games. And I don't know if it's such a good idea to have Ronald Oswalt as the face of the franchise (he's not exactly Brad Pitt). I think if the Turfcats let their ex Longhorn and Cowboy head coach be the face of the team, they may draw more fans.

Word is the attendance was well under 1000 for the last game. This is why the figure was not announced.

Caballo Diablo

05-21-2009, 10:30 AM

Word is the attendance was well under 1000 for the last game. This is why the figure was not announced.
During the 4th qtr the PA announcer said it was 2,200

indoor fan

05-21-2009, 08:36 PM

During the 4th qtr the PA announcer said it was 2,200

Wow! If you heard right, that's about 1400 more than the paid attendance. You probably were busy watching the game and did not clearly hear the PA announcer. He probably said the attendance was 1,200, which would make sense with the 873 paid attendance.

Caballo Diablo

05-22-2009, 10:54 AM

You could be right, I was goofing around with my daughter when he said it.
I remember looking around thinking - "That can't be right."

Caballo Diablo

05-22-2009, 10:55 AM

Turfcats vs Pirates Game Notes
May 21, 2009

QUICK FACTS:
Austin Turfcats (3-1) vs. Texas Pirates (1-2)
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. CT
Site: adfirmative.com field @ The Travis County Expo Center (6,560)
National Anthem: Brittany Macy, Ashley Macy and Robin Pecht
Prayer: Gary Smith, Christ The Redeemer Church, San Marcos, Texas
Coin Toss: Team Captains
Officials: NA
Radio: NA
TV: None
Podcast: Kasey Johns and Jenna Weynand
Twitter: www.twitter.com/austinturfcats
Series Record: 0-0
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Coaches:
Chris Duliban (3-1, 0-0 playoffs, First Season in SIFL)
Troy Esprit (0-0, 0-0 playoffs, First Season in SIFL)

THE STAKES:
Turfcats (3-1) are going for their third home win. Pirates (1-2) are going for their second win in their first season in the SIFL. Both teams look to win the first game of a four game regular season series.

THE SERIES:
This is the first meeting between the Pirates and the Turfcats.

THE IFs:
If the Turfcats defeat the Pirates, it would …
• Give Turfcats a 1-0 series record with the Pirates
• Give Turfcats a 3-1 home record in 2009
• Give Chris Duliban a 4-1 record as a SIFL head coach
• Give Turfcats a four game regular season winning streak
• Make the Turfcats 1-0 versus Texas teams in the Southern Indoor Football League

DID YOU KNOW?
The Texas Pirates recently named Troy Esprit as their interim head coach. Esprit has history with some members of the Turfcats team and front office. Turfcats head coach Chris Duliban coached against Esprit when he was with the Centex Barracudas and Esprit was with the Texas Copperheads. Wide receiver Darrick Wallace played on the same Katy Copperheads team where Esprit was the assistant coach. Turfcats Vice President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt also worked with Esprit at the Copperheads.

HEAD COACHES:
Chris Duliban (Turfcats) was an all-city running back at Spring Woods High School in Houston, Texas, but when he arrived in Austin on a football scholarship to the University of Texas, the Longhorns made him an outside linebacker.
He was drafted by Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys in 1986 and spent a year with the Buffalo Bills in 1988. Duliban left the NFL in 1989 and seven years later, he found himself on the sidelines at Hyde Park Baptist High School in 1996. He earned his first indoor coaching opportunity as the defensive coordinator of the Indoor Professional Football League team, Texas Terminators. Last season Duliban was the Head Coach for the Centex Barracudas of the Intense Football League.
Troy Esprit (Pirates) has extensive arena football experience and previously worked for the Katy Copperheads of the NIFL and the Texas Copperheads of the af2.

FAMILIAR FACES:
This is a reunion of sorts for Pirates interim head coach Troy Esprit and Turfcats head coach Chris Duliban, wide receiver Darrick Wallace and Vice President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt.

LEAGUE TOP 10s:
Players from this week’s matchup who rank among SIFL statistical leaders:

TURFCATS
Player . . . . Rank . Category . . . . . . Stat
Deron Ellis ........1 . . Rushing . . . . . . 48.0 (per game avg)
David Banks .....4 . . Rushing . . . . . . 16.5
Keith Clay ........7 . . Rushing . . . . . . 11.0
Deron Ellis .......3 . . Total Offense . . . 127.2
Reggie Smith ..10 . . Receptions/Game . . 3
Darrick Wallace 2 . . Kick Return Avg. . . 22.5
Darrick Wallace 2 . . All Purpose Yards . 104.8
Darrick Wallace 6 . . Scoring (TDs) . . . . 9 (total)
Deron Ellis .......6 . . Scoring (TDs) . . . . 9 (total)

PIRATES
Player . . . . Rank . Category . . . . Stat
Roland Hayes ...2 . . Rushing . . . . . 42.7
Roman Gilmore 8 . . Rushing . . . . . 9.70
Andre Roy .......6 . . Total Offense . . 86.7
Roland Hayes ...7 . . Total Offense . . 42.7
Joe Townsend ..6 . . Receptions/Game . 4
Roman Gilmore 4 . . Kick Return Avg. . 16.8
Roman Gilmore 3 . . All Purpose . . . . 96.7
Roland Hayes ...4 . . Scoring (TDs) . . 10

TALE OF THE TAPE:
Here’s how the Turfcats and Pirates stack up:

. . . . . . . . TURFCATS ........ PIRATES
Team Stats . . Rank . Stat .... Rank . Stat
Scoring Offense . 1 . . 51.0 ...... 5 . . 24.0
Scoring Defense . 3 . . 37.2 ...... 4 . . 38.3
Total Offense . . 3 . . 161.5 ..... 4 . . 151.3
Total Defense . . 5 . . 204.0 .... 4 . . 178.3
Pass Offense . . 5 . . 77.0 ...... 4 . . 86.7
Pass Defense . . 5 . . 169.0 .... 4 . . 149.3
Rushing Offense .1 . . 84.5 ...... 2 . . 64.7
Rushing Defense 3 . . 35.0 ...... 2 . . 29.0
Pass Efficiency . 4 . . 94.6 ...... 5 . . 93.6
Kickoff Returns . 2 . . 17.4 ...... 4 . . 16.6
FG Returns . . . 1 . . 49.7 ...... 3 . . 24.5

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES:
Chris Duliban, on the Turfcats: “Our guys are coming off of a huge win last week, and if they have the same drive tonight that they have had in practice this past week, I feel confident in their performance tonight.”

Ronald Oswalt, on the Turfcats: “This team keeps getting better and better as the season wears on. These next two games versus the Pirates will determine our playoff fate in 2009.”

MILESTONES:
The Turfcats secured their first three game win streak in last week’s win over the Conquerors.

DROPBACK:
Over the last three weeks, the Turfcats have scored more points than any other SIFL team.

FORWARD MOTION:
The Turfcats will end their home stand and hit the road for the second time this season and play the Texas Pirates from Houston, Texas next weekend. The Turfcats next bye week is the July fourth weekend.

TEAM NOTES/TRENDS:
The Turfcats will attempt to win their third home game in team history. The Swashbucklers, Turfcats and Mudbugs are in a three way tie for first place. The team is heading into back to back games versus the Pirates and the first game of a four game season series.

PLAYERS/MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

Jodie Cantu - 6'4" - 255lbs - DL/LB – Texas A&M Kingsville

Joseph Cantu and his wife Nelly Cantu have four daughters, Michelle, Madison, Lorena, and Olivia arrives June 15.

He is currently employed by Pearsall ISD as a special education teacher, varsity assistant football coach and varsity assistant track coach.

Cantu said, "Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision." -Muhammad Ali.

Cantu has a long history with indoor/arena football:

2008 Corpus Christi Sharks AF2 . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi, Texas
2007 Laredo Lobos AF2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laredo, Texas
2006 Texas Copperheads AF2 . . . . . . . . . . Houston, Texas
2005 Bossier City Battlewings AF2 . . . . . . . . Bossier City, LA
2004 CenTex Barracudas IFL . . . . . . . . . . . Belton, Texas
2003 Austin Knights NIFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin, Texas
2002 Austin Rockers NIFL . . . . . . . . . . . . .Austin, Texas
2001 Johnstown J-Dogs NIFL . . . . . . . . . . . Johnstown, Pennsylvania
2001 Austin Rattlers NAFL (National Champions), . Austin, Texas
2000 Austin Rattlers NAFL (National Champions) . . Austin, Texas

1994-1999 Javelinas (1999 1st Team All-LSC OT; played under Juan Castillo-current Philedelphia Eagles O-Line coach and Ron Harms-Ron Harms amassed some 220 victories as a football head coach and has sent more than 50 players to the National Football League. He coached for 22 years at Texas A & M University Kingsville until his retirement in 1999. During this period, the Javelinas had one of the most successful programs, not only in NCAA Division II, but in the entire collegiate ranks. )
1992-1993 Dilley High School Wolves DIlley, Texas 1st Team All-District OT, 1st Team All-Southwest Texas OT, Co-Offensive MVP Senior year, played for Kelly Shull.

Caballo Diablo

05-24-2009, 01:53 PM

May 23, 2009
Turfcats Make Pirates Walk The Plank, 38-20

AUSTIN, Texas – The first of four is in the books and in the Turfcats’ favor. The Turfcats defeated in-state rivals Texas Pirates with a final score of 20-38.

The Turfcats got on the scoreboard first with a Darren Brown field goal five minutes into the first quarter. Those were the only points of the quarter, making the score 0-3 for the Turfcats.

During the second quarter, the Turfcats capped off a 6:16 long drive with a touchdown when Darrick Wallace caught a 21 yard pass from Deron Ellis, with Darren Brown tacking on the extra point putting the Turfcats up by 10. The Turfcats special teams put their mark on the scoreboard when Corry Perez ran a blocked field goal in for a touchdown. The Pirates put their first points on the board with a seven yard touchdown pass from Trumaine Dorsey to Chris Miller and an extra point by Chris Maravagolia. This was the last score of the quarter and the Turfcats headed into the locker room for half time with a 16-7 lead.

The second half got under way with the Pirates scoring on their opening drive. Dorsey scored the touchdown on a seven yard run. The Turfcats answered on their next possession completing a five play drive with an Ellis to Nick Lewis seven yard touchdown pass. JR Turner put a quick end to the Pirates next possession with an interception which led to a Robert Quiroga five yard rushing touchdown. After Brown added the extra point the quarter closed with the Turfcats ahead 29-14.

In the fourth quarter the Turfcats scored for their third straight possession in a row with a field goal by Brown. The Pirates then answered with a 32 yard touchdown pass from Dorsey to Kenyatta Tatum but failed to complete the two-point conversion. This was the last score of the game as Turner then committed a fumble but the Pirates failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The game ended with a final score of 20-38 in the Turfcats favor.

“I’m proud of how we kept fighting,” said Turfcats assistant coach Kerry Cash. “As a whole group, we were a little out of sync. I think we need to go get better at what we do, get a little more chemistry at what we do, get a good week of practice and see where the chips fall.”

Round two of the 290 rivalry is scheduled for May 30 in Houston with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Caballo Diablo

05-24-2009, 01:55 PM

Turfcats Top Pirates
May 24, 2009 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)

AUSTIN, Tex. -- Deron Ellis' 7-yard touchown to Shandre Lewis and Robert Quiroga's 5-yard run helped the Austin Turfcats pull away to a 38-20 victory over the Texas Pirates Saturday in a Southern Indoor Football League game.
Texas cut a 16-0 deficit to 16-4 on Trumaine Dorsey's 7-yarder with 11:15 remaining in the third quarter, but the Turfcats scored the next 16 points and led 32-14 on Darren Brown's second field goal of the game, a 32-yarder with 8:16 remaining.

Ellis finished with 134 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yarder to Darrick Wallace. Corry Perez returned a blocked Pirates field goal 25 yards for a second-quarter touchdowns.

Dorsey accounted for all three Texas touchdowns, throwing scores to Chris Miller and Miguel Touron in addition to his rushing score.

Austin improved to 4-1, while Texas slipped to 1-3.

Caballo Diablo

05-27-2009, 11:33 AM

It's official, the TurfCats - Pirates game this Satuday will be played at Kicks Indoor Soccer facility in downtown Houston at 611 Shepherd Dr.

This is the Pirates original venue.

Caballo Diablo

05-27-2009, 01:32 PM

TurfCat's Earvine Nabs 2nd VIDSWAP.com POTW Honor
May 27, 2009 by Dan Ryan

LAKE CHARLES, La. (May 27, 2009) – Austin Turfcats DL Kevin Earvine has garnered his second SIFL VIDSWAP.com player of the week award by virtue of his performance and fan vote.

Earvin had three tackles for loss – one a sack – in Austin’s 38-20 victory over the Texas Pirates Saturday. In the weekly fan vote, he outdistanced teammate Darrick Wallace as well as quarterback Alvin Bartie and kicker Tommy Hebert of the Louisiana Swashbucklers.

Earvine was named player of the week during the SIFL’s second week of play and also received the Hooters co-defensive player of the quarter along with Acadiana’s Kimmee Lewis. Earvine is second in the SIFL with four sacks.

Each SIFL game has four MVPs for offensive, defensive, line and special teams. Two game MVPS are selected for balloting for the league-wide MVP by fans at the official league website at www.southernifl.com.

Austin (4-1) travels to face Texas (1-3) while the Louisiana Swashbucklers (4-1) host the Acadiana Mudbugs (3-1) in week seven of the SIFL’s inaugural season.

kadamsbeat

05-27-2009, 01:57 PM

Good news on the Venue. At least they are gonna play somewhere. If you want to know about what I think about player of the week, here are my thoughts.

http://www.labucs.com/news/index.cfm?fq=185

Caballo Diablo

05-27-2009, 03:18 PM

Fan Blog:
Week 7 – DeJavu
5/27/09 By Caballo Diablo

Last week the Texas Pirates came to Austin, this week the TurfCats head down to Houston to play the Pirates. There has been some venue complications but the game will be played in their original Venue, Kicks Indoor Soccer Facility in downtown Houston located at 611 Shepherd Dr. Seating is limited so if you plan on making the trip call now for tickets.

This should be an interesting game, last week I admit the officiating was suspect. While the Pirates cried foul that it cost them the game, I feel it went both ways. The T-Cats lost Red Zone position and at least one TD on blown calls, while the Pirates feel the same way. I was very unhappy at halftime feeling the calls leaned their way, coach Esprit for the Pirates was so upset over the calls that he pulled his team off the field with 43 seconds left in the game. This was his first game as the head coach of the Pirates and he set a poor precedent with his un-sportsmanship mistake. But that’s all it was, a mistake in the heat of the moment. Coach Esprit has been fined an undisclosed amount and given an official reprimand by the league front office.

Now that we’ve played each other last week and have some tape to watch game plans need to be adjusted. We learned a lot from the game and have found a play that’s sure to win the game for us. Once we get the lead, just grab the ball, leave the field and go get on the bus – haha.

All kidding aside, Coach Troy Esprit is a very good coach and a great guy. Some of you may remember his name from the Copperheads. He had the team fired up and believing in themselves, they played much better in his first game than they have all season. Game by game he will improve the Pirates and since we’ve got to play them three more times this season it could get to become a very good rivalry.

The Pirates defense was better than I had expected, and their run defense for the most part did a great job. The TurfCats finished with 88 yards rushing, but take out a couple long runs and we were not as strong as usual. Shon Mitchell had 6 carries for 49 yards, but if you take away the 42 yd run that leaves 5 carries for7 yds. QB Deron Ellis is the leagues leading rusher but only had 25 yds. on 4 carries. Take away his long of 11 yds. and it becomes 3 for 14, far below his per game average.

The T-Cats also became predictable on first down, 12 runs versus 5 passes. We had been mixing it up more in the past. Darrick Wallace had a good game receiving, he was the team leader with 4 catches for 60 yards. The Pirates only kicked off 4 times which is one of the reasons Wallace had only 32 return yds. This is only the second time in five games Darrick has been held to under 100 All-Purpose yds., he finished with 92. Deron had another .5oo passing day with 11 out of 22 for 158 yds. which is pretty good considering he was sacked 4 times and harassed all night long, We recorded 2 sacks.

This was the first game our line work seemed out of sync on both sides of the ball, sure we had some great individual efforts here and there but not the overall domination we had come to expect. We need to protect our QB better to give the receivers time to run their routes and get after their QB to help the DB’s. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying overall they had a bad game. Just not what we are used to.

I have faith things will be corrected this week in practice and the TurfCats are capable of beating them by more this time around, but all we need is one more point than the opponent for the “W.” So remember guys, once you get the lead grab the ball and run for the bus!

Caballo Diablo

05-27-2009, 03:44 PM

Good news on the Venue. At least they are gonna play somewhere. If you want to know about what I think about player of the week, here are my thoughts.

http://www.labucs.com/news/index.cfm?fq=185
Ken,
overall I agree with you, it's just a popularity contest that has nothing to do with the actual games. It's which front office does the best job of getting out the vote. Letting people know about the poll and spreading the word to encourage as many people as possible to participate is just good business, not stuff......err, nevermind - lol

I found one paragraph cute, it did make me chuckle:

However when a quarterback, Deron Ellis with 2 rushing touchdowns and 1 passing touchdown versus a now 0-4 football team tops a quarterback, Alvin Bartie who had 254 yards passing and 7 touchdowns against an undefeated first place team, that is as clear as the sun is bright, the system flat out SUCKS! There is absolutely no point in having a player of the week named if this really is how this is going to work this season. The SIFL should change the poll to, "the most popular player this week", because it has absolutely nothing to do with their play on the field. Freddie Harrison off the bench through 6 touchdowns the first week and lead the Bucs to an 81-0 victory, and a Turfcats defensive lineman beat him out. Does that sound like the "Award" went to the best performance on the field? Come on people get a grip on reality.
ok, so Freddie did come off the bench, but he was the starter last year and led the `Bucs to their 2nd consecutive Championship. he's not your normal "Back-up." You did point out that Houma is now 0-4, but no specifics on the PowerHouse Kings - lol

The `Bucs were back to back champs of the Intense league, the Kings were an expansion road only team threw together in a couple of weeks. They also are oh-fer. So is it really that impressive for a Championship QB to throw 6 TD's against a Middle School freshman team - haha

The winner was Kevin T Earvine who recorded
5 tackles
2 sacks
1 safety
2 Blocked Field goal attempts that resulted in safties

He probably did have to work a lot harder than Freddie did for his stats. These are almost unheard of numbers in the 50 yard game where the lineman are forced to go head up one on one. sure 6 passing TD's are good stats but it happens all the time in the 50 yard game. and that's when they play against real teams, not the "OUR LADY OF THE TURF" Bingo league.

But you are right, changes need to be made. I think changing it from showing vote count to just % was a step in the right direction. There's no system that can avoid bias, but it can be improved. Having coaches and players vote might be an idea. Coaches only won't work untill you get more teams in the league.

Remember, there's more to this than who wins the poll. Part of the idea is to get fans involved, maybe they''ll start paying more attention to specifics during the games. If we can get more fans to regularly go to the team's and league sites we'll grow more passionate and better educated or at least informed fans. If we want to continue watching the players on the field we need to get more fans and get them more involved. Casual fans are great, but diehards are better. Plus all of the sites need to extra hits for the advertising payout.

Caballo Diablo

05-27-2009, 06:51 PM

290 Rivalry Heats Up With Round Two This Week
May 27, 2009 by Jenna Weynand

AUSTIN, Texas –
Just one week after their first matchup, the Turfcats (4-1) and Pirates (1-3) will go at it again. This time the game will take place on the Pirates’ home turf in Houston.

Although the Turfcats won the first game of the series, this week’s game against the Pirates holds a whole new set of challenges. This is the first time since the second week of the season that the Turfcats will play a road game. They won their last road game against the Houma Conquerors by a score of 64-32 on April 26.

Not only is this the first time in five weeks that the Turfcats are playing a road game, but they are playing the same team in back-to-back weeks. “You don’t have a lot of variety and when you beat them, you have a little feeling like you’re better than them so we’re going to have to go to work,” Turfcats head coach Chris Duliban said about facing the Pirates again this week.

The last meeting ended in the Turfcats favor with a final score of 20-38. During the first half, Darren Brown kicked a field goal, Darrick Wallace caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Deron Ellis, and Corry Perez ran a blocked field goal in giving the Turfcats 16 points. The Pirates got on the board with a Trumaine Dorsey to Chris Miller 7-yard touchdown pass ending the half with a 7-16 score.

The second half opened with Dorsey scoring on a 7-yard run on the Pirates opening drive. The Turfcats then scored on their next three possessions. First Nick Lewis, in his first game of the season, caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Ellis. Then JR Turner ended the Pirates drive with an interception which led to a Robert Quiroga 5-yard rushing touchdown. On the next possession Brown kicked his second field goal of the night.

The Pirates scored next with a Dorsey to Kenyatta Tatum 32-yard touchdown pass but they failed to complete the 2-point conversion. Shon Mitchell had the last score of the night with a 42-yard run. Brown was not given the opportunity to attempt the point after as the Pirates team conceded the game with 43 seconds remaining by leaving the field. This ended the game with a final score of 20-38.

“I think the way the game ended tonight gives us a little bit of reason to go to work and get after them at their place,” said Duliban.

This week’s game will take place on May 30 at Kicks Indoor Sports Complex located 611 Shepherd Drive in Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans can get their tickets at the box office on game day.

ronaldoswalt

05-29-2009, 05:15 PM

link at http://www.turfcats.com/news/2009-05-29/turfcats-vs-pirtes-game-notes-round-2.html

QUICK FACTS:
Austin Turfcats (4-1) vs. Texas Pirates (1-3)
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. CT
Site: Kicks Indoor Soccer Complex – Houston, TX
Podcast: Kasey Johns and Jenna Weynand
Twitter: www.twitter.com/austinturfcats
Series Record: 1-0
Last Meeting: May 23, 2009 – Turfcats won 38-20

THE STAKES: Turfcats (4-1) are going for their fifth straight win. Pirates (1-3) are going for their second win in their first season in the SIFL. Both teams look to win the second game of a four game regular season series.

THE SERIES: The Turfcats won the first game of the series 38-20 on May 23, 2009.

THE IFs: If the Turfcats defeat the Pirates, it would …
· Give the Turfcats a 5-1 regular season record.
· Give the Turfcats a 2-0 series record with the Pirates.
· Give the Turfcats a 2-0 road record in 2009.
· Give Chris Duliban a 5-1 record as an SIFL head coach.
· Give the Turfcats a five game regular season win streak.
· Make the Turfcats 2-0 versus Texas teams in the Southern Indoor Football League.

2009 Turfcats Schedule

Date Opponent Time Score
4/18 Acadiana Mudbugs 6:30 PM 37-29 L
4/26 @ Houma Conquerors 5:00 PM 64-32 W
5/2 BYE
5/9 Louisiana Swashbucklers 6:30 PM 53-56 W
5/16 Houma Conquerors 6:30 PM 27-55 W
5/23 Texas Pirates 6:30 PM 20-38 W
5/30 @ Texas Pirates 7:00 PM
6/6 Florida Kings 6:30 PM
6/15 @ La. Swashbucklers 6:30 PM
6/20 Texas Pirates 6:30 PM
6/29 @ Acadiana Mudbugs 7:05 PM
7/4 BYE
7/11 @ Texas Pirates 7:00 PM

2009 Pirates Schedule

Date Opponent Time Score
4/19 Houma Conquerors 3:00 PM 27-46 W
4/26 @ Acadiana Mudbugs 7:05 PM 12-38 L
5/2 Louisiana Swashbuckers 7:00 PM 50-14 L
5/9 BYE
5/16 BYE
5/23 @ Austin Turfcats 6:30 PM 20-38 L
5/30 Austin Turfcats 7:00 PM
6/6 @ Houma Conquerors 7:00 PM
6/13 Florida Kings 7:00 PM
6/20 @ Austin Turfcats 6:30 PM
6/29 @ Louisiana Swashbucklers 6:30 PM
7/4 Acadiana Mudbugs 7:00 PM
7/11 Austin Turfcats 7:00 PM

LAST SERIES MEETING: The last meeting was played on the Turfcats’ home turf and ended with a score of 20-38 in the Turfcats’ favor.

FAMILIAR FACES: Turfcats quarterback Deron Ellis went to Texas Southern University in the Pirates’ home town of Houston.

LEAGUE TOP 10s: Players from this week’s matchup who rank among SIFL statistical leaders:

TURFCATS
Player Rank Category Stat
Deron Ellis 1 Rushing 43.4
Keith Clay 9 Rushing 11.0
Deron Ellis 4 Total Offense 138.4
Reggie Smith 10 Receptions/Game 2.80
Reggie Smith 9 Receive Yds/Game 34.2
Darrick Wallace 2 All Purpose Yards 102.2
Reggie Smith 10 All Purpose Yards 57.0
Darrick Wallace 4 Scoring (TDs) 8.4
Deron Ellis 8 Scoring (TDs) 7.2

PIRATES
Player Rank Category Stat
Roland Hayes 2 Rushing 36.5
T. Dorsey 4 Rushing 20.5
Roman Gilmore 10 Rushing 9.70
T. Dorsey 5 Total Offense 99.0
Andre Roy 6 Total Offense 86.7
Roland Hayes 8 Total Offense 36.5
Joe Townsend 7 Receptions/Game 4.00
Roman Gilmore 3 Kick Return Avg. 16.8
Joe Townsend 10 Receiving Yds/Game 31.7
Roman Gilmore 3 All Purpose 96.7
Roland Hayes 7 Scoring (TDs) 7.50

TALE OF THE TAPE: Here’s how the Turfcats and Pirates stack up:

Statistical TURFCATS PIRATES
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 2 48.4 5 23.0
Scoring Defense 3 33.8 4 38.2
Total Offense 3 177.4 5 144.0
Total Defense 3 187.6 4 194.0
Pass Offense 4 92.2 5 87.8
Pass Defense 5 153.4 4 150.2
Rushing Offense 1 85.2 2 56.2
Rushing Defense 2 34.2 3 43.8
Pass Efficiency 4 94.9 5 91.1
Kickoff Returns 3 17.2 5 15.3
FG Returns 1 58.0 4 24.5

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES:
Kerry Cash, Turfcats assistant coach, on preparing for the matchup with Texas: "We just have to clean up mistakes we made and I think we'll be fine. We just have to get back in sync, and the only way to do that is to have good, hard practices."

MILESTONES: The Turfcats secured their first four game win streak in franchise history in last week’s win over the Texas Pirates.

DROPBACK: The Turfcats control the ball better than any other team in the league. They lead the SIFL in time of possession with the second place team trailing by more than 36 total minutes.

FORWARD MOTION: The Turfcats will take on another Texas team next when they match up against the North Texas Crunch on June 6.

TEAM NOTES/TRENDS: The Turfcats will attempt to complete their first four game win streak in franchise history. The Swashbucklers and Turfcats are tied for first place in the league. This is the second of back to back games between the Turfcats and Pirates and the second game of a four game regular season series.

PLAYERS/MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

Andy Galloway #67 - OL - 6'4" - 300lbs – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Andy Galloway has been a significant asset to this 2009 Turfcats team. He has showed great leadership skills and the ability to keep the line focused in the midst of a game.

Galloway graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2005 with a degree in criminal justice and minor in history. During his time at UAB he was a vital part of their successful football program. Galloway was redshirted his freshman year and then went on to become a four year starter. His teammates selected him as captain his senior year and he led UAB to their first ever bowl game. He also made all conference that year.

Galloway was born in Dothan, Ala. where his mom, Teresa, and dad, Paul, still live. He moved to Bastrop after completing his college education at UAB. He is employed at Cutter Edge, a machine shop business, and he plans on helping the business expand by opening an eastern division in Alabama in the future.

When he isn’t working or playing football, Galloway plays the bass in a local Bastrop band, plays softball recreationally and floats the river as often as possible.

TEAMS LAST GAME IN REVIEW:

Pirates 20 – Turfcats 38 – AUSTIN, Texas - The Turfcats got on the scoreboard first with a Darren Brown field goal five minutes into the first quarter. Those were the only points of the quarter, making the score 0-3 for the Turfcats.

During the second quarter, the Turfcats capped off a 6:16 long drive with a touchdown when Darrick Wallace caught a 21 yard pass from Deron Ellis, with Darren Brown tacking on the extra point putting the Turfcats up by 10. The Turfcats special teams put their mark on the scoreboard when Corry Perez ran a blocked field goal in for a touchdown. The Pirates put their first points on the board with a seven yard touchdown pass from Trumaine Dorsey to Chris Miller and an extra point by Chris Maravagolia. This was the last score of the quarter and the Turfcats headed into the locker room for half time with a 16-7 lead.

The second half got under way with the Pirates scoring on their opening drive. Dorsey scored the touchdown on a seven yard run. The Turfcats answered on their next possession completing a five play drive with an Ellis to Nick Lewis seven yard touchdown pass. JR Turner put a quick end to the Pirates next possession with an interception which led to a Robert Quiroga five yard rushing touchdown. After Brown added the extra point the quarter closed with the Turfcats ahead 29-14.

In the fourth quarter the Turfcats scored for their third straight possession in a row with a field goal by Brown. The Pirates then answered with a 32 yard touchdown pass from Dorsey to Kenyatta Tatum but failed to complete the two-point conversion. Shon Mitchell had the last score of the game with a 42-yard rushing touchdown. The game ended with a final score of 20-38 in the Turfcats favor.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME AWARD
(Selected by media)

Week Opp. Player
1 Acadiana Darrick Wallace
2 Houma Deron Ellis
3 Louisiana Darrick Wallace
4 Houma Deron Ellis
5 Texas Darrick Wallace

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME AWARD
(Selected by media)
Week Opp. Player
1 Acadiana Michael Catchings
2 Houma Kevin Earvine
3 Louisiana Joseph JR Turner, Jr.
4 Houma Joseph JR Turner, Jr.
5 Texas Kevin Earvine

CoachSMB05

05-30-2009, 09:50 AM

I think both Caballo and Ken have great arguments, one thing though is Harrison did not start last year, Bartie was hurt so Freddie stepped in as he does every time. Freddie was the Quarterback in 2007, but Alvin Bartie won the IFL offensive player of the year in the Bucs 16-0 season with 62 touchdown passes and that is with time missed.

Ervine is a good defender but all those stats you listed were not all credited to him. Now I wasn't there so I don't know if they were all his. Either way the poll is what it is and at this time there are no plans to change it this year. The players should worry about the Quarter MVP's, those are the ones that count at the end of the year.

Caballo Diablo

05-30-2009, 01:09 PM

Turfcats Sponsor the HCWC 25th Annual Auction
May 30, 2009 by Jenna Weynand

HCWC 25th Annual Auction – “Soaring to New Heights”
Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 6:30pm
Texas State University – LBJ Student Center

Join the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center to celebrate the auction silver anniversary by “Soaring to New Heights” with a live and silent auction. The $25 ticket price includes full meal, parking and music. Cash bar is available. Bidders may browse collectibles, artwork, jewelry, gift certificates, vacation packages, beauty products and more that have been generously donated by individuals and businesses.

The evening culminates with an exciting live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. Sponsorships are available with funding levels ranging from $150 to $2,500. All proceeds go to benefit programs serving victims of abuse. For more information contact HCWC at 512-396-3404 or website www.hcwc.org.

kadamsbeat

05-31-2009, 12:00 PM

Unfortunately the Austin Oswalt's showed their true colors Saturday night, "all you did was weaken a nation today, that's all you did." very disappointing.

Caballo Diablo

05-31-2009, 07:47 PM

Obviously you are clueless to the situation, the problem didn't lie with Mr Oswalt of the Turfcats. In the longterm succes of the league, the correct decison was made.

Caballo Diablo

06-01-2009, 04:32 PM

June 1, 2009
Turfcats Await Game Reschedule Versus Pirates

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Turfcats are currently working with Southern Indoor Football League officials on rescheduling the game versus the Texas Pirates.

The Turfcats traveled to Houston to play the Texas Pirates as scheduled on Saturday. Upon arrival at Kicks Soccer Zone questions arose concerning the safety of the facility conditions. After discussions with Southern Indoor Football League President Thom Hager, the officiating crew and administrative staff from both teams the decision was made to reschedule the game.

Turfcats Vice-President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt said, “I regret this game was cancelled due to arena issues, we came to play versus the Pirates but our player and staff safety are a core value of this franchise.”

Both coaches and the head official originally agreed that the game could have been played with temporary repairs, but Austin management remained adamant that the situation was unacceptable.

"The concerns were valid and we appreciate the concern the Austin management has for their players and I’m confident they’ll be accommodating in getting this game played," Hager said. "This is another challenge we’ve been given, and we’re going to once again solve it quickly."

The Turfcats will host the North Texas Crunch on June 6th at the Adfirmative.com field at the Travis County Expo Center. With the Crunch now participating in the SIFL, the Turfcats have two Texas teams to beat to be considered the best indoor football team in Texas.

Caballo Diablo

06-05-2009, 02:14 PM

TURFCATS VS. CRUNCH PRE-GAME NOTES

2009 Turfcats Schedule

Date ----- Opponent --------------- Time --------- Score
4/18 - Acadiana Mudbugs -------- 6:30 PM ------ 37-29 L
4/26 - @ Houma Conquerors ---- 5:00 PM ------ 64-32 W
5/2 --------- BYE
5/9 --- Louisiana Swashbucklers - 6:30 PM ------ 53-56 W
5/16 -- Houma Conquerors ------- 6:30 PM ------ 55-27 W
5/23 -- Texas Pirates ------------- 6:30 PM ------- 20-38 W
5/30 -- @ Texas Pirates ---------- Postponed TBA
6/6 --- North Texas Crunch ------ 6:30 PM
6/15 - @ La. Swashbucklers ----- 6:30 PM
6/20 - Texas Pirates -------------- 6:30 PM
6/29 - @ Acadiana Mudbugs ----- 7:05 PM
7/4 -------- BYE
7/11 -- @ Texas Pirates --------- 7:00 PM

2009 Crunch Schedule

Date -- Opponent --------------- Time ----- Score
4/11 - DFW Doom ------------ 12:15 PM - 26-28 W
4/18 - BYE
4/25 - Texas Wranglers ------ 10:30 AM - 18-73 W
5/2 -- DFW Doom -------------- 1:30 PM - 14-18 W
5/9 -- BYE
5/16 - BYE
5/23 - @ DFW Doom ---------- 10:30 AM - 38-32 W
5/30 - Texas Smash ---------- 10:00 AM - 20-40 W
6/6 -- @ Austin Turfcats ------- 6:30 PM
6/13 - @ Texas Pirates -------- 7:00 PM
6/20 - @ Acadiana Mudbugs -- 7:30 PM
6/27 - @ Houma Conquerors - 7:00 PM

DID YOU KNOW?
The Independent Indoor Football Alliance and the North Texas Crunch pride themselves on being a catalyst for players looking to advance to bigger leagues such as the Southern Indoor Football League. In the past couple of seasons alone the Crunch have sent players to the Arena Football League 2, the SIFL, the Intense Football League and the United Indoor Football League. These players include Joshua Sooter and Metrick McHenry who now play for the Turfcats.

Caballo Diablo

06-05-2009, 02:16 PM

Fan Blog: Week 8
It’s CRUNCH TIME !
By Caballo Diablo 6/3/09

Crunch Time has a couple of meanings for the Austin TurfCat’s as we head towards this weeks game. With five games under their belt and six remaining (only 2 at Home) the T-Cat’s head into the second half of the season in second place. Not playing last week gave the Swashbuckler’s the opportunity to pull into first place, but Austin still has a game in hand.

It looks to be a three way race down the stretch as the Swashbuckler’s sit at 5-1, The TurfCat’s at 4-1, and Acadiana at 3-2. Even though the Acadiana Mudbug’s have two losses, both are to the same team, The Swashbuckler’s. The Swashbuckler’s only loss is to Austin, and Austin’s only loss is to the Mudbug’s. The T-Cats control their own destiny, they still have to play both the `Bucs and Mudbug’s again. Both games are on the road for the TurfCat’s and will be hard fought games. You can bet the Swashbuckler’s will have a large and raucous crowd with revenge on their mind.

It will also be Crunch time at the Expo center this Saturday as the TurfCat’s welcome the
North Texas Crunch of the IIFA (Indoor Football Alliance) to town and to the league. The IIFA is based out of the Dallas/Forth Worth area. It is a Semi-Pro developmental league that has had a successful history of moving it’s players up to the higher leagues. Their coach had communicated with me before the Turfcat’s original tryouts about Coach Duliban possibly taking a look at a couple of their players, which he did. Some of their guys attended tryouts and one of them, DB Metric McHenry is still a part of the T-Cat’s squad.

Yes, they come from a lower league but don’t let that lead to discounting them or losing focus. The Crunch should prove to be a more formidable opponent than the Florida kings. Several people around the Indoor Football Forums expect the Crunch to knock off a team or two in the SIFL. Austin needs to take them serious and work on execution and controlling the game. This is the last live action they’ll see before heading to Lake Charles next week to face the first place Swashbuckler’s.

The Crunch are the defending Champions of the IIFA and stand undefeated this season at 5-0. They would love to catch us off guard taking them lightly and thinking about next week. I don’t see that happening, the T-Cats after not playing last week are anxious to play again and welcome this as another opportunity to work towards their goal of a Championship of their own.

Caballo Diablo

06-05-2009, 02:22 PM

TURFCATS VS. CRUNCH PRE-GAME NOTES

HEAD COACHES:

TURFCATS - Chris Duliban was an all-city running back at Spring Woods High School in Houston, Texas, but when he arrived in Austin on a football scholarship to the University of Texas, the Longhorns made him an outside linebacker.

He was drafted by Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys in 1986 and spent a year with the Buffalo Bills in 1988. Duliban left the NFL in 1989 and seven years later, he found himself on the sidelines at Hyde Park Baptist High School in 1996. He earned his first indoor coaching opportunity as the defensive coordinator of the Indoor Professional Football League team, Texas Terminators. Last season Duliban was the Head Coach for the Centex Barracudas of the Intense Football League.

CRUNCH - Larry Hendrix, Jr. graduated from Sherman High School in Sherman, Texas, in 1989 where he was 1st Team 5A All-District defensive back in 1987 and 1988 and 1st Team 5A ALL-State defensive back in 1988. He then received his Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Cisco Junior College in 1991. Hendrix went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management with an emphasis in Health, Sports Administration and a minor in Counseling from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. in 1995. While at Southwest Baptist he was the 1993 and 1994 1st Team All-MIAA defensive back and the 1994 2nd Team All-American NCAA II defensive back for the university’s football team.

Hendrix also has extensive experience playing and coaching professional football. Hendrix was a defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) in 1995 and 1996, a defensive back for the Calgary Stampeders and British Columbia Lions (CFL) in 1997, a defensive back/wide receiver for the Oklahoma Crude (NIFL) in 2001 and a defensive back/wide receiver for the Texas Thunder (APFL) 2004. He then coached professionally in 2002 as the defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Crude (NIFL) and the defensive backs coach for the Texas Regulators in 2007 (APFL).

Hendrix is married with two beautiful daughters and a son.

Caballo Diablo

06-05-2009, 02:41 PM

TURFCAT WEEK 8 SIFL TOP 10 STAT RANINGS

LEAGUE TOP 10s:
Turfcat Players from this week’s matchup who rank among SIFL statistical leaders:

Player ------- Rank - Category ----------- Stat
Deron Ellis ------ 1 --- Rushing ------------ 43.4
Shon Mitchell --- 6 --- Rushing ------------ 12.2
Keith Clay ------ 8 --- Rushing ------------ 11.0
Deron Ellis ----- 4 --- Total Offense ----- 138.4
Reggie Smith - 10 --- Receptions/Game -- 2.80
Reggie Smith -- 9 --- Receiving Yds/Gm - 34.2
Darrick Wallace - 2 --- All Purpose Yards - 102.2
Reggie Smith - 10 --- All Purpose Yards - 57.2
Darrick Wallace - 4 --- Scoring (TDs) ------ 8.40
Deron Ellis ----- 8 --- Scoring (TDs) ------ 7.20

TALE OF THE TAPE:
Here’s how the Turfcats stack up team wise against the rest of the teams in the SIFL:

Statistical - TURFCATS
Category ------- Rank - Stat
Scoring Offense --- 2 - 48.4
Scoring Defense -- 4 - 33.8
Total Offense ----- 4 - 177.2
Total Defense ----- 3 - 187.6
Pass Offense ------ 4 - 92.2
Pass Defense ----- 4 - 153.4
Rushing Offense -- 1 - 85.0
Rushing Defense - 3 - 34.2
Pass Efficiency --- 4 - 94.9
Kickoff Returns -- 2 - 17.3
FG Returns ------- 1 - 58.0

Caballo Diablo

06-07-2009, 03:06 PM

June 6, 2009
Turfcats Defeat Crunch 71-15

AUSTIN, Texas – The North Texas Crunch (5-1) made their debut in the Southern Indoor Football League Saturday night, but the Austin Turfcats (5-1) showed them exactly why they’re a top contender in the league. The Turfcats beat the Crunch 71-15.

The first quarter got underway with a string of turnovers as both teams traded fumbles to start the half. The next Crunch possession then ended when Michael Rutledge intercepted a pass from quarterback James Wilson. The Turfcats were able to take advantage of this turnover when Robert Quiroga caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Deron Ellis. The quarter ended with a Turfcats 6-0 lead.

Keith Clay made up for his earlier fumble by scoring right away in the second quarter capping off a 6-play drive with a touchdown. On the next possession the Crunch attempted to continue a 7-play drive by converting on fourth and one but Barrett Dallmeyer sacked Wilson for a loss of 8 yards. It took the Turfcats only two plays to score on their next drive when Ellis rushed into the end zone but the point after was blocked by Alan Stavinoha. Ricky Madison put the Crunch on the board with a 5-yard rushing touchdown.

The second quarter scoring continued on the Turfcats next possession. Darrick Wallace put the offense in good position with a 36-yard kickoff return and Darren Brown put three on the scoreboard with a 24-yard field goal. JR Turner put an end to the Crunch’s next drive when he recovered a Wilson fumble. Ellis turned this fumble recovery into a 4-yard rushing touchdown.. The Crunch got the last score of the half with a John Bryant 33-yard field goal ending the half with a 29-9 Turfcats lead.

The second half started with another long kickoff return for Wallace. After his 42-yard return, it took the Turfcats only three plays to get Clay rushing into the end zone. Turfcats then scored on the Crunch’s next possession when Barrett Dallmeyer sacked Wilson for a safety. The Turfcats then added a pair of touchdowns with receptions by Quiroga and Wallace. Benford had another fumble recovery leading to a Tim Cook rushing touchdown. After Wallace returned a missed field goal 50 yards for a touchdown, the quarter ended with the Turfcats on top 64-9.

The Crunch got on the board first in the fourth quarter with a reception by Guy Fernandez. The last score of the night came when Nick Lewis caught a 10-yard pass from Ellis ending the game with a score of 71-15.

The Turfcats hit the road for their next game June 15, in Lake Charles, La. They’ll take on the first place Swashbucklers.

Great locations are still available for the final 2009 regular season home game on Saturday June 20th ! Act now to reserve the best seats. Call a Season Sales Representative today at 866-969-TCAT (8228.) to reserve your seats today. The Austin Turfcats are committed to being a premier team in the Southern Indoor Football League and being involved in the community for which we serve.

Caballo Diablo

06-07-2009, 04:22 PM

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE TURFCATS TAILGATE CRUE !

I know several of you read the forums even though you don't post.
once again it was a success due to the diligence of the fans. This week was a good sized crowd, the only downside was that tumbling tent incident - lol - I know, it's not funny for the people involved. I was heading back from the arena to the tailgate area when I heard some strange noises. I looked up and here comes a portable pavillion tumbling accross the top of a row of cars headed right for me. Luckily I saw it in time to get out of the way, once it came to rest upside down I grabbed ahold of it so it couldn't take off again.

The arena parking lot seems to always have a good breeze, which is nice in this hot weather but it also wreacks havoc trying to keep everything tied down. There was a broken mirror on one vehicle and several others with dents and scratches. Thank goodness I was parked up wind of the tailgate area.

Once again we were able to feed players from both teams and a good time was had by all. the Crunch color is purple, which Mrs D loves. One of the Crunch players took his team shirt right of his back and gave it to her. I'm not sure who he was, but thank you, I love it when the wife is in a good mood - lol. The Crunch players and staff car pooled down from the Dallas/Fort worth area.

The field had to be taken up quickly and the venue transformed overnight for the R.O.T Rally (Republic of Texas Biker Rally), once everyone had been fed approx. 15 of the tailgaters joined the Turfcat staff to help deconstruct the field and put it back into storage. This is a whole lot more work than most expected but they all hung in until it was once again an empty building. Thanks to Jack for providing Subway meals once we finished as we had worked up another appetite and needed something to go with the cold beer.

mwhite212

06-08-2009, 12:28 PM

Wow. 71 to 15. The poor, poor Crunch. My hats off to them for walking into such a beating. I'm sure their coach at least half expected this, but is this really fun to watch?

And fans helped tear down the field? Not that I necessarily have problem with this if it were a neighborhood pee-wee game or something, but the SIFL is a for-profit entity, right? This just seems like a real image issue, guys.

Perhaps they should officially "recruit" fan help prior to the game to help with this. Give them some team shirts or something to look coordinated. I of course wasn't there, but the image in my mind is 15 guys who had probably been drinking a little just pulled out of the parking lot at random. I'm probably making this sound like a bigger deal than I actually think it is, but that just seems a bit odd to me.

It doesn't take a genius to start reading between the lines on stuff like this. It means they couldn't hire proper help.

Radio Jack

06-08-2009, 02:11 PM

First and foremost I want to thank all of the tailgaters that helped with the taking down of the field this past Saturday. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You guys are my extended family and have made my life more fun over the last 6 seasons. Y'all have always been there too help me out when I need, throw me a cold one after the game and cheer my team on (whichever one it may be), but this was way beyond the call of duty.

Now, mwhite212........

Let me clarifly something here. Yes, the Turfcats are a for-profit entity. AND, we did hire proper help, plus myself, plus interns to take the field down.

Diablo and the rest of the tailgaters who came in and helped did so out of the kindness of there own hearts, and I am forever thankful to them. They made it to where I was able to go home at 1 am instead of 4.

I have known most of the tailgaters for 6 seasons now and this was a case of one friend helping out another. In no way does it reflect on the Turfcats in a bad way (which I take personal offense to since I am the one that schedules these things). I think it shows that not only do our fans love the team and the sport, but they also have a relationship witht the staff. I don't know of many leagues that can say that.

So please in the future don't judge if you do not know the details. You said yourself that you weren't there so you don't know how this scenerio came about.

To quote "It doesn't take a genius to start reading between the lines on stuff like this". There are no lines to read between, this was just a case of a bunch of friends helping out another friend who had had a long day. Simple as that.

Jack Dixon
Director of Operations
Austin Turfcats

football head 4ever

06-08-2009, 02:18 PM

Well said Jack.

I wish I could've helped too, but I had to leave at halftime (my kids are battling a major cold virus, caught the first half before putting them to bed).

This camaraderie among fans / tailgaters is what makes the Turfcats and other community-driven teams special. The organization and players are like family, and having that relationship really makes the games exciting and unique. From tailgating, to breaking down the field, to spreading the word about the SIFL...we're having a great time.

Jack, thank you for all you do for the Turfcats and all you did with the Wranglers. We’re having a great time with the Turfcats!

mwhite212

06-08-2009, 04:11 PM

Now, mwhite212........

So please in the future don't judge if you do not know the details. You said yourself that you weren't there so you don't know how this scenerio came about.

To quote "It doesn't take a genius to start reading between the lines on stuff like this". There are no lines to read between, this was just a case of a bunch of friends helping out another friend who had had a long day. Simple as that.

Jack Dixon
Director of Operations
Austin Turfcats

I wasn't being judgemental, Jack. I was sharing my immediate perception of a story that was posted here. And I don't think it would be unreasonable to assume that others may get the same impression. Let's not mince words here, this league is having an image problem that may leave people feeling it is less than professional. Teams walking off the field (pirates.) Bumper pads not showing up(houma.) A team making a stadium out of a recreational facility(pirates again.) Bizaar press releases quoting bible verses and refusing to pay for travel expenses(the kings.) And now an unprepared, travel only, semi pro team getting pulled in to get hammered 71 to 15. And when I say unprepared I mean for the level of talent.

There aren't many places to get news and info about the SIFL right now, so people will naturally find this forum as it is the 2nd hit on google. I had (and have) some great hopes for this league. But it takes money to run any endeavor of this nature, and I'm pretty sure the teams can't just hope for their buddies to show up and fill in at least 3,000 seats. An image of professionalism needs to be projected to the public or it will be permanently lights out regardless of any "good will" or "camaraderie" that may exist.

And please don't flame me guys...I'm just giving my honest opinion on the matter. Not trying to be hateful.

nksports

06-08-2009, 04:15 PM

I may be a big bad person for writing this, but I'm with mwhite with this one, although probably for different reasons.
Employees performing manual labor are covered under a business' insurance, however a fan is not. You could be opening yourself up to a can of worms if somebody, however remote the possibilities, is injured. (You must be in a non-union venue, because the arena workers would be deficating bricks for allowing outside people to set up or break down the venue.)

mwhite212

06-08-2009, 04:54 PM

Yes, nksports, I didn't even want to go there with the labor issues. But you are right.

Radio Jack

06-08-2009, 04:55 PM

mwhite212, I know you weren't trying to be hateful and I apologize if it sounded like I thought so.

You are correct in the fact that there are not too many places to find information on the SIFL and that this forum is one of the easiest to find.

I do not log on that often and post something, usually a thank you or a shout out to someone, but I do read the post almost daily (when I have time with my schedule).

Mainly the post here are positive or a repost of one of our press releases (thanks Diablo!!), but there are some people who seem to get a rise out of posting nothing but negative comments.

I have gone back and read some of your post and thank you for all you have said in the past. Not every one of them shows the best side of us, but they are all truthful. :)

I guess I took it a little too personal when the comments were about me (even though you did not know it at the time).

I have know the majority of the tailgaters since 2003 when the Wranglers first came to town, and have made it my priority to visit with them at each game, include them in anything and everything I can and to always treat them with respect. Guess I get a little defensive about them. They are like family to me.

So once again I am sorry if I sounded too defensive before, but was just sticking up for myself and my "family".

I'm not going to go on and on, but do want to make one last comment.

I try to keep open communications with the fans, the non-fans and anyone who wants to make a comment, give a suggestion, has a gripe or anything of the sort. We are a first year team/league, and even though I have been doing this for 6 seasons now I never turn down any input.

So, if anyone has any ideas on how I can do my job better, how we can make the fan experience better, or just wants to send a gripe I am going to once again put my direct e-mail here.

Thanks for all the comments from everyone. Like they say, even bad publicity is publicity; at least the word is getting out there. LOL

Jack Dixon
Director of Operations
Austin Turfcats
jack@turfcats.com

mwhite212

06-08-2009, 05:06 PM

It's all good, Jack. I can be pretty brutally honest sometimes. Not that I'm saying I'm always right mind you. My impression of the t-cats is a good one. It's obvious some time and care has gone into the team as a whole and you guys are defintely the gold standard for the league. I dare say even more so than the 'Bucs. It's obvious from the fellows that came to your defense that you ARE doing a good job. So, please keep flying the standard high. I've been meaning to get down to Austin. As a New Orleanian exiled in Plano, I think I would feel right at home. Any place with the motto, "Keep Austin Weird" is okay in my book! And I'd love to catch a game down that way.

But seriously, I know the league is having some pretty rough birthing pains right now and everyone is trying to make the best of the situation. It would have been a much better start if every team in the league had the same motivation and polish as the Turf Cats.

Caballo Diablo

06-08-2009, 06:03 PM

I wasn't being judgemental, Jack. I was sharing my immediate perception of a story that was posted here. And I don't think it would be unreasonable to assume that others may get the same impression.
You're one of the good guys that tries to stay grounded in reality. It's only a couple of posters that seem to be haters. All forums have them and the other posters typically realize the difference between constructive criticism and and Trolls bashing out of ignorance. Most posters here are educated on minor league sports and understand the difficulties.

Let's not mince words here, this league is having an image problem that may leave people feeling it is less than professional. Teams walking off the field (pirates.) Bumper pads not showing up(houma.) A team making a stadium out of a recreational facility(pirates again.) Bizaar press releases quoting bible verses and refusing to pay for travel expenses(the kings.)
Yes, the SIFL has had it's share of problems, but I'm not sure it's an image problem. Like stated above, most people searching out a forum have an understanding of the business. There are higher league with much larger budgets providing less than a professional appearence. We could start listing and discussing those, but this isn't the time or place to start bashing others.

The economy doesn't help, and most agree waiting until next season might have worked out better. I can't think a a league that doesn't have some type of image issues, even the major 4. Everyone knew the reason for the Kings starting up this season, to replace home games already sold when the 2nd Houston teams owner became seriously ill. They definitely weren't ready for this season.

The Pirates were trying to start up on a weak budget and it wound up biting them, they did give it a valiant try. Their issues have been resolved and there should be a press release with more details later in the week.

The Kings did have some bizaar public responses, but don't let that tarnish the bible - lol. In Mr Hager's league release it says, "We seek to honor God in all that we do..............." religious faith is connected with most involved with the league and we hope it can be used to inspire ourselves and others to always work towards improvement in all aspects of our lives.

And now an unprepared, travel only, semi pro team getting pulled in to get hammered 71 to 15. And when I say unprepared I mean for the level of talent.
I'm not sure the Crunch were unprepaired, just out matched. We all know the financial troubles with professional minor league sports, it's much tighter in the semi-Pro leagues.

I met with their coaches both before and after the game to give them props and let them know how much respect we have for them. These coaches are here for the love of the sport and a crucial part of us being able to enjoy it.
They keep the atheletes in game shape and continue to teach them. The y work very hard to get some exposure for their players so hopefully they can move up to a higher league. This is where many of the minor league guys come from. Many college players want to continue their career, it's a small percentage that actually make it to the NFL or CFL. then you've got the guys that didn't play college and need a starting point.

Sure they want to win, they are the defending IIFA champs and were 5-0 coming into the game. The inportant thing for them was to get their players some quality experience and the SIFL teams a chance to see the ones capable of moving up. The TurfCats currently have two players on their team that played for the Crunch last season.

There aren't many places to get news and info about the SIFL right now,
I'm trying the best I can - lol

Like jack said, we've been friends for many years. He worked with the Wranglers and always attended out tailgates. The people that helped weren't your typical fans on their way home. it was part of the core tailgaters that have run the tailgates for both the Wranglers and Turfcats fans. We have always lent a hand helping with whatever was needed and proud to do it. Yes, we had a few beers, but weren't intoxicated. these are the people that set it up and tear it down week after week. We are busy cooking and making sure everything is running smoothly out in the parking lot.
It can be considered more of a job than just hanging out and drinking.

One of my business is run totally with sub-contractors and sign insurance waivers, maybe I should sign up all of the tailgaters so they become responsible for themselves in case of a freak accident.

The Expo and their workers are not responsible for setting up or tearing down the filed. They are on the clock and paid by the turfcats, the Expo center is responsible for clean up of the arena but not the football equiptment. I helped lay the original turf for game one, I'm always showing up and hanging around. I enjoy being a part of the big picture and am always willing to help out. Don't be talking no Union crap around here, we need real workers - lol

Wranglers_04

06-09-2009, 12:48 AM

Radio Jack

06-09-2009, 02:53 AM

Hey guys,

I just wanted to say: for anyone who saw me throw during the 1-minute warning 'throw in the basket', in no way was that reflective of my football abilities. That was just pathetic. I misjudged the weight of the ball, I misjudged everything. Wow, what an embarrassment.. My friends didn't let it go all night long.

On a different note, Jack, I appreciate all you do for the Cats, each game has gotten better and better. Although I do have a couple of suggestions/questions.

1.) Was the AC working properly at the expo center on Saturday night? Maybe it was just me, but I was burning up in there. Just wondering if there was something actually up or if it was just my imagination.

2.) Have an employee tell all of football throw contest participants at the beginning of the 2nd quarter when we go on the field. At the sign-up table, all the lady said was to be at the balloons at the beginning of the second quarter. Well I was at the tables at the beginning of the second quarter and stood there all quarter long until the one-minute warning. Nobody ever told us when the competition would begin.

I was just standing there, away from my seat, without my buds, watching a quarter of football from afar, not knowing when we would get a chance to go on the field. A Turfcat lady finally told us with 3 minutes left in the half when we'd go down.

3.) Possibly make a "Rowdy T-Cat" section. We need all of the jacked up, standers to be all seated together and get riled up together like the old "Rowdy Wrangler" section of the past. That would be awesome to have an army of the Turfcats' most rowdy fans sitting behind the bench of the opposing teams and giving em' hell all game long. That would give us a major homefield advantage. I'd like to see something set up for the first playoff game. How cool would that be?

4.) Cuplids. I didn't check on Saturday, but every other game there have not cuplids. Those would be good.

Here are your answers:

The weight of the ball is a little hard to judge, and it must have burned bad when the only person that won was a SIX YEAR OLD KID. Sorry, had to do it. LOL

Now the serious stuff:

Don't know what was up with the AC. Had a few people make comments about it and I spoke to the Director of Facilities for the Expo Center afterwards. He did not know what the problem was either, every unit was on and working. Could it have been the HEAT coming off of the field.

I'm sorry about the misunderstanding on when/where to meet for the football throw. I will make sure that the intern working the table gives more details next time. Now on the amount of time y'all had to wait. That is all my doing. I have to take the lesser of two evils on this one. All of the other promos that require 4 people tops only have to meet about 6 minutes (time clock time) before their event. But when you have a group as large as the one that does the mini-football toss you have to make them come early. Plus with having y'all show up at the beginning of the quarter works better too. If I only allow say 10 minutes and it's during a quarter, history has taught me that only about 50% of the participants will be there at the scheduled time. So to keep from having crying kids/mad parents because they missed the event is the reason for having to show so early.

The Rowdy T-Cat section. Funny you mention that. After an episode that happened this week I remembered the Rowdy Wranglers. An idea is in the works and should debut at the next game.

Cuplids...I don't need not stinking cuplid. Seriously, The Turfcats have nothing to do with the food/drink area. This was the first game that I had the time to go and buy a drink ($5...ouch) and I got a lid but I don't know about any of the other games. I will mention it to the people who run the food court.

Once again thanks for you input/questions and as always I am open to any and all comments.

Now I just need Diablo to train me on the proper way to do quotes in the forum so my answers could have appeared after the questions instead of me rambling on at the end.

Jack Dixon
Director of Operations
Austin Turfcats
jack@turfcats.com

mavlax20

06-09-2009, 10:12 AM

Jack!!!

I want your shirt Jack!!!

Caballo Diablo

06-09-2009, 03:09 PM

1.) Was the AC working properly at the expo center on Saturday night? Maybe it was just me, but I was burning up in there. Just wondering if there was something actually up or if it was just my imagination.

Yes, there was a problem with the AC system. It's the huge tower facility behind the Iron fence at the back of the tailgate area. I was out there with Tim while he was working on it. For those of you that don't know Tim, he's responsible for much of the behind the scenes things that we enjoy related to the Expo center itself. He's a humble guy that doesn't get much credit for all of his hard work - THANKS TIM !! - after one game my youngest daughter searched him out to get his autograph along with all of the players.
Even she knows it takes more than the out front performers to put on a show.

The AC unit has a water reservoir that supplies cool water running through tubes to cool the unit. Just like a radiator in a car, after time it gets rust and gunk build up in the water system. This plugs the ends of the tubes and restricts the water flow and the unit overheats. He got the tubes cleaned up and the water moving again and the system back up and running. He will be doing some major maintenance on the system this week.

Caballo Diablo

06-09-2009, 04:26 PM

Now I just need Diablo to train me on the proper way to do quotes in the forum so my answers could have appeared after the questions instead of me rambling on at the end.

PM sent with explaination.

Wranglers_04

06-09-2009, 07:57 PM

Here are your answers:

The weight of the ball is a little hard to judge, and it must have burned bad when the only person that won was a SIX YEAR OLD KID. Sorry, had to do it. LOL

Now the serious stuff:

Don't know what was up with the AC. Had a few people make comments about it and I spoke to the Director of Facilities for the Expo Center afterwards. He did not know what the problem was either, every unit was on and working. Could it have been the HEAT coming off of the field.

I'm sorry about the misunderstanding on when/where to meet for the football throw. I will make sure that the intern working the table gives more details next time. Now on the amount of time y'all had to wait. That is all my doing. I have to take the lesser of two evils on this one. All of the other promos that require 4 people tops only have to meet about 6 minutes (time clock time) before their event. But when you have a group as large as the one that does the mini-football toss you have to make them come early. Plus with having y'all show up at the beginning of the quarter works better too. If I only allow say 10 minutes and it's during a quarter, history has taught me that only about 50% of the participants will be there at the scheduled time. So to keep from having crying kids/mad parents because they missed the event is the reason for having to show so early.

The Rowdy T-Cat section. Funny you mention that. After an episode that happened this week I remembered the Rowdy Wranglers. An idea is in the works and should debut at the next game.

Cuplids...I don't need not stinking cuplid. Seriously, The Turfcats have nothing to do with the food/drink area. This was the first game that I had the time to go and buy a drink ($5...ouch) and I got a lid but I don't know about any of the other games. I will mention it to the people who run the food court.

Once again thanks for you input/questions and as always I am open to any and all comments.

Now I just need Diablo to train me on the proper way to do quotes in the forum so my answers could have appeared after the questions instead of me rambling on at the end.

Jack Dixon
Director of Operations
Austin Turfcats
jack@turfcats.com

Thanks for the help Jack. I am already salivating over the thought of a rowdy Turfcat section. That's going to be a blast. It's always awesome when you have a bunch of other passionate fans around you and you just feed off of each other with adrenaline and excitement.

Caballo Diablo

06-10-2009, 10:11 AM

I am already salivating over the thought of a rowdy Turfcat section. That's going to be a blast. It's always awesome when you have a bunch of other passionate fans around you and you just feed off of each other with adrenaline and excitement.
The corner of the endzone behind the visiting bench would be SWEET !

Caballo Diablo

06-10-2009, 10:22 AM

Dancer Spotlight: Hollie Holloway -- Austin Turfcats

http://www.southernifl.com/dancer-spotlight/hollie-holloway--austin-turfcats.html

Caballo Diablo

06-10-2009, 12:49 PM

Turner Edges Haughbook For VIDSWAP.Com POTW Honors
June 10, 2009

LAKE CHARLES, La. (June 10, 2009) – Austin Turfcat defensive back J.R. Turner has been named the Southern Indoor Football League’s VIDSWAP.com Player Of The Week by virtue of his performance and fan vote.

Turner registered two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery in the Turfcats’ 71-15 victory over the North Texas Crunch. He garnered 33 percent of the fan vote to narrowly outdistance Houma Conqueror quarterback Omar Haughbook, who led the team to its first victory with three second-half touchdowns against the Texas Pirates. Haughbook received 30 percent of the voting thanks to a strong first-time effort by Houma fans visiting the league web site at www.southernifl.com.

A Turfcat has won the fan balloting five of the eight weeks and five of their six games.
The only three weeks a Turfcat player hasn't won the award was game one, a loss to Acadiana and their two Bye weeks.

Each SIFL game has four MVPs for offensive, defensive, line and special teams. Two game MVPS are selected for balloting for the league-wide MVP by fans.

Austin (5-1) travels to face the Louisiana Swashbucklers (6-1) Monday.

Wranglers_04

06-11-2009, 02:37 AM

The corner of the endzone behind the visiting bench would be SWEET !

My group will need some serious reinforcements if the Bucs ever visit Austin again.. those guys were ready to tear our heads off after that game. No joke.

:lol:

Caballo Diablo

06-11-2009, 09:16 AM

They got a little upset with me near the end of the game when they couldn't put us away. I was dogging "Fluffy" all day, one of their DB's kept coming over to talk.

Caballo Diablo

06-11-2009, 09:16 AM

June 10, 2009
No. 2 Turfcats Take On Top Ranked Swashbucklers

AUSTIN, Texas – This is the rematch we have all been waiting for. The two top teams in the league are preparing for a possible preview of the Southern Indoor Football League championship game. The Austin Turfcats (5-1) will take on the Louisiana Swashbucklers (6-1) Monday in Lake Charles, La.

The Turfcats are still on a high from their 71-15 win over the North Texas Crunch on Saturday. They once again proved that they have a full arsenal of scoring weapons with seven different players finding the end zone.

The Swashbucklers on the other hand are coming off a close 27-21 win on Saturday against their in-state rivals, the Acadiana Mudbugs (3-3). The game was up for grabs until the Swashbucklers defense made a 4th and 1, goal line stand with 55 seconds left to go in the game. That put an end to the Mudbugs chances of getting their first win over the top ranked Swashbucklers.

The first matchup between these teams on May 9 came down to the wire but ended with the Swashbucklers’ only loss so far this season in a 56-53 Turfcats victory. The Swashbucklers scored first but the Turfcats quickly put up two touchdowns and had the Swashbucklers playing catch up the rest of the game. The Turfcats won the rushing game and had and three touchdowns on both rushing and passing while the Swashbucklers had almost twice as many passing yards with four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. With this win, the Turfcats ended the Swashbucklers 20-game win streak.

The first matchup took place in Austin but this time the Turfcats will have to play on the Swashbucklers home turf where they are undefeated this season. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tickets are available for purchase at the ticket booth on game day. Live updates will be available on Turfcats.com and on Twitter.com/austinturfcats. There will also be a special pre-game episode of the Turfcats Insider podcast previewing the game and featuring interviews with players and coaches.

Caballo Diablo

06-11-2009, 01:23 PM

Fan Blog Week 9 – by Caballo Diablo
This weeks Prize - #1 Seed

Sure, there’s still a month left in the season after this weeks games, but the winner of the Turfcat – Swashbuckler game will more than likely carry the #1 Seed into the playoffs. Both teams go into this game with only one loss and there’s a good chance the winner will end the regular season with only one.

The First meeting between the T-cats and `Bucs was played in Austin with the Turfcats breaking the swashbucklers 20 game win streak by defeating them 56-53. Austin would love nothing more than to also break the `Bucs home win streak, but it won’t come easy. The Swashbucklers have a reputation of dominating opponents at home and draw a sizable crowd in the Lake Charles Civic Center.

After losing their first game of the season the TurfCats have gone on to winning their last five in a row with improvement in all aspects of the game. QB Deron Ellis has thrown five interceptions all season, four in the first game and only one in the last five games. Ellis also leads the league in rushing with 41.7 YPG.

What happened to the Swashbucklers in their last game? Have they slipped or did the Acadiana Mudbugs figure them out defensively? The `Bucs came into the league as the team to chase, now nine weeks into the season there’s some film to watch and design game plans around. Yeah, Louisiana won the game 27-21 but needed some luck to bring the “W” back home. They only averaged 3.1 yards per offensive play for a total of 136 net yards, 22 rushing.

The MudBugs had ten more offensive plays than the `Bucs, fewer penalties (5 versus 9 for the `Bucs), and time of possession went to Acadiana by ten minutes. Louisiana needed a 4th down stop with under a minute to play to seal the victory. The Swashbucklers only had the ball for just under four minutes of the 4th quarter and no score. There were only 7 points scored in the entire second half! The `Bucs were only 2 of 9 on 3rd down and 0-1 on 4th down. They did score on 4 out of 5 Red Zone possessions though. Louisiana missed three field goals and one PAT. Once again I have to ask myself, did the Swashbucklers just have an off day or is the MudBugs defense really that good?

This Mondays game could come down to sacks and turnovers. While both the Turfcats and Swashbucklers are near the top of most stat categories, the `Bucs dominate these two. Louisiana has given up only 3 sacks while burying the opposing QB’s 18 times for an astounding +15. John Paul “Fluffy” Jones has 7 himself! While the Turfcats have given up 9 sacks and got 15 for a plus 6. In the turnover category the T-cats are a +5 while the `Bucs are a +11. Louisiana has 18 interceptions of the year!

Austin knows how to score as they lead the league with a 52.2 per game average, and Darrick Wallace always lights it up on special teams (he had 212 All-Purpose yards last week). The T-cats also struggle on kick coverage themselves as one of the Crunch players turned in 174 All-Purpose yardage game with 123 of them on returns. Granted they did get 12 attempts on returns while the T-cats only got 4.

Sure, the team with the most points wins, but I don’t think the win will be credited to a powerful offense for either team. This game will probably be won on the defensive side of the ball and most importantly the line play. The unheralded guys in the trenches beating their helmets against each other all night will determine the sacks and turnovers that decide the game.

Being a road game usually means being glued to the Twitter updates and spending the night in nervous anticipation. Not this week, all Swashbuckler games have a live feed over the net and it’s free. I don’t have a direct link for the feed at this time but it can be found on the Swashbucklers website, http://www.labucs.com/index.cfm# I know what I’ll be doing Monday night, how about YOU?

Caballo Diablo

06-12-2009, 06:54 PM

Austin Turfcats

Thanks So Much
Free Family 4-Pack Versus Texas Pirates

Greetings!

I want to personally offer a special thank you to all that have signed up for E-TCAT news this season. Your support has been overwelming this inaugural SIFL season for our team.

This season has been so successful both on and off the field and we wanted to say thanks for making turfcats.com the number one team site in the league.

Use this email on Saturday, June 20th for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff and present it at the box office to redeem for a free family 4-pack of tickets. Come out and support your team as we gear toward a drive to the Southern Indoor Football League championship.

With the excitement of professional football on the field, fans and their families will also be engaged and involved in our cheerleader and player autograph sessions, contests with great prizes, and much, much more!

Affordable sponsorship opportunities are still available to local businesses and are a great way to associate your company with a professional sports team.

Great locations are still available for the 2009 and upcoming 2010 season! Act now to reserve the best seats. Call a Season Sales Representative today at 866-969-8228 (TCAT) to reserve your seats today. The Austin Turfcats are committed to being a premier team in the Southern Indoor Football League and being involved in the community for which we serve.

Thank you so much for your support of indoor football in Central Texas. We need you to support us and join our team today !!! CALL 866-969-TCAT TODAY FOR TICKETS !!!

Sincerely,

J. Ronald Oswalt
VP/GM Austin Turfcats
roswalt@turfcats.com
turfcats.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Caballo Diablo

06-12-2009, 07:17 PM

Turfcats Cardenas Returns to the Team From the IFL
June 10, 2009 by Jenna Weynand

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Turfcats welcome back center John Cardenas after his three-game stint as a starter with the Sioux City Bandits of the Indoor Football League. Cardenas played with the Turfcats for the first three games of the season before being recruited by the Bandits of Iowa and then returning to the Turfcats on Saturday.

Although Cardenas is from San Antonio, the move to Iowa originally looked attractive because of the size and the reputation of the IFL. The IFL was created in 2008 after the merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football. There are currently 19 teams in the IFL with teams from Fairbanks, Alaska to Maryland.

Upon Cardenas’ arrival in Nebraska he immediately began to miss the Lone Star State and the Turfcats organization. While he has good things to say about the Bandits and the IFL, after three weeks Cardenas decided it was in his best interest to return to the Turfcats and the Southern Indoor Football League.

“I love this team and this league,” Cardenas said. “I couldn’t wait to get back to Texas and get back to Turfcat football. I really enjoy my teammates and the camaraderie that we have. We have a very talented team, coaching staff, and front office. The coaches have made really good roster decisions and created successful game plans. The administrative staff has done a wonderful job getting this team together and running the organization in a very professional manner. I also am very happy with the way the league is run and its focus on affordable family entertainment.”

“We are very excited to have John back,” Turfcats head coach Chris Duliban said. “His dedication, natural talent and passion for the game make him a huge asset to our team. He is a great leader for our guys and has a good knowledge of the game.”

Cardenas returned in time to play in the Turfcats’ 71-15 win over the North Texas Crunch. The Turfcats next game is against the top-ranked Louisiana Swashbucklers at 6:30 p.m. on Monday and the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Caballo Diablo

06-18-2009, 02:45 PM

Fan Blog Week 10
By Caballo Diablo

Hurricane Season has it’s Sights on Austin

This week is the final regular season home game for the TurfCats, but look for them to have a home playoff game. They were originally scheduled to play the Texas Pirates but the team has changed ownership. The new owner Terry Williams, has decided to change their name to the Texas Hurricanes and move them out of Houston to College Station. The coaching staff and most of the players will be the same for the remainder of the season, but they have already added some new players.

This could help build a natural rivalry between the two teams, after all Austin is the home of the Longhorns while College Station is home to the Aggies. Maybe next season they can hire Dennis Franchione and adopt that ugly burgundy color.

The last time these two teams met was on May 23rd which Austin won 38-20. The TurfCats have improved since then and Texas has only played one other game, in a loss to the Houma Conquerors giving Houma their first win of the season.

Last week the TurfCats went toe to toe with the Swashbucklers on the road and were able to put lots of points on the board against the top ranked defense. Points should come a lot easier this week. Austin’s defense will take the field with a nasty attitude. Not only do they want to avenge last week’s lapse under an AFL type aerial attack, they also remember the taunts from the peanut gallery by Pirates players of being afraid to play them. This should be an enjoyable game for the TurfCat faithful.

Let’s take a look at the current standings and the Play off picture.

..... Team ................. W - L
Louisiana Swashbuckler 7 - 1
Austin Turfcats ........... 5 - 2
Acadiana Mudbugs ..... 4 - 3
Texas Hurricanes ....... 1 - 4
Houma Conquerors .... 1 - 6
North Texas Crunch ... 0 - 1
PASM Florida Kings .... 0 - 1

The Kings are history and the Crunch are ineligible for the play offs, that means only one of the remaining teams will miss the post season. Unless there’s a total melt down in Lake Charles, the Swashbucklers look be the #1 seed with home field advantage throughout. That leaves the #2 seed up for grabs between the Turfcats and the Mudbugs. Austin will travel to Acadiana next week to settle this spot. Players and coaches need to focus on one game at a time while us, the fans, are free to speculate down the road. While I predict the TurfCats to avenge their loss to the Mudbugs and secure the #2 seed, don’t let their 3 losses fool you. All 3 were to the Swashbucklers and Acadiana beat the TurfCats in Austin’s first game of the season.

Once again let me repeat, Austin has improved vastly from their opening game and I don’t see the Mudbugs repeating their defensive dominance with another four interception game against us. No matter the outcome, the top 3 seeds will be claimed by the Swashbucklers, TurfCats, and the Mudbugs leaving the battle for the final spot between Houma and Texas. The bad news for the Hurricanes is, counting this weeks game, Texas has to play the Turfcats 3 more times. The bad news for Houma is they’ve got to play the Swashbucklers twice and close out the season against the Mudbugs. Texas and Houma will be battling for their lives over the last month of the season.

Caballo Diablo

06-19-2009, 09:08 PM

Turfcats Offer Free Tickets for Father's Day
June 19, 2009

He taught us how to stand up for ourselves, throw a ball and drive our first car, so finding the right Father's Day gift is certainly worthy of our consideration. Earlier this week you probably considered a necktie or shirt but the Turfcats thought of something much better. But we’d like to argue that the best Father’s Day present can’t be bought – spending time with good old dad seems to be the best gift you can give.

So the Austin Turfcats will offer free tickets for the game Saturday versus the Texas Hurricanes. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on saturday, Mention twitter or turfcats.com for your free father's day ticket.

TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND LET'S GET THE ARNEA ROCKING !!!

Caballo Diablo

06-21-2009, 12:25 PM

TURFCATS 41, HURRICANES 34
June 20, 2009

AUSTIN, Tex (June 20, 2009) -- Keith Clay’s 3-yard run with 56 second remaining and Mycal Catchings’ fumble recovery with one second remaining lifted the Austin Turfcats a 41-34 victory over the Texas Hurricanes Saturday night. [STATS]

The Turfcats (6-2) erased a 20-0 first half deficit, taking their first lead at 28-27 when Deron Ellis threw a 27-yard touchdown to Robert Quiroga with 14:18 left.

Texas (1-5) regained the lead at 34-28 on Michael Bishop’s 3-yarder to Roland Hayes with 10:13 remaining, but Austin tied it at 34-34 with 8:47 left on Tim Blackwell’s 7-yard run.

After a missed Texas field goal, Austin drove 45 yards to take the lead. Texas moved to the Austin 5-yard line, but Catchings recovered the fumble to preserve the victory.

Five different players scored Austin’s six touchdown, with Reggie Smith posting a 44-yard kickoff return and a touchdown pass from Deron Ellis, who threw two scores and ran for another.

Bishop, the 1998 Davey O’Brien award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up, threw for 104 yards and three touchdowns – two to Joe Townsend – in his SIFL debut.

Caballo Diablo

06-21-2009, 12:27 PM

June 21, 2009
Turfcats Defeat Hurricanes 41-34

Austin, TX – The Austin Turfcats dug them self a hole early but came raging out of it the fourth quarter to win the game in the last minute of regulation. The Turfcats defeated in-state rivals, the Texas Hurricanes 41 to 43.

The Hurricanes were up early by two touchdowns after a 47 yard fumble return and a 12 yard blocked field goal return. The Hurricanes started the second quarter with a Michael Bishop 11 yard touchdown pass to Joe Townsend. The Turfcats then narrowed the gap when Reggie Smith returned a kickoff 44 yards for a score and Deron Ellis threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Smith. The teams then traded touchdowns with Ellis rushing in for the score. The half ended with the Turfcats trailing 27-21.

The third was scoreless but the Turfcats got right down to business in the fourth. It took them only one play to score on their first possession when Ellis threw a 27-yarder to Robert Quiroga to take the lead for the first time in the game. The Hurricanes answered on their next possession regaining the lead but the Turfcats’ tied the score with a Kelly Hancock rushing touchdown.

On the Hurricanes’ next possession the Turfcat defense denied the Hurricanes from getting a first down and the Turfcats offense took over with almost six minutes left on the clock. The Turfcats took the lead for good capping off a five minute, eight play drive with an eight yard touchdown run by Keith Clay. The Hurricanes took possession with less than a minute on the clock but once again the Turfcats defense came up with a crucial stop and the game ended with a final score of Turfcats 41, Hurricanes 34.

Ellis finished with 43 yards rushing, 110 yards passing, and three touchdowns. Quiroga caught five passes for 60 yards and one touchdown. Offensive MVP is Quiroga, defensive is Barrett Dallmeyer, Smith is special teams, and the whole offensive line as a unit was selected as the line MVP.

The Turfcats travel to Lafayette, La, on June 29 to avenge their season opening loss to the Acadiana Mudbugs. Kickoff is 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available at the box office on game day.

Big Easy

06-21-2009, 02:18 PM

How was the crowd? I keep hearing how Austin doesn't support minor league sports. I don't know that to be entirely true. I was at the Express game last night and the place was packed. Tons of legit cash driven sponsorships, thriving concessions, etc.

I do realize it's been a different story for indoor/arena football and hockey versus baseball though.

Caballo Diablo

06-21-2009, 02:53 PM

They announced just under 1,100.

The Express get lots of exposure because they're owned by Nolan Ryan and his family, that also helps with corporates sales and advertising when you can rub shoulders with them.

Austin is also hyped on baseball at the moment as the Longhorns get ready to battle your LSU Tigers for the National Championship.

The merchandise booth and concession stands both reported last night as their best sales night of the season.

Hopefully we can win in Acadiana/Lafayette next week to secure a home playoff game.

trifecta

06-21-2009, 03:29 PM

1100 with a FREE ticket giveaway?

Who is the Owner of the Austin team? You never hear from him/her/them....It is always The GM who is quoted in every press release.

Caballo Diablo

06-21-2009, 05:12 PM

Apparently people weren't interested in free tickets, it looked to be about the normal crowd.

The owner is Albert Martinez, he sits close to my seats but was out of town watching his son play baseball in Dallas yesterday. His brother Joe is the asst GM and very active within the franchise. He always comes out to the tailgate after the games also to spend some time with the fans. All in all they're good people and are making plans for next season.

We missed you at the tailgate, it was another good time for all.

Big Easy

06-21-2009, 10:25 PM

The Express get lots of exposure because they're owned by Nolan Ryan and his family, that also helps with corporates sales and advertising when you can rub shoulders with them.

Austin is also hyped on baseball at the moment as the Longhorns get ready to battle your LSU Tigers for the National Championship.

I think it goes deeper than that. The Express have a fantastic facility, are well managed, provide a great product (on the field and in terms of entertainment), etc. I make several trips each year from Houston to see games there....and that has nothing to do with Nolan Ryan's ownership.

I'm stoked for baseball as well being an LSU guy. But that has nothing to do with making the drive to see the Express play last night. I've been going to games there since 2004 and they've always been well attended...and well funded through sponsorship dollars.

I have first hand knowledge of directing corprate sales efforts from my time as Director of Corporate Sales with the Houston Aeros. It's not easy. I feel for other teams who are trying to stay afloat. The only reason I bring any of this up is because I keep hearing how Austin doesn't support their teams. I think the Express are an asterisk that should be mentioned when people make that statement. They have done a great job in Round Rock.

While it helps to have a Nolan Ryan to hang your hat on, thats not enough to close corporate sponsorship deals these days. You have to be able to provide ROI opportunities (the days of simply "branding" are over)...and fill the stands (with in reason). These are things the Express have been able to offer for 10 years now. Only Sacramento draws more people per game in the PCL (and only by about 150 per game I think). ROI and well attended games goes way beyond any benefits of Ryan's ownership if you are a media buyer.

trifecta

06-21-2009, 10:45 PM

Big Easy

06-22-2009, 12:01 AM

Agreed about Express comments. They are a CLASS act.

ROI for prospective sponsors comes down to impressions.

Express average 9k per game X 70 home games in a beatiful Ball Park = 630k Season impressions

Turfcats average 1500 per game (MAYBE) X 6 Home games in a Barn= 9k SEASON impressions.

Neither has any television exposure EXCEPT Nightly news covers the Express and possible sponsor signage could be visible.

In otherwords....Turfcats Entire Season=ONE Express game. 9k vs. 9k

That means a Turfcat sponsorship should be valued at about 1/70th of an Express Sponsorship.

A 70k Express deal should be a 1k Turfcat Deal.

I think it goes beyond that as well. The Express have a 10 year history and are thriving. Sponsors know they will be there. They know they will deliver...or give them the best chance at a successful sports sponsorship program possible. They can lock in on multiple year deals and campaigns. While the Turfcats have been one of the league's most "successful" teams, there is no guarantee they will be there next week much less next season. At least not at the comfort level an Express sponsor can feel. Therefore 1/70 is probably not a realistic barometer.

Look, I'm not knocking the Turfcats or the league, I'm just pointing out some very realistic matters. Minor league sports can be successful in Austin. I'm tired of hearing they can't. Like I said about the T-Cats at the beginning of their season, they've done a good job of making noise, the real test will be providing substance to the noise they've created. I think it's fair to say they have a long way to go. I understand the idea behind making a big deal out of any little thing that happens (and Oswalt did a good job of that), but those of us who understand the process know that fabricated or exagerrated noise doesn't necessarily equal ticket sales or cash sponsors. You can't eat hype.

spikeville

06-22-2009, 11:34 AM

Hey guys does anyone know if this is the only forum of its kind or are other cities as real world crazed when they come to their town as austin is?

Caballo Diablo

06-22-2009, 12:06 PM

BIG EASY.
you do bring up some good points.
The AFL Wranglers averaged over 10,000 for their 4 years here and they were poked fun at for not being able to draw people. It still left the 15K arena 1/3 empty and looking bad.

The Express moved up a league and expanded the stadium while the Wranglers moved down a league and then that 15K arena looked deserted with only 3,500 in it. The biggest problem was the Erwin center was the only venue available in the Austin market and cost $20K per game to rent. $30k if there was another event the next couple of days and they needed a quick turn around.

Round Rock supports and loves the express, they are much easier to work with on the stadium deal and understand the benefits of having a team in the stadium. The University of Texas is very difficult to work with, they could care less about a minor league team. They give ZERO support to the team or community and flat out told the Wranglers to go ahead and move to San Antonio, we don't care. Notice they're called the Round Rock Express, not the Austin Express.

About you traveling to the Round Rock area to see the express, those of us that frequent the forums are a rare breed. We love out sport and road trips to watch are enjoyable. We can't be figured into the business plan equation, we're the icing on the cake so to say.

It also comes down to personal preference. Football is my favorite and hockey is second. I travel to watch them and make other plans around their schedule. I've been to express games, but it was always a free ticket and some of the times it was because one of my kids were involved with an event associated with the team or game. I don't care much for baseball and I realize many of their fans don't care about minor league football.

The media is a huge bonus, the express have always got the attention and word out to the public. The media never cared about the any of the Austin Indoor football team. Heck, they talk more about the new soccer team, the Aztecz than they ever did about the Ice Bats, Toros, or Wranglers. I've spoke with all three of the Sports editors at the Statesman and have been told flat out they care about the TurfCats or Wranglers before them.

What do they need 3 sports editiors for? The rarely follow local sports or actually write articles themselves. The live off of copy and paste from the AP wire. Most people get their national news and info about the major leagues from their computer. There are so many newspapers that ignote the local population and they wonder why subscriptions are plummeting.

Caballo Diablo

06-22-2009, 05:14 PM

NEW PLAYERS;

People at the game this week saw two new players for the Turfcats,
RB - Tim Blackwell, a former Swashbuckle and OL - James Cardenas, who played for the af2 Wranglers in 2008 and the Corpus Christi Sharks this season. Now we've got both of the Cardenas brothers on the OL.

There will be a few new players getting a look at practice this week also and one in particular looks to have a shot at making the starting line up. You need 2 regular season games to be playoff eligible and there's only 3 weeks left in the season.

Caballo Diablo

06-23-2009, 06:42 PM

Fan Blog Week 11 – 2009 by Caballo Diablo
Home Field Advantage is on the Line

The TurfCats have completed their inaugural regular season home schedule with a record of 5-1 and have three road games left. Their only home loss was to the Acadiana MudBugs in week 1. This week they travel to Acadiana with a chance to seek revenge, even the series at 1-1 and win a Home Playoff game.

The T-Cats sit at 6-2 while the MudBugs currently are at 5-3. It would take a miracle finish for either Houma or Texas to move into the #3 seed, and one of them will miss the playoffs all together. The Swashbucklers sit at 8-1 still having to play Texas and Houma so it looks like they’ve secured the #1 seed barring an unimaginable collapse in the next two weeks. The `Bucs close out the Regular season with a Bye in the final week.

This my friends leaves the #2 and 3# seeds between Austin and Acadiana which will be decided this Saturday. The winner of this weeks game will secure the #2 seed and a Home Playoff game and then face each other once again in Round 1 of the post season.

After this weeks match up Acadiana will have their final two games against Houma and Texas, while Austin will play Texas twice in 5 days, both on the road.

The final playoff spot will come down to 1-7 Houma and 1-5 Texas. Houma still has to play the swashbucklers, MudBugs, and Crunch probably finishing at 2-9. Texas also has to play the Swashbucklers, MudBugs, and Crunch, along with the TurfCats twice. The Hurricanes toughest stretch will be playing three games in six days, luckily for them all three are at home. It looks like they could also finish the season 2-9, unless they are beat up and exhausted from the 3 game stretch in a weeks time and the Crunch can pull an upset.

Upsets can rearrange this whole scenario as it’s built off the underdogs losing all of their games in the remaining three weeks of the season.

While a few people have been outspoken and negative all season, and a few others have puffed out their chest in ignorance to spout hatred towards the SIFL, but all in all it’s been a normal inaugural season. Sure, the league has encountered some problems and growing pains, what league hasn’t?

We all know about the AFL, they fumbled their game plan of becoming the 5th Major league and priced themselves out of the 2009 season. This is still an ongoing experiment of restructuring the business plan but the ownership groups have barricaded themselves into small factions of dissent for each other.

The af2 currently seems to be the most stable as they finish up their 10th season, but are not without problems of their own. The Quad City Steamwheelers just had to be saved long enough to finish the season and their long term viability is still under review. Last season they returned to the Championship game being played at the Home of the highest seed, this year they’ve flipped back to a neutral site game which has many of the fans in an uproar.

The Intense Football league and United Indoor Football league merged to form the Indoor Football league (IFL) and love to promote themselves as the “Premier” League. Even though this is also their inaugural season it’s not your standard expansion league or start up business venture. Both leagues in the merger were existing, and it’s filled with existing franchises not start ups.

Some IFL fans and even it’s commissioner Tommy Benizio have taken pot shots at the SIFL which is unprofessional and kind of funny. You would think the commissioner of a league would be more concerned with solving their own problems instead of attacking others. Mr. Benizio has been unable to form a coherent league as of yet while the Intense vs United is still an ugly sore festering under his nose as he thumbs it at others.

The IFL didn’t verify information on league franchise applications and ended up punishing one of their teams by turning 5 wins into 5 losses. That’s a pretty severe punishment while the league accepts no responsibility for the error. Then another owner grabs the facemask of an opposing player and tries to give him his full vocabulary of George Carlin’s words you can’t say on TV. Since this owner is a friend of Mr. Benizio all he got for his actions were a slap on the wrist and a $500 fine.

Now during this past weeks games one of their players sucker punches an official out of the blue and knocks him out. We’ll have to wait and see if the commissioner has the cahonies to deal with it appropriately. At least the player was arrested for assault and spent the night in jail. What can you expect from the players when owners play the role of Thug themselves?

These are only a few of the examples of difficulties going on in the 50 yard sport where many pretend to perfect while throwing rocks at others. I could list some similar issues in the 4 major leagues also but there’s not enough room to do so.

That brings us to the SIFL, let’s look a few of the issues people attack them for. Using the Florida Kings as a “Road Only” team. One forum poster tries to tell us how bad it is and the AFL never did it, when in fact they had more than one. The reason- The owner of the Pasadena team had serious health issues and was forced to postpone joining the league. Season ticket packages had been sold league wide and the league wanted to give the fans every game they deserved so a road only team was allowed to join.

Moving a Team in mid-season, another difficult situation that was handled well by the league. What is better, letting a team fold or finding an owner capable of improving the franchise? This also solved many problems caused by one franchise. Once again, the af2 had a similar situation this season with Quad cities.

A coach pulling his team off the field with seconds left on the clock. This was poor judgment by a good coach, a mistake he regrets and has apologized for. Still it’s better than an owner assaulting an opposing player as happened in another league.

We can debate these for ever, and if people carry on an adult conversation in doing so, fine. As to the Haters, there’s no room for you here so move along. People need to climb down from their marble pedestals and accept a serving of reality. The 50 yard game, no matter the alphabet soup listed in front of their name are all just one part of a Niche Sport. You can’t have a team in your area without a league, and you can’t have a league without several teams.

Fans of individual leagues need to wake up and support the sport itself, you never know when your local team will fold or move. This sport is built around discretionary income from middle class fans and the economy is stretching all of our budgets thin. Teams come and go, leagues come and go, all you’ve got left are the players, staff, and fans. We all need to support each other or possibly fold together. Most fans don’t choose the league they watch, they watch the league/team in their area. They’ve all got pock marks underneath their make up so you might want to look in the mirror before climbing up on your soap box of indignation.

ronaldoswalt

06-30-2009, 01:00 AM

I have followed and been involved in this sport for years but tonight's game was one the best I have been a part of in indoor football or af2. The Mudbugs were the most gracious host to the Turfcats. Great food and good times, but the game had 7 scoring changes which has to be a SIFL record, great crowd and everything that makes indoor football so awesome. Anyone that was at this game was a part of probably the best of the year. Go to turfcats.com for release soon.

ronaldoswalt

07-01-2009, 12:11 PM

Here's the link to the video @ http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/sports/063009_Catching_up_with_Shon_Mitchell

Caballo Diablo

07-01-2009, 07:14 PM

Catching up with Shon Mitchell
Former LBJ and UT star now a Turfcat
Tuesday, 30 Jun 2009

myFOXaustin - Long after his stellar high school football career at LBJ, and his two successful seasons at the University of Texas, Shon Mitchell is still playing football in Austin.

The 35 year old pigskin journeyman is a member of the Austin Turfcats, the city's new Southern Indoor Football League squad.

"I love the game so much I can't even pull myself away at 35," joked Mitchell. "I've played in front of 100 people, I've played in front of 90,000. It's been fun. Playing football for me is a dream come true."

At LBJ in the early 90's, Mitchell sprinted into the spotlight as one of the state's top running backs. Later, he and backfield mate Ricky Williams helped the 'Horns win two straight conference titles. Mitchell capped his college career with a memorable 37-27 victory over third-ranked Nebraska in the '96 Big 12 Championship game.

"Playing with Ricky (Williams) and James Brown and them was a thrill winning all those championships," said Mitchell. "If we could have just won a national championship it would have been great to bring to the University of Texas."

A hamstring injury hurt any chances of Mitchell landing an NFL job out of college. Now, after arena-league stints and some time in NFL Europe, Mitchell is enjoying his time as a Turfcat defensive back - a position he said he wanted to play at UT under head coach John Mackovic.

Mitchell's biggest victory, however, will come later this summer. More than a decade after leaving UT, Mitchell has returned to the classroom to earn his degree in Youth and Community Studies.

"That's one of my mother's goals so that's one of my goals too is to be the first one out of the family to graduate," said Mitchell.

VIDEO at:
http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp..._up_with_Shon_Mitchell

Caballo Diablo

07-04-2009, 02:39 PM

Turfcats To Take On Hurricanes
Posted on July 03, 2009 by Kasey Johns

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Turfcats (7-2) will travel to College Station on Tuesday to take on the Texas Hurricanes (1-6) in a much-anticipated rematch between the two Texas teams in the Southern Indoor Football League. This game was originally scheduled for May 30 but was postponed due to Texas' arena issues.

The Turfcats are coming off of an exciting comeback victory over the Acadiana Mudbugs (5-4) on Monday where they clinched second place. The game had seven lead changes and a Turfcats double lateral for a touchdown. The last score change came with 3:17 seconds remaining in the game and put the Turfcats up by four points. The Turfcats scored one more touchdown making the final score 50-40. Gary Cooper finished six of 13 for 82 yards and a 46-yard touchdown pass to Robert Quiroga. Quiroga had five catches for 85 yards and one touchdown, Keith Clay had three touchdowns and Darrick Wallace ran the opening kickoff back for a score.

The Hurricanes are regrouping after the Louisiana Swashbucklers (9-1) went on a 56-6 second half scoring run to blow them out 78-26. The Hurricanes were only down by two points early in the third quarter but the Swashbucklers had a string of big scores and defensive stops to run away with the game. Hurricanes quarterback Michael Bishop had 141 yards, two touchdowns, four interceptions, and was sacked five times.

The last meeting between the Turfcats and Hurricanes was decided by one score in the last minute of the game. The Hurricanes were up by two touchdowns early but the Turfcats narrowed the gap to 27-21 at halftime. The score was tied late in the fourth but Clay's touchdown run with 56 seconds left and Michael Catchings' fumble recovery with one second left sealed the Turfcats' win 41-34. The Turfcats also won the first meeting with the Hurricanes 38-20. Both games were played in Austin.

The Hurricanes will be out for blood looking to avenge these two losses and get a win with Bishop, their new quarterback. Not only will the Hurricanes have to fend off the Turfcats but they'll have to overcome a difficult schedule as well. The Hurricanes host the third place Acadiana Mudbugs on July 5, just two days before they host the Turfcats.

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at the Arctic Wolf Ice Center in College Station. Tickets will be available at the box office on game day. Live updates will be broadcast on Turfcats.com and Twitter.com/austinturfcats.

ronaldoswalt

07-08-2009, 02:21 PM

http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/50181592.html kbtx tv clip

http://www.brazossports.com/football/Hurricanes-fall-to-TurfCats-in-sloppy-affair college station eagle newspaper

Caballo Diablo

07-10-2009, 03:51 PM

July 18th Playoff Tickets On Sale Monday

Tickets for the Saturday, July 18th Southern Indoor Football League playoff game between your Austin Turfcats and the Acadiana Mudbugs will go on sale on Monday, July 13th.

A special event will be held for 2009 season ticket holders at the Chili's at IH-35 and Stassney Lane from Noon until 7:00pm. There, season ticket holders will have the option of reserving their existing seats as well as being put at the "front of the line" for additional or upgraded seats when tickets go on sale to the general public Tuesday morning.

Ticket sales to the general public will begin at midnight on Tuesday, July 14th, and will only be done online at Turfcats.com. Tickets will be sold in a "best available" fashion and held at the box office Will-Call window on game day. Due to logistical issues, no ticket orders will be taken by phone for this playoff game.

Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office on Saturday. Kickoff is at 6:30pm; the box office and tailgating opens at 2:30pm and the arena opens at 5:30pm.

Tickets are $25/seat for a field-level ticket, $10/seat for the middle level, and $5/seat for the upper level.

For more information, e-mail tickets@turfcats.com or visit Turfcats.com and click on the "Tickets" link.

Thank you for your support of your Austin Turfcats!!

Caballo Diablo

07-12-2009, 03:06 PM

PLAYOFF TAILGATE INFO

All members of the tailgate crews, please send me your email address, you can PM it instead of posting it on the open forum so we can plan it out. typically much of this was done through phone calls as everyone got different instructions and I don't have all of your emails. With all of the questions I would like to be able to send a mass email as we prepare for saturdays game.

At the moment it's still all a big question, I'll be meeting with the front office tomorrow trying to get some questions answered.

Every game you guys have done an excellent job putting together and after game meal for both teams. Much of the prep work is done the day before and is put together while most fans are on the field for the after game autograph session.

Many of the players from both teams have requested a crawfish boil. This has to be done on site after the game and can't be pre-cooked. With brisket, chicken, etc we had been cooking alot before hand and grilling, sausage, dogs, and burgers on site.

Someone (the tailgate crew knows who ) has been saying all year that she was a chef and wanted to get the upstairs banquet facility over looking the field to put on an after party.
For one reason or another it hasn't panned out yet. She said at last night at the game that this party was confirmed for after next saturdays playoff game.

This raises some questions. First, has it been officially authorized by the team? Who will pay to rent the facility? Will she actually supply an after game meal for everyone? Will both teams be invited as we've done with the tailgate? Will all fans at the game be invited or just the season ticket holders? or just the core group of avid fans that have worked all season to put on the extracuricular activities.

I'm open to any and all fans but.................
The banquet hall isn't large enough for everyone. That's a lot of food, if in fact food will be supplied. This is a lot of money.

Will the tailgate crew have to set up and cook out at the tailgate while this after party is going on. The boil will have to be set up in the 4th qtr and the tailgate crew will miss the end of the game and after party if so. We don't want to purchase all of the food and bring all of the equiptment if the tailgate meals aren't needed. We don't want several bags of live crawfish sitting around unused.

So, should we prepare to put on the tailgate as usual?
Should we prepare to assist with the party in the banquet hall?
Should we prepare to just enjoy the after party and relax as we celebrate the victory?

I've already submitted these questions and hopefully can have it worked out soon.

Once again, a HUGE THANKS to everyone that's been invoved this season. it couldn't have been a successful tailgate season without you. Stay tuned.

Caballo Diablo

07-15-2009, 11:37 AM

Mudbugs-Turfcats Playoff Game to be Streamed Live
July 15, 2009

Preparations are continuing for Saturday's SIFL Playoffs matchup between the Acadiana Mudbugs (6-5) and the Austin Turfcats (9-2). One of the latest developments is that this will be the first Turfcats game of the 2009 season to be broadcast live on Turfcats.com.

Web viewers will see the game from the 25-yard line camera, plus interviews with Turfcats staff during halftime and postgame. Users will also be able to chat with one another during the game. The Turfcats LiveBlog will also make its first home game appearance, after a successful debut during the team's recent back-to-back trips to College Station. As always, scoreboard updates will be available on the homepage of Turfcats.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/austinturfcats as well.

Turfcats Live is being generously underwritten by Adfirmative.com, Austin Extreme Graphics, Family Health Chriopractic, and sparkNet Creative.

Pregame coverage begins at 6:20pm Saturday at www.turfcats.com/live.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Join the Playoff Push!
Buy your playoff tickets for Saturday's game online

Join us for Turfcats Thursdays at Chili's
IH-35 and Stassney - TOMORROW from 5pm-Close

Caballo Diablo

07-15-2009, 11:46 AM

Austin's Keith Clay Closes Out VIDSWAP.com POTW Award
July 15, 2009 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)

LAKE CHARLES, La. (July 15, 2009) - Austin Turfcats RB Keith Clay has been named the Southern Indoor Football League's VIDSWAP.com Player Of The Week by virtue of his performance and fan vote in the final week of the SIFL's inaugural season.

Clay had a combined five touchdowns in the Turfcats' two victories over the Texas Hurricanes. He narrowly outdistanced teammate Ray Hall as well as Houma's Omar Haugabook and Derrick Patterson in the balloting held on www.southernifl.com.

Each SIFL game has four MVPs for offensive, defensive, line and special teams. Two game MVPS are selected for balloting for the league-wide MVP by fans.

Clay's victory marked the seventh for a Turfcat during the regular season.

On Thursday, the SIFL will announce its Hooters Players Of The Quarter for the final three weeks of the season. The inaugural season all-league team is scheduled to be announced on Monday, July 20.

Week 13 Final Poll Results
Vidswap.com Player of the Week (Poll Closed)
Keith Clay, Austin 39%
Ray Hall, Austin 39%
Omar Haugabook, Houma 15%
Derrick Patterson, Houma 7%

Caballo Diablo

07-15-2009, 11:48 AM

July 14 2009
Multiple Turfcats Nominated for 2009 All-SIFL Awards

AUSTIN, Texas - The Southern Indoor Football League released its ballot for the 2009 All-SIFL Awards and it includes at least one Austin Turfcats player or coach in every category. The ballot is posted on the SIFL website at http://www.southernifl.com/page-2009-all-SIFL.html

Fans are encouraged to visit the site and cast their vote. The fans' collective vote will be used in conjunction with votes from each team, SIFL staff and local media sources to determine the winners. Voting ends Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT.

There are a total of ten different positions included on the ballot with 20 different Turfcats nominated for those positions:

• Quarterback of the Year - Deron Ellis
• Running Back of the Year - Keith Clay
• Wide Receiver of the Year - Robert Quiroga, Reggie Smith, Darrick Wallace
• Offensive Lineman of the Year - John Cardenas, Bryan Oes, Kamaron Young, Tim Cook
• Kicker of the Year - Darren Brown
• Defensive Lineman of the Year - Tim Cook, Otis Neal, Barrett Dallmeyer, Kevin Earvine
• Linebacker of the Year - Avery Cleveland
• Defensive Back of the Year - Metrick McHenry, Shon Mitchell, JR Turner, Mycal Catchings
• Kick Returner of the Year - Darrick Wallace
• Coach of the Year - Chris Duliban

Playoffs begin Saturday when the second place Turfcats (9-2) host the third place Acadiana Mudbugs (6-5) and continue Monday when the first place Louisiana Swashbucklers (10-1) host the fourth place Houma Conquerors (3-8). The winners of those games will face each other in the 2009 SIFL Championship.

Playoff tickets for Saturday's game are on sale now at www.Turfcats.com. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. at adfirmative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center. Gates open at 2:30 and doors open at 5:30. Live updates will be posted on Turfcats.com and Twitter.com/austinturfcats.

Caballo Diablo

07-16-2009, 08:33 PM

Fan Blog: Week 14 by Caballo Diablo
2009 SIFL Post Season Round #1

A new season is upon us. After the seeding, regular season records don’t count, season stats don’t matter. All four of the teams start with a 0-0 record and when the dust settles the only thing that matters is the “W”. The winners this week move into the First ever SIFL Championship game and the losers start preparing for 2010.

Game 1 of the playoffs kick off at 6:30 this Saturday in Austin Texas just like the first ever SIFL regular season game, and against the same team. The #2 Seed Austin Turfcats will host the #3 Seed Acadiana Mudbugs. The T-cats are looking to make a small adjustment for this one though, that would be a victory.

If you recall, the MudBugs came into the Expo center and handed Austin their first loss in franchise history. The T-Cats were not very impressive on offense, they turned the ball over too many times, and ended up on the wrong end of a 37-29 game. How did the Turfcats respond by losing their inaugural game? They held their heads high, said it’s only one game and went to work fixing their mistakes and improving in all aspects of play. The didn’t lose another home game all year and finished the regular season with a 5-1 Home record including a 56-53 victory against the Swashbucklers in week four which many had said was impossible.

The road games went pretty well for Austin also where they went 4-1, their only road loss was to the Swashbucklers 60-43 after jumping out to an early lead and fading in the second half. They did avenge their only home loss by beating the MudBugs on the road 50-40 to even the series between the two teams.

How do these teams measure up today? Austin enters the playoffs riding a 4 game winning streak and totally dominated their final game. They’ve got momentum in their favor along with the Home crowd behind them. Acadiana on the other hand was 6-5 and lost on the road last week to the Houma Conquerors 40-28.

We can look at this several different ways. The MudBugs were already locked into the #3 seed and knew no matter the outcome of the game that they were headed to Austin for Round 1 of the Playoffs. Were they resting players or just not focused and looking ahead? Either way it would seem they are headed to Austin desperate while the TurfCats should be confident.

Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. They know desperate teams can be dangerous, they also know without focus and execution the underdog can sneak up and bite you as Houma did to the MudBugs last week. You can believe they respect their opponent and will enter the arena ready for a battle and play a full 60 minutes without looking ahead.

The fans need to help though, if everyone brings just one friend to the game with them, it’ll be a great turnout. Come early and be loud, we need to fill the arena with excitement and electricity so that it engulfs the field. Let’s make the players and coaching staff as proud to play in Austin as we are proud of what they’ve given us this season. It also wouldn’t hurt to say a little Prayer for the Houma Conquerors as they head to Lake Charles this week. And don’t forget, for those unable to make it out to the Expo center Saturday night the game will be streamed live over the Net at http://www.turfcats.com/

Game 2 will be in Lake Charles on Monday night starting at 7:00 where the #1 Seed Louisiana Swashbucklers host the #4 Seed Houma Conquerors. The `Bucs finished the season 10-1, their only loss was to the Turfcats and they’re riding a home win streak that dates almost back to the days of leather helmets. Houma ended up 3-8 but did post a huge upset last week that put them into the #4 Seed. Did they shoot their wad or do they still have another upset in them that casts memories of the AFL’s 2007 Columbus Destroyers and 2006 Chicago Rush entering the playoffs on a dismal record and a prayer making it to the Championship game, C-Bus lost and the Rush took the trophy. Just remember, on any given day if the stars align properly underdogs can prevail.

This game will also be streamed live over the Net at http://www.labucs.com/

Caballo Diablo

07-17-2009, 12:09 PM

July 15 2009
SIFL Playoffs Start in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The second place Austin Turfcats (9-2) will host the Southern Indoor Football League's inaugural playoff game Saturday against the third place Acadiana Mudbugs (6-5). The regular season series between the teams is 1-1 with both teams winning on the road.

The Turfcats closed out the regular season with two wins in five days in College Station against the Texas Hurricanes (1-9). The Turfcats won the first game 36-18 on July 7. In the final game on July 11, the score was tied at 14 in the first quarter but the Turfcats finished strong with a 60-28 lead over the Hurricanes. Gary Cooper rushed for one touchdown and passed for 76 yards and 3 touchdowns. Darrick Wallace caught three touchdown passes and Keith Clay and Reggie Smith each scored twice.

The Mudbugs also finished their season on the road but lost 40-28 to the Houma Conquerors (3-8) allowing Houma to make the playoffs. The Mudbugs scored one rushing touchdown in each quarter: three by Chandler Roberson and one by Anthony Parks. Bo Bartik threw for 205 yards but no touchdowns.

The teams last met in Lafayette, La where the Turfcats were looking to avenge their season opening loss to the Mudbugs. The game had seven lead changes but the Turfcats finished on top 50-40. Wallace returned the opening kickoff and a blocked field goal for scores. Clay added three more touchdowns and Cooper finished six of 13 for 82 yards and one touchdown to Robert Quiroga.

Tickets for Saturday's game are on sale now at www.Turfcats.com. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. at the adfirmative.com Field at the Travis County Expo Center. Gates open at 2:30 and doors open at 5:30. Live updates will be posted on Turfcats.com and Twitter.com/austinturfcats.

Caballo Diablo

07-17-2009, 02:37 PM

TAILGATE UPDATE

Holy crap! I just got off the phone with some people headed out way that don't usually make the games or tailgate. There will be at least 2 bus loads of people coming up from San Antonio (100 to 120). An extra 50 from San marcos, and another 50 from the north, and most of the SIFL front office.

That's around 250 people more than normal. Add in both teams and staffs and the regular tailgate crowd. I was told to expect around 400 at the tailgate, then they are thinking about announcing it to the crowd during the game - YIKES !!

My 200 sausages won't cut it. I'vce got to contact some people about making another trip to Sams and load up on some beer, water, and Ice. I need all the help I can get, I also need extra coolers of Ice to put the stuff in. Folding tables, chairs, etc.

PLEASE HELP !!

Caballo Diablo

07-19-2009, 03:48 AM

Just got back from the after party and WOW?
It was an emotional roller coaster all night long.
Big props to John Fourcade and the Acadiana Mudbugs, they put last weeks upset behind them and came to play tonight. Either team could have won it and the the loser has a right to be upset. This is one of the best games I've seen in many years.

I talked with John and the team on the bus before they pulled out and let them know the respect we have for them. They played hard and even though the defeat is tough to swallow should hold their heads high, they are a good team.
.................................................. ......

Turfcats Win Semi-Final in Overtime

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Turfcats won the inaugural Southern Indoor Football League semi-final game in overtime, beating the Acadiana Mudbugs 56-49. There were 10 lead changes and a tied game at 40 in the third quarter. Regulation ended with a tie at 49. The Turfcats scored first in overtime and the Mudbugs were unable to put any points on the board giving the Turfcats the first spot in the SIFL Championship Game.

Turfcats quarterback Gary Cooper played the whole game, rushing for 20 yards and throwing for 124 yards and three touchdowns. David Banks, back from injury, had three rushing touchdowns, Darrick Wallace had two, and Robert Quiroga and Keith Clay each added one.

Mudbugs quarterback Bo Bartik threw for 241 yards and four touchdowns while Anthony Parks caught three of those touchdowns passes and Andre Kelly caught the other. Chandler Roberson had three rushing touchdowns.

The Turfcats will face the winner of Monday night’s first place Louisiana Swashbucklers versus the Houma Conquerors game in the inaugural SIFL Championship Game.

Caballo Diablo

07-19-2009, 02:46 PM

FOOTBALL
Turfcats in Southern Indoor Football title game
By Kevin Robbins
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Austin Turfcats will play in the championship game of the Southern Indoor Football League.

In the league semifinals Saturday, the Turfcats beat the Acadiana (La.) Mudbugs 56-49 in overtime, in front of a team-record attendance of 3,864 fans.

The Turfcats play the winner of Monday's game between the Houma Conquerors and Louisiana Swashbucklers for the championship of the indoor football league, which includes teams in Texas and Louisiana.

"Our mission is to bring the first professional championship to Austin," Turfcats coach Chris Duliban said. "We've got our shot."

This is the first season for the Turfcats (10-2), who play at the Travis County Expo Center.

They won Saturday on a 2-yard touchdown run by David Banks. The Mudbugs failed to score on their final possession.

"We're strong," said Turfcats wide receiver Darrick Wallace, who played at Grambling State.

Caballo Diablo

07-19-2009, 03:11 PM

Hey Trifecta, did you make it out to the game lastnight? If not you missed a great one. I even mentioned you in the post game show and told them you were were rooting for us.

Big Easy

07-19-2009, 09:21 PM

The Mudbugs had the game in hand and were ready to take it.....only to give away their chance. Have to give the Cats credit for taking advantage of the opportunity. It was nice to be able to watch parts of the game on the internet feed. The moderators in the chat area were very sensative though. Before a comment would be posted it needed to go through moderation. Some honest and very harmless questions and comments I submitted were not approved for whatever reason. So I just kicked back and watched the rest. The second half was primarily what I got to see as the picture kept freezing in the second half. None of this is knocks, just facts. No need to be sensative to factual statements. I appreciated the opportunity to watch and make a few comments.

On a side note, and this is critical, I find it very hard to believe there were 3864 in attendance. How many does that building hold for T-Cat games? There were many more empty seats than people (15-1 at least) on the screen.

MUDBUG1

07-19-2009, 09:26 PM

there was 3-4000 in attendance. it seemed half showed up in the 2nd period. i was there. great game even though we lost

Caballo Diablo

07-19-2009, 09:37 PM

On a side note, and this is critical, I find it very hard to believe there were 3864 in attendance. How many does that building hold for T-Cat games? There were many more empty seats than people (15-1 at least) on the screen.
For football and hockey set-ups the arena holds right at 8,000.
One side of the arena easily had twice as many people as the other side for some reason.

The lower (floor seating) and middle sections are assigned seats while the larger upper sections are general admission. I'm not sure why most people went to one side.

For the first half I sat front row on the wall at the 20 yd line and even caught one of Bo Bartick's passes. The second half I sat on the other side of the arena about halfway up with some other friends.

Caballo Diablo

07-20-2009, 11:18 AM

Turfcats Organizing Party Bus to the SIFL Championship
July 19, 2009

The Austin Turfcats are playing in the first-ever SIFL Championship Game. Assuming that the Houma Conquerors are unable to upset the Louisiana Swashbucklers in their semi-final matchup tonight, the Turfcats will face the Bucs for the championship on Monday, July 27th, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Jack Dixon, Director of Operations for the Turfcats, is organizing a bus trip to the game and will be going along for the ride to act as your tour guide.

The bus will leave from the Travis County Exposition Center at 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 27th. Upon arriving in Louisiana (roughly 12:30 p.m.), we will go to the L’Auberge du Lac Casino and Resort to have some fun.

The L’Auberge du Lac Casino and Resort has multiple amenities in addition to the casino, so fans of all ages will be able to have some fun. The casino is located just a short distance from the Lake Charles Civic Center, so we will be able to stay at the casino until 5:00 p.m. before heading to the game. For more details on the resort, check out their website at http://www.ldlcasino.com/home.aspx

The bus will then leave shortly after the game (after some tailgating, of course) and should arrive back in Austin at the Expo Center around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28th.

Seats are $85 per person and this includes the bus trip, the casino visit and an upper level seat to the game. There are 40 seats available and they will be reserved on a first come first serve basis. Ticket upgrades will be available at the box office. For information on ticket prices, visit the Bucs' website at http://www.labucs.com/

To book your seat contact Jack Dixon at (866) 969-TCAT (8228.), or via email at jack@turfcats.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23rd.
http://www.turfcats.com/news/2009-07-19/turfcats-organizing-party-bus-to-the-sifl-championship.html

exit322

07-20-2009, 03:47 PM

On a side note, and this is critical, I find it very hard to believe there were 3864 in attendance. How many does that building hold for T-Cat games? There were many more empty seats than people (15-1 at least) on the screen.

You must not have seen pictures from AF2 Texas Copperheads games where "4000" people were there.

From the eyewitness accounts here, the 3864 seems reasonable. Even if it's high by 1,000, that's common in this (and all) sports. 3864 when 3000 were there is OK; "4000" when 700 were there is not.

sparknetKasey

07-20-2009, 06:43 PM

It was nice to be able to watch parts of the game on the internet feed. The moderators in the chat area were very sensative though. Before a comment would be posted it needed to go through moderation. Some honest and very harmless questions and comments I submitted were not approved for whatever reason.Seeing as how I was the one on the mic... and handling the live blog... and handling just about everything related to the webcast, the Twitter feed, and LiveScore... :)

It wasn't a question of sensitivity, it was simply a question of manpower. I called in a friend of mine on Friday to help run the webcast and handle Twitter (which I normally do) so that I could focus on the play-by-play and a set of interviews we had lined up for second half. Long story short, due to staffing issues elsewhere in the arena, that was all the help I got. My plan was to have two more bodies helping out to where I could really focus on nothing but the game and they could handle the Liveblog and the other little toys, but that just didn't happen. So we blew out the interview plan... which, the way the game turned in the second half, and then into OT, ended up being a good idea anyways.

Ultimately, I'd like to find a different chat system entirely for the webcast (one that doesn't involve moderation), but we couldn't get that implemented in time so we merged the Liveblog in. Unfortunately, the Liveblog is a full-time job in itself (between keeping track of the action and then handling comments/questions) so it wasn't effective for this at all. (And to answer the easy question - there is no switch to turn the moderation off. CoverItLive - the liveblogging software - just isn't wired that way.)

Scott (in LA) uses Stickam for their webcasts, but the system we're using (Watershed powered by Ustream.tv) offers a few more features. The downside is that it doesn't come in a nice little easy-to-drop-in package like Stickam does. By next season, though, I'll have it all figured out. :) We've got the high school football season to play with it and get it nailed down for next March.

All of that being said... for a first time out, I think the system worked pretty well. We almost topped 100 viewers near the end of the game.

Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching. With all of us (likely) converging in Lake Charles next week, the Championship webcast and the associated coverage should be pretty enjoyable and in-depth for anyone not able to be there in person.

Big Easy

07-20-2009, 10:55 PM

You must not have seen pictures from AF2 Texas Copperheads games where "4000" people were there.

From the eyewitness accounts here, the 3864 seems reasonable. Even if it's high by 1,000, that's common in this (and all) sports. 3864 when 3000 were there is OK; "4000" when 700 were there is not.

I'm not going to get into a back and forth on this. While the team and organization may be disbanded, I'm going to maintain my integrity by sticking to a couple of facts. You can shoot back however you like, I have nothing to defend and no reason to go beyond these quick statements.

1. I do not recall ever claiming there were 4K people at a home Copperheads game. I think the highest "attendance" I ever reported was about 3300. The numbers I reported were provided to me by the organization. It wasn't my position to report anything other than the "official attendance" as provided by the organization's management. Again, if you want to debate my statements or what I reported, find someone else to do it with. I don't care if the organization is defunct or not, my integrity and trustworthiness is more important to me that a discussion over a defunct af2 teams reported attendance. AND..what does this have to do with Austin anyway?

2. I totally understand how it's done, thats why I asked about the reported "attendance". It doesn't matter what the Copperheads reported, I'm asking about Austin. After working in sports, working closely with an NBA team, etc., I totally "get" how the system works....THATS why I'm asking. Whether it's NFL, NBA, MLB, af2, SIFL, etc., no one reports turnstyle attendance. Many teams use the term attendance but actually quote tickets distributed. Every team measures it and embellishes it slightly different, but none or exactly forthcoming.

3. Contrary to what you may want to believe, I want indoor football to be successful in Texas (Austin included) and am not trying to embarass or put down Austin. My question was legitimate, and asked with no ill will. Some of you are overly sensative.

4. The reason the eyewitnesses spoke up is because someone asked. Sounds fair enough to me. I don't recall disagreeing with them or making negative comments to their first hand reports. I wasn't there and made that very clear. The view I had was very limited. Thats why I asked. Whats the big deal?

Big Easy

07-20-2009, 10:59 PM

Seeing as how I was the one on the mic... and handling the live blog... and handling just about everything related to the webcast, the Twitter feed, and LiveScore... :)

It wasn't a question of sensitivity, it was simply a question of manpower. I called in a friend of mine on Friday to help run the webcast and handle Twitter (which I normally do) so that I could focus on the play-by-play and a set of interviews we had lined up for second half. Long story short, due to staffing issues elsewhere in the arena, that was all the help I got. My plan was to have two more bodies helping out to where I could really focus on nothing but the game and they could handle the Liveblog and the other little toys, but that just didn't happen. So we blew out the interview plan... which, the way the game turned in the second half, and then into OT, ended up being a good idea anyways.

Ultimately, I'd like to find a different chat system entirely for the webcast (one that doesn't involve moderation), but we couldn't get that implemented in time so we merged the Liveblog in. Unfortunately, the Liveblog is a full-time job in itself (between keeping track of the action and then handling comments/questions) so it wasn't effective for this at all. (And to answer the easy question - there is no switch to turn the moderation off. CoverItLive - the liveblogging software - just isn't wired that way.)

Scott (in LA) uses Stickam for their webcasts, but the system we're using (Watershed powered by Ustream.tv) offers a few more features. The downside is that it doesn't come in a nice little easy-to-drop-in package like Stickam does. By next season, though, I'll have it all figured out. :) We've got the high school football season to play with it and get it nailed down for next March.

All of that being said... for a first time out, I think the system worked pretty well. We almost topped 100 viewers near the end of the game.

Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching. With all of us (likely) converging in Lake Charles next week, the Championship webcast and the associated coverage should be pretty enjoyable and in-depth for anyone not able to be there in person.

Good stuff Kasey. I'll be watching the championship game! Thanks for your efforts. You were juggling a lot of balls and did a good job.

Thanks for not taking this in a negative manner. I think it's fair to critique and ask questions as long as it's done without ill will. Thanks for recognizing that my comments were simply my experience and not posted to put you or the organization down.

Caballo Diablo

07-20-2009, 11:23 PM

I was at the game and sat in front of his press box for the 2nd half, he did an outstanding job. It's always difficult to handle this position as the fans watching and listening would like, but he truly was a one man production.
Many would have been overwhelmed and just tried to handle one thing, he was juggling many tasks and did a great job.

We're acoustomed to watching sports on TV, most of the time flawless. great shots, great coverage, and plenty of information. Remember, they've got tons of people involved in the production and millions of dollars of equiptment at hand. I know the lady that does most of the graphics for ESPN, her family comes to many of the Turfcat games and she was amazed at what one person did.

ronaldoswalt

07-21-2009, 11:41 AM

The Austin Turfcats have negotiated rates with the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana, for fans that do not want to take the team party bus to Lake Charles. The rates for a double room are $115.00 for Sunday night and $95.00 for Monday night.

Bar services and much more are available 24/7 postgame. For more information, and to book your reservations, contact Karen Martin at (800) 584-7263 or by email at kmartin@coushattacasinoresort.com.

The 208 spacious, beautifully furnished rooms and suites of Coushatta Grand Hotel offer an unsurpassed level of comfort, style, and personal service. From the luxury of authentic marble floors, magnificent chandeliers and intriguing art, to the practicality of in-room coffeemakers, hair dryers and ironing provisions, you will treasure every moment of your stay at Coushatta Grand Hotel.
LOTS OF AMENITIES

Indulge yourself in one of their spacious studio or stunning two-room suites boasting elegant seating areas, large screen TVs and in-room refrigerators, plus pristine baths with spa tubs and marble accents. Challenge yourself with a workout in our well-appointed fitness room, relax with a swim in our beautiful indoor pool, or phone the front desk to schedule your soothing massage.

RESERVATIONS - check in at 4:00pm, check out at 12:00 noon.

CoachSMB05

07-21-2009, 03:59 PM

Swashbucklers LIVE! has officially moved to the middle of the field as of today. I got a call about an hour ago and they have set up a make shift booth for the Title game with plans to build a new press booth on the west side for 2010. I and I am sure anyone who has attempted to watch the game from my little dark corner of the arena are very excited! I am getting with Kasey soon to work out the details on launching the SIFL Title game from southernifl.com instead of stickam. More details as we figure out how we are going to do this.

Caballo Diablo

07-21-2009, 04:34 PM

That IS good news !

ronaldoswalt

07-22-2009, 01:36 PM

http://www.turfcats.com/news/2009-07-22/goin-to-the-ship-your-know-it-all-guide-to-the-sifl-championship.html

this will be updated as needed during championship week for turfcat fans

Caballo Diablo

07-22-2009, 02:23 PM

July 22, 2009
The Heart of a Turfcat

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Turfcats defensive lineman Ryan Childress never gives up. No matter how many times he's been told no, if he wants something, his determination will not waver. He proved that this season by going to every Turfcats practice and home game despite never making the 23-man roster.

On July 11, Ryan became the Turfcats' version of Rudy when he made his debut into the SIFL in the last game of the 2009 regular season. Childress helped the Turfcats close out their regular season with a 60-28 win over the Texas Hurricanes.

"I always wanted to play professional football," Childress said. "That was my dream and now I've had the opportunity to work hard and make it a reality. Being part of game felt great and I got to help the Turfcats earn a win on their way to the championship."
"His determination and loyalty motivate the rest of team," said Turfcats head coach Chris Duliban. "He makes everyone remember that you better come to practice ready to fight for your spot and produce during the game because there are guys working hard in the wings trying to take your position."

The Turfcats (10-2) and the Louisiana Swashbucklers (11-1) face off Monday in the inaugural SIFL President's Cup championship game. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. from the Smuggler's Den at the Lake Charles Civic Center in Lake Charles, La. Tickets will be available at the ticket booth on game day. For ticket prices visit the Swashbucklers website at www.labucs.com.

For information on riding the Turfcats party bus to the game, contact Jack Dixon at (866) 969-TCAT (8228.) or via email at jack@turfcats.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. If you are unable to make it to the game you can watch it live at www.southernifl.com or follow live updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/austinturfcats.

ronaldoswalt

07-23-2009, 01:03 PM

Here's the link on Kasey Johns at san marcos daily record ---- http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/local_story_204115133.html?keyword=topstory

TopCat

07-23-2009, 04:10 PM

Howdy all! Believe it or not, I only just now found this message board today. I've been wishing all season that we had a real message board to post on, not realizing that it was here all along. I look forward to chatting here more often now and being able to keep up with the SIFL happenings during the off season. See y'all at the Championship game Monday.

TopCat

Caballo Diablo

07-24-2009, 03:19 PM

Turfcats Hold Last Practice Of The Season
July 24, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Turfcats (10-2) will have their last practice of the season Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at SoccerZone South. Media is invited to attend and interview the coaches and players. Fans are also encouraged to attend and give the Turfcats a send-off to the President's Cup.

SoccerZone South is the official indoor practice facility of the Turfcats. It is located in South Austin at 9501 Manchaca Road. Contact SoccerZone South by phone at (512) 280-2244 or via email at info@soccerzonesouthaustin.com.

The Turfcats travel to Lake Charles, La. on Monday to take on the Louisiana Swashbucklers in the inaugural SIFL President's Cup championship game. Kickoff is at 6:30 from the Smuggler's Den at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tickets will be available at the ticket booth on game day. For ticket prices visit the Swashbucklers website at www.labucs.com.

A live broadcast of the game will be available on www.southernifl.com and, as always, live updates will be posted on the Turfcats homepage at www.turfcats.com and Twitter at www.twitter.com/austinturfcats.

Caballo Diablo

07-25-2009, 01:50 PM

AUSTIN TURFCATS
For fans of Austin's newest team, low-rent brings high excitement
By Kevin Robbins
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Saturday, July 25, 2009

An hour before the semifinal game of the Southern Indoor Football League championship, a man wearing an enormous top hat and Mardi Gras beads began to perspire in his wig. He was joined under an awning that resembled the Texas flag by other fans of the first-year Austin Turfcats, including a systems engineer for a cable company who'd invested 90 minutes of his afternoon to the application of greasepaint on his face: black for the whiskers, with green, yellow and white around the eyes.

Matt Cross, known as "Tophat," witnessed the scene develop Saturday outside the Travis County Exposition Center through a pair of sunglasses tinted green. He watched Jason Bennett — the face-painted "Topcat" — do an interview. He patronized a beverage cooler in the bed of a towering 4-by-4 parked a few steps from the arena doors. Cross made room for two women loading a propane grill for hotdogs injected with chili and cheese. He announced: "We feed off the players. The players feed off us."

And then it was time to raise havoc.

The fans left their chairs, coolers and grill unattended and set out for the game. They entered the arena and found their seats — borrowed banquet chairs aligned on wood risers — on the front row. The visiting Acadiana Mudbugs stretched on the far end of the 50-yard field, laid over a floor that doubles every spring as the dirt ring for the Star of Texas Rodeo. The PA announcer said over the loudspeakers that the referees for the game could not locate their mics.

Steve Litaker, who goes by "Diablo" in Turfcats circles, wore his long ponytail in three ties, and his team-sanctioned Turfcat jersey hung untucked over denim shorts. Litaker also maintains a Turfcats blog. He has followed the team since its formation last year. He had helped to set up the banquet chairs before the 6:30 p.m. game. For that and other benevolent gestures related to the team of professional players, Diablo was invited to the field for the national anthem.

"They're short (on) interns," Litaker said, explaining his assistance.

"My husband lives this," sighed his wife, Kathy.

The Litakers, who tailgated this season with Tophat, Topcat and about a dozen other stalwarts, were fans of the fast, pass-happy arena game long before the Turfcats came to Austin in their gold and green uniforms and mismatched shoes. The couple followed the Rockers and the Wranglers, a short-lived Arena Football League team, earlier in the decade.

The disbandment of the Wranglers left a void in their weekends. The Turfcats filled it. The team lost its first game to the Acadiana MudBugs but rallied to win the next five, including a 56-53 upset of the Louisiana Swashbucklers, considered the best team in the new league.

The Turfcats endured some shaky moments in their rookie season. The start of their first home game was delayed 36 minutes because a car show at the exposition center fouled parking. The balls arrived late. One of the goalposts was still being assembled during pregame drills.

Later in the season, a car collided with a transformer on nearby Decker Lane. The arena went dark for 22 minutes.

Caballo Diablo

07-25-2009, 01:51 PM

Article Continued:

Turfcats general manager Ronald Oswalt kept smiling through every bump. The convivial 44-year-old Mississippian never promised fans extravagance — or perfection. "The key is: I'm a fan first," he said. "And I want them to have the greatest experience possible."

What's possible in the SIFL, which began with seven teams and finished with five, differs a great deal from what's possible in the NFL — or even the top tier of the NCAA. The University of Texas, for example, has a dressing room with flat-screen televisions and a season-ticket base of more than 80,000. The Turfcats have a space near the loading area of the arena and an average attendance of just more than 2,000.

The team pays its 23 players about $225 a game. Naturally, the players — who range in age from early 20s to late 30s — maintain other careers. Football is a supplemental job, a passion that happens to pay.

"If we weren't doing this, we'd be playing flag football," said Darren Brown, the Turfcats kicker.

Brown is 29, a graduate of Wofford, where he kicked field goals and extra points, and the University of Texas law school. The North Carolinian maintains a general law practice in Austin and owns a sports arena and soccer complex.

Other Turfcats work for the IRS, the State of Texas and a beer distributor.

"Those guys come in handy," Oswalt, the general manager, said of the beer-truck drivers. "They can put my schedules everywhere."

Oswalt is far from bashful about promoting his Turfcats. He said he buys about 75 official league balls for every game, knowing most will end up in the seats, where fans can keep them. The balls leave the arena and — poof! — they instantly become conversation pieces and advertising on the streets.

His budget is but a thread on a shoestring. He employs three people full-time: a media-relations specialist and two coaches, head coach Chris Duliban and offensive coordinator Kerry Cash. Both, not coincidentally, are former Longhorns players.

With an inexpensive venue (the Wranglers played in the expensive-to-rent Erwin Center) and a modest payroll, Oswalt can offer single-game tickets in the range of $5 to $20. Season tickets, which account for abut 30 percent of the seats sold for 2010, range from $99 for a family of four in the balcony seats to $250 on the field.

Oswalt unabashedly courts any and all sponsors. "We're the NASCAR of football," he said.

Even a piece of the action has a price at a Turfcats game. At the playoff game Saturday, a booming "That's an Adfirmative-dot-com first down!" accompanied each 10-yard progression by the Turfcats.

"Everything's for sale," Oswalt said.

The Turfcats and the Mudbugs went to overtime. Austin scored a touchdown on its first possession; the visiting team's drive ended with an incomplete pass — and, to Austin fans, a complete success for the Turfcats.

"We get attached to the guys," said Erinn Hughes, one of the tailgaters.

"Their girlfriends. Their mothers. Their kids."

Final score: Austin 56, Acadiana 49.

A team-record crowd of more than 3,800 watched the Turfcats win their 10th game against two losses. The team will travel to Lake Charles, La., to play Monday night for the President's Cup. They'll face a rematch with the Louisiana Swashbucklers, whose only loss in a dozen games this season was to the Turfcats.

As much as they would like to see their Turfcats win, the tailgaters seem happy enough that the team has made it this far. They hope the 10-2 season is something to build on — for the players and coaches, for team management, for the community.

The semifinal game over, the tailgaters rendezvoused back below the Texas flag. Flames licked the hotdogs on the grill. Cooler lids groaned with every fetched beer.

Some of the players came out for a late supper. They mingled with the fans. They stayed until after 1:00.

"That's what I like about arena football," said Hughes. "It's so personal."

krobbins@statesman.com; 445-3602

Pictures by Larry Kolvoord
AMERICAN-STATESMAN
http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/2009/07/25/0725turfcats.html

**Turfcat fans Matt Cross, right, and Jason Bennett attend all the games in full festive attire.

**Fan Steve 'Diablo' Litaker of Austin watches the SIFL semifinal at the Travis County Expo Center.

**Turfcats player Shon Mitchell banters with a fan during warmups.

trifecta

07-25-2009, 09:24 PM

Great Story.

Congrats on the Press. No hidden meaning in my compliment so quit looking.

Caballo Diablo

07-25-2009, 10:37 PM

Great Story.

Congrats on the Press. No hidden meaning in my compliment so quit looking.

Thanks.
Don't forget to watch via the net and root for us, we are the underdogs and need a couple of balls to bounce our way.

No matter what happens I plan on having a great time and it''ll be an experience to remember.

I've been bugging the Statesman all season to give us some exposure, it is nice but too bad they waited until the end of the season to notice a team was in town.

Caballo Diablo

07-30-2009, 04:07 PM

Thanks So Much To Our Fans
July 29, 2009 by Ronald Oswalt

Fans and friends,

Thanks to all Turfcats for a successful inaugural season in the Southern Indoor Football League. We could not have been successful without the work of our staff and especially our fans. We may have fell in the President’s Cup but overall I am very happy with our product on and off the field in year one. And I have to say, as an Austin Turfcat it was so good to see so many green and gold-wearing Central Texans in Lake Charles on Monday night.

I am honored to be in the presence of the indoor football community, and to see faces, young and old, who love this great team.

The Austin Turfcats has been building a proud football tradition this year. In victory and defeat, the young men who have suited up and hit the gridiron for the Turfcats have always been a determined bunch that have brought great credit to this great sport.

Congratulations to all Turfcats, players and fans, on completing our mission of bringing back successful indoor football to Austin and Central Texas. This is not a one man or one player or one coach mission it has been a true team effort from the front office, ownership group, players, cheerleaders, fans and many others. All have sacrificed for this season from my family and yours throughout this journey.

I am attending league meetings now at Coushatta Casino and Resort in Kinder, Louisiana. I look forward to my return to the lone star state and making 2010 even a better season and fan experience. Please take time to tell others about us and let's grow this franchise together.

Thanks and Go Turfcats,
Ronald Oswalt
Austin Turfcats
Vice-President/General Manager

Caballo Diablo

07-31-2009, 08:53 PM

July 30, 2009
Postseason awards keep on coming for Turfcats

KINDER, La. – The Southern Indoor Football League announced their post season awards today during their 2009 Summer Conference at the Coushatta Casino Resort, and the Austin Turfcats walked away with many of them.

The Turfcats received awards for Best Website, Best Media Relations Department and Best News Coverage. The Lady Cats, led by Michelle Guidry, were named Best Cheerleader/Dance Team in their inaugural season.

Kasey Johns, Turfcats’ Director of Creative Services, picked up an honor as he was named to the All-SIFL Front Office team for his work on both the Turfcats and SIFL websites, technology, and marketing and promotion efforts.

Ronald Oswalt, Turfcats Vice-President/General Manager, accepted All-SIFL team awards for J. R. Turner, Avery Cleveland, Barrett Dallmeyer, Kevin Earvine, John Cardenas, Keith Clay, and Darrick Wallace. Wallace also received the 2009 SIFL special teams’ player of the year award.

Thom Hager, SIFL President, added, “Austin has a first class team and organization from top to bottom and there is no bottom. It is no wonder Austin took home so many postseason awards.”

The Turfcats are now planning another run to the 2010 championship season. Great locations are available for the 2010 season! Act now to reserve the best seats. Call 866-969-TCAT (8228.) to reserve your seats today. The Austin Turfcats are committed to being a premier team in the Southern Indoor Football League and being involved in the community for which we serve.

indoor fan

07-31-2009, 10:07 PM

trifecta

08-01-2009, 12:23 AM

Austin received the following other awards:

1. Best Team whose name starts with the letters AUS

2. Best Team with Green Uniforms

3. Best Team playing in a Rodeo Barn

4. Best Team in Central Texas

At some point this is getting weird.....There are FIVE teams and the awards outnumber the participants.

The Kindergarten youth soccer team called and they think that too many people in the SIFL are getting post season trophies.

indoor fan

08-01-2009, 12:51 AM

gonzo13

08-01-2009, 12:51 AM

Is'nt this like being the tallest midget?

Ah, the "tallest midget" rears its ugly head again. I haven't seen that one in a while. A personal favorite of mine, I've used it many times. Kudos to you Indoor Fan.

Caballo Diablo

08-01-2009, 12:46 PM

Is'nt this like being the tallest midget?
Possibly if you're an uninformed bystander or hater, I heard you won the Mental Midget award by a landslide:o

Caballo Diablo

08-01-2009, 12:51 PM

At some point this is getting weird.....There are FIVE teams and the awards outnumber the participants.
I agree with you here, it is getting weird that spend so much time attacking something you refuse to participate in and seem dislike. most people spend their time on hobbies they enjoy.

The Kindergarten youth soccer team called and they think that too many people in the SIFL are getting post season trophies.
Your wit is getting old and about as sharp as a marble.

It's funny how much crying there was over the Player of the Week balloting and how much it meant to the fans and the players. Yet real awards voted on by people in the business are worthless jokes.

You are correct, the, the K-soccer league called and asked you to please not follow them this season. Me thinks you're getting too worked up over it.

Caballo Diablo

08-01-2009, 01:06 PM

Hahahahah.........and don't forget the "Fan of the Year"
You know it !
I've been fan of the year in 3 different leagues, what have you been besides a hater? I support the sport while you put it down. You seem ignorant to think your favorite league isn't a niche sport hated by the masses. You seem to think your af2 is without problems. didn't they have 2 teams that would have folded this season if the league would'nt have stepped in and took them over? aren't there some rumors flying about several teams investigating the possibility of leaving to merge with some other exisitng teams in the sport to form their own leage?

You people crack me up. name any league you like and we can make a list of bumps in the road, failures, or whatever. None of the leagues are "premier" and without bush league tactics. Go ahead and keep lying to yourself if it makes you feel better - lol

I also hear that all the semi pro teams got green participation ribbons.
You heard wrong, The North Texas Crunch and the Bayou Bulls did not receive any participation awards. they did however receive enormous gratitude and a slice of the football scene a step up the ladder. They receive exposure for their teams and players, after all that's what the semi-pro leagues are all about. Teaching the players, keeping them in game shape, and helping them get a shot to play in a higher league. it was a win - win situation for all involved.

I realize the big picture escapes you and it's supposed to be about you, not the players. You probably even think your precious league has never signed players from semi-pro leagues. Quit working so hard to be an a$$, it's working too well.

trifecta

08-01-2009, 02:14 PM

Once again, Caballo is combative.

I gave a positive response to a VERY GOOD article in the local paper just this week yet when I comment on the RIDICULOUS amount of post season awards you want to slam me.

I could not care less about what you think of me. I know you consider yourself the Grand Puba of the SIFL...The exhalted one....The Ayatolah of the indoor game... the Super Fan of THREE leagues....the man whose opinion is the only one that matters...the guy who tells me to get a life yet is the one who has THOUSANDS of posts on MANY different boards....

I just love when you respond in a multi-tiered post....

Now let's get back to the awards

Austin has just received the following 10 post season awards:

1. Best Texas team that played all of its home games as scheduled

2. Best Tailgate parties

3. Best Nachos

4. Best Beer

5. Best Souvenir stand

6. Best Parking attendant

7. Cleanest bathrooms in the SIFL

8. Best Webcast

9. #1 in Season ticket sales West of Houston

10. Best Fan Base located in a county that starts with TRA and ends with VIS

This brings the total award count to 359 which is sure to grow next week when the SIFL will release the tabulated results in the following areas:

1. Best Trash cans

2. Best Team mascot

3. Best national anthem

4. Best 2nd team Tackle

5. Best Assistant Coach

Who loves you Caballo!!

daytonadan

08-01-2009, 02:18 PM

And of course, don't forget the award we gave out for "Best negative comment from a poster who never bought a ticket and hides behinds an anonymous message board ID" ... I think that one covered all the bases.

Trifecta and indoor fan have somewhat of an argument when it comes to the size of the league in proportion to the number of awards presented.

I respectfully beg to differ, though. As a professional, I believe in showing appreciation and recognition to those who contributed to a successful endeavor above and beyond the call.

Thanx to all those who helped out the SIFL in 2009.

daytonadan

08-01-2009, 02:20 PM

Trifecta.

Not a bad post. One of your better ones.

However, you got your facts wrongs. Houma had the best beer...

Once again, Caballo is combative.

I gave a positive response to a VERY GOOD article in the local paper just this week yet when I comment on the RIDICULOUS amount of post season awards you want to slam me.

I could not care less about what you think of me. I know you consider yourself the Grand Puba of the SIFL...The exhalted one....The Ayatolah of the indoor game... the Super Fan of THREE leagues....the man whose opinion is the only one that matters...the guy who tells me to get a life yet is the one who has THOUSANDS of posts on MANY different boards....

I just love when you respond in a multi-tiered post....

Now let's get back to the awards

Austin has just received the following 10 post season awards:

1. Best Texas team that played all of its home games as scheduled

2. Best Tailgate parties

3. Best Nachos

4. Best Beer

5. Best Souvenir stand

6. Best Parking attendant

7. Cleanest bathrooms in the SIFL

8. Best Webcast

9. #1 in Season ticket sales West of Houston

10. Best Fan Base located in a county that starts with TRA and ends with VIS

This brings the total award count to 359 which is sure to grow next week when the SIFL will release the tabulated results in the following areas:

1. Best Trash cans

2. Best Team mascot

3. Best national anthem

4. Best 2nd team Tackle

5. Best Assistant Coach

Who loves you Caballo!!

trifecta

08-01-2009, 02:23 PM

Thanks for the award Daytona.

Keep passing them out...

Now I am wondering if someone in the SIFL Executive office owns a Trophy shop. This could be the Haliburton of the Indoor game.

Caballo Diablo

08-01-2009, 04:56 PM

Trifecta.

Not a bad post. One of your better ones.

However, you got your facts wrongs. Houma had the best beer...
he hasn't been paying attention, the Houma Conquerors Kof the Crawfish table also won the fan group/tailgaters of the year

daytonadan

08-01-2009, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the award Daytona.

Keep passing them out...

Now I am wondering if someone in the SIFL Executive office owns a Trophy shop. This could be the Haliburton of the Indoor game.

Heh Heh. Trophy Shop. Heh Heh.

No, Trifecta, we're done. But thank you for your suggestions.

And again, thank you for providing me the opportunity to practice calculating my words in response to your repetitious opines so I don't go Obama when it really matters.

I must say your ability to say the same thing over and over again was marginally substantial. I look forward to reading your further comments and perhaps the opportunity to converse as adults rather than some anonymous message board ID.

trifecta

08-01-2009, 05:42 PM

Go Obama????

What does that mean?

trifecta

08-01-2009, 05:55 PM

What do you mean by "Go Obama"

Daytona, You sure you want to go down that road?

As opposed to our last "Brilliant" President's list of boneheaded statements:

Some of my favorites from W

"Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." --Poplar Bluff, Mo., Sept. 6, 2004

"There's an old saying in Tennessee -- I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee -- that says, fool me once, shame on --shame on you. Fool me -- you can't get fooled again." --Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the Secretary of Defense." --Washington, D.C. April 18, 2006

"As yesterday's positive report card shows, childrens do learn when standards are high and results are measured." --on the No Child Left Behind Act, Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2007

"Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?" --Florence, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2000

"I promise you I will listen to what has been said here, even though I wasn't here." --at the President's Economic Forum in Waco, Texas, Aug. 13, 2002

"We spent a lot of time talking about Africa, as we should. Africa is a nation that suffers from incredible disease." --Gothenburg, Sweden, June 14, 2001

"You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror." --interview with CBS News' Katie Couric, Sept. 6, 2006

If you meant to imply that "Go Obama" meant to speak without thinking.....Then I definitely would prefer to "Go Obama" than "Going Bush"

trifecta

08-01-2009, 06:10 PM

Sorry to go off topic but your injection of political satire failed miserably and had to be addressed.

daytonadan

08-01-2009, 07:04 PM

Straight from President Obama, my friend Trifecta...

http://newledger.com/2009/07/obama-apologizes-to-cop-about-stupid-arrest-comment/

Today, Obama said that he could have calculated his words “differently” during his statement about the incident, however he continues to believe that both Crowley and Gates over-reacted. He also apparently invited the officer to the White House for a beer with the Professor.

No slam on President Obama meant. No miserable fail.

Caballo Diablo

08-01-2009, 08:10 PM

Once again, Caballo is combative.
Tri, have you ever read what you type after you post? If you did you would realize how silly you sound.

Combative ?!?
99.9% of your posts are negative and slamming either the T-cats or the SIFL, if someone disagrees and rebutes your nonsense it's combative? What the heck are all of your attacks classified as?

I gave a positive response to a VERY GOOD article in the local paper just this week yet when I comment on the RIDICULOUS amount of post season awards you want to slam me.
And I believe I said "THANKS" for your positive response, they are few and far between.

Just becuase your opinion of the players, coaches, and office staffs being recognized for their efforts is rediculous doesn't mean everyone else does. And disagreeing isn't necessarily a slam. You just slammed them and now want to whine about me having a different opinion. Wow, a classic example of the pot calling the kettle black - lol

I could not care less about what you think of me.
In the words of Porky Pig,
Da - dit - da - dit - dit - dit - DITTO

I know you consider yourself the Grand Puba of the SIFL...The exhalted one....The Ayatolah of the indoor game... the Super Fan of THREE leagues....the man whose opinion is the only one that matters...
Once agin you know nothing of the subject or me. I've invited you to many tailgates to get to know me but you couldn't find the time. See how you throw out subtle attempts at insults all the while accusing others of being combative - haha

the guy who tells me to get a life yet is the one who has THOUSANDS of posts on MANY different boards....
And just where did I tell you to get a life? I said I can't understand why you spend time here when you seem to dislike everything about the league. Most don't frequent places they constantly disagree with, they pursue happier hobbies.

I on the other hand admit to loving the sport and supporting all of the leagues, thus I spend time on that hobby. How much time do people spend watching TV or movies? I've gone to the movie theatre twice in the past 30 years, don't even own a DVD player and rarely watch TV.

How much time do people spend playing video games? I have never played a play station, x-box. wii, etc, let alone own one. How much time to most people spend surfing the net and doing other things besides forums? It's rare for me to use the computer besides email and forums.

So you see, many people spend tons of time doing things that seem worthless to others, so what's your point? Just because one person doesn't enjoy or spend time doing the same things as you doesn't have anything to do with having a life or not. I've got a wonderful wife and a couple of kids active in sports which takes up quite a bit of my time. While you're watching TV, playing golf, or whatever it is you do besides bust on the SIFL I'm enjoying my hobby of the 50 yard game.

I just love when you respond in a multi-tiered post....
That's wonderful, I try to respond to items one by one while you just throw a generic blanket of negativity over everything. At least you know there's always something to read when you follow me around - lol

Now let's get back to the awards

Austin has just received the following 10 post season awards:

1. Best Texas team that played all of its home games as scheduled

2. Best Tailgate parties

3. Best Nachos

4. Best Beer

5. Best Souvenir stand

6. Best Parking attendant

7. Cleanest bathrooms in the SIFL

8. Best Webcast

9. #1 in Season ticket sales West of Houston

10. Best Fan Base located in a county that starts with TRA and ends with VIS

This brings the total award count to 359 which is sure to grow next week when the SIFL will release the tabulated results in the following areas:

1. Best Trash cans

2. Best Team mascot

3. Best national anthem

4. Best 2nd team Tackle

5. Best Assistant Coach
see, you just can't hold off on the cracks and low blows. Which is all fine and good if you didn't whine about others disagreeing with your weak attempts at the Jim Rome smack Down 101.

Who loves you Caballo!!
Wow, that list is far too long to post here but if you like PM me your name and address and I'll send out a Diablo Fan Club Membership starter kit. Don't worry, it's free. The President of the fan club lives in Florida, she's Lady Pred on the AFLMB, her real name is Marie and she's been to visit in Austin several times and been to dinner with me and my wife. Or just check us out at WWW.diabloworldwide. Business is BOOMING !

gonzo13

08-01-2009, 08:57 PM

Kudos to the SIFL for giving out 410 awards. This level of football is a minor league, and anything a guy can add to his resume can do nothing but help his chances of playing at a higher level. That's not just the players, but other people involved with these team. Coaches, staff, etc.

Heck, the "Fan of the year" award even carries weight in some circles. One winner was able to parlay the award into a side job as a freelance writer.:cool:

So let's not bang on the league for dishing out the hardware, it's a great way to give back to the guys that make it go.

And remember kids, Daytona Beach is beautiful this time of year, and the Holiday Inn has a great view.

Caballo Diablo

08-01-2009, 09:18 PM

parlay
Does this mean I have to take you to the captain of the ship now?

Big Easy

08-01-2009, 10:18 PM

Theres way to much "acting stupidly" going on here. :mrgreen:

Caballo Diablo

08-02-2009, 12:36 AM

Theres way to much "acting stupidly" going on here. :mrgreen:

It's not acting:o

Caballo Diablo

08-20-2009, 11:50 AM

You're Invited To The Turfcats Post-Season Party
August 20, 2009

The Austin Turfcats are proud of the success in our inaugural season and now its time to party like we are. The Turfcats and Hooters are hosting the first-ever post-season party and everyone is invited. Players, coaches, cheerleaders, staff, interns and, of course, fans are encouraged to join us for food, fun, drinks and a jersey auction.

"We are so grateful to have such a good group of players, staff and, especially, fans," said Turfcats Vice President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt. "This season wouldn't have been such a success without the help and support of everyone involved with the team. We want to host this party and take this time to show our appreciation and share our gratitude for everyone in the Turfcats family."

When: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Hooters, 425 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX
Who: players, coaches, cheerleaders, staff, interns, fans and you
Why: We need to celebrate. The Turfcats had an awesome inaugural year and we'd like everyone who helped make it happen to join us for some fun.

Jersey Auction:
The green home jerseys will be auctioned off during the event to the highest bidder. Jerseys not sold during the event and some white jerseys will be sold online to the highest bidder.

For any questions please contact Jack Dixon at jack@turfcats.com or by phone at 512-712-3348. We'd like to thank everyone for their support and we hope to see you at the party.

trifecta

08-20-2009, 11:47 PM

I am going to try to drop by.

indoor fan

08-21-2009, 07:05 AM

I am going to try to drop by.

If you do, the SIFL will give you an award.

daytonadan

08-21-2009, 11:33 AM

One of the door prizes is a life ... you could get a much needed one.

I KEED! I KEED! Have a great weekend indoor fan ... Texas HS football starts next week.

Caballo Diablo

09-01-2009, 03:01 PM

Turfcats Celebrate Successful 2009 Campaign
September 01, 2009

The Austin Turfcats held their first ever postseason party to a packed house at Hooters on Riverside Drive in Austin on Sunday. In attendance were players receiving post season Southern Indoor Football League awards. Most notably were the Lady Cats led by Michelle Guidry as they received Dance Squad of the year and Darrick Wallace as he accepted the Special Teams Player of the year award. The media department also received media relations award of the year.

Many season ticket holders were there wearing their green and gold and all took time to look back about the road to the President's Cup I.

"We are so glad for a great turnout these fans and players are so amazing," said Turfcats Vice President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt. The green home jerseys were auctioned off during the event to the highest bidder.

Several jerseys were held back for a special online auction coming soon at turfcats.com. The team expects the 2010 schedule to be released by December and special theme based game nights will follow soon after.

For any questions concerning the team or corporate special ticket packages, please contact the team at 866-969-8228 (TCAT). We would like to thank everyone for their support and we hope to see you in 2010.

trifecta

09-02-2009, 05:36 PM

How much did the Jersey's go for? Glad a good time was had by all.

Caballo Diablo

09-02-2009, 10:18 PM

I think they went for $40 to $150, great prices.

Caballo Diablo

09-08-2009, 12:30 AM

Turfcats Schedule Cheerleader Auditions

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Turfcats announced today that auditions for the 2010 Lady Cats dance team have been scheduled for the weekend of October 24-26, 2009.
The audition process will consist of two learned dance routines, an interview, three cuts, and will conclude with a finale showcase open to the public on October 26.

“I am very honored to have received the award for best dance team of the year for the Southern Indoor Football League and am looking for women who can fit into our team,” said Lady Cats Director Michelle Guidry. “We have set our standards high and
expect the Lady Cats to represent the Turfcats well both on and off the field. There is a lot of talent in the Austin area and I am very excited to put this dance squad together. I'm confident that the 2010 Lady Cats will be even better than last year.”

Women of all dancing skill level are encouraged to come to the auditions as long as they meet the requirements. Eligible candidates will be 18 years old by October 24, 2009, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to attend all practices,
games, and appearances. Lady Cat contestants should wear a half top, hot pants or boy shorts, nude tights, dance shoes or sneakers, and have their hair and makeup performance ready.

The first two days of tryouts will be held at the Austin Cheer Factory at 13800 Dragline Drive, Suite A, in Austin. The location for the final day of tryouts will be announced at a later date. Cost for the audition is $50 per contestant. Following the conclusion of the final night of auditions, the 2010 squad will be announced with contract signing to immediately follow.

Complete details and registration forms are available online at the Turfcats’ website,
www.turfcats.com. For all questions or to request more information, please contact Michelle Guidry at cheer@turfcats.com or by phone at 866-969-TCAT (8228.).

About the Austin Turfcats
The Austin Turfcats are a professional indoor football team currently preparing for their second season in the Southern Indoor Football League. The season kicks off in March and runs through July, 2010. Home games are played at the Travis County
Exposition Center. For more information, or to purchase season tickets, contact the team at (866) 969-TCAT (8228.) or visit www.turfcats.com.

Turfcats

09-21-2009, 05:03 PM

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Turfcats announced today that they are leaving the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) and have signed a letter of intent to join the Indoor Football League (IFL) for competition during the 2010 season.

Turfcats Vice-President and General Manager Ronald Oswalt said, “We thank the SIFL for helping us successfully jump-start professional indoor football in Austin. However, as we started to look ahead to 2010 and the long-term success of the sport in the Austin market, we took the time to explore every opportunity. Recent developments, including the shutdown of the AFL and af2, have allowed the IFL to position itself to become a true national league. This move allows the Turfcats to benefit from regionalized competition within an expanded Lonestar Division. We look forward to joining in that success in 2010 and beyond.”

IFL Commissioner Tommy Benizio added, “We are very pleased at the prospect of adding the community of Austin to our league and the Turfcats organization to our family. They are a premiere team and will greatly enhance the IFL.”

More details will be released in early October, at a media event to be announced. Information will also be available on the team's website, at www.turfcats.com.

exit322

09-22-2009, 09:15 AM

And we can kiss the Turfcats goodbye after this year unless they triple attendance.

mace

09-24-2009, 07:48 PM

I hate to see this... You need to know that there isnt anything good coming out of the Turfcats going to the IFL. The Bucs were there and left due to the travel costs. I promise you that the cost of flying a team across the nation will almost break the bank of a single owner franchise. I wish them all of the luck, but please know that there is a reason that the AFL and the AF2 folded...

SCARAMOUCHE!!!

Caballo Diablo

09-25-2009, 10:52 AM

You need to know that there isnt anything good coming out of the Turfcats going to the IFL. The Bucs were there and left due to the travel costs.
I think it's far too early to think nothing good can come from the move.

Yes, the `Bucs had the oportunity to join the IFL when the Intense and UIF merged. One of the concerns was the cost of travel, but there were others.

Let's look at the travel from Austin, which does seem to be a long distance from everywhere - lol.

The SIFL has the Texas Hurricanes in College Station, a very trip friendly team. While their new owner was a God send to the SIFL, all issues have not been resolved. They were anticipating playing in an arena on the Campus of Texas A&M, but it has yet to be a done deal. Much like the Wildcatters hopes of playing in the Cajun Dome.

College venues are very expensive, come with lots of restrictions, little control or negotiating room. The Austin Wranglers of the AFL and af2 found this out the hard way as they played in a University of Texas venue for five years.

The SIFL has intentions of putting teams in places like Houston and Beaumont which would be great, but those also have yet to be resolved.

Houma, Lafayette, and Lake Charles are within bus distance but aren't really what you would call close. If games are other than Saturday night it becomes very difficult not only for fans to travel, but also for players and staff that have real jobs during the week. It seems there were many games this season on days not travel friendly.

The SIFL has spent a lot of energy this off-season with expansion hopes in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and even Tennessee. These are not regional to Austin and would not be bus viable.

The IFL Lonestar Division consits of Austin, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, El Paso, Abilene, and Odessa. While some of these are also a good distance from Austin, they are still in state. There's also rumors that two af2 teams, the Rio Grande Dorados and Amarillo Dusters could be joining the IFL Lonestar Division.

If travel costs are the only concern (which it's not), the SIFL was expanding away from Austin and Texas.

Caballo Diablo

09-25-2009, 11:00 AM

I promise you that the cost of flying a team across the nation will almost break the bank of a single owner franchise.
Agreed.
A niche sport can't support that type of costs even in good economic times.

With that said, the terms "Regional versus National" are being misconstrued.
Several leagues over the years have attempted to be regional but if you want to expand you can't find enough teams/investors in close proximity.

The SIFL was a semi-Regional league, but with expansion into the southeast it is quickly becoming a semi-national league that is becomming less and less bus friendly.

Caballo Diablo

09-25-2009, 11:07 AM

I wish them all of the luck,

Thanks.

I'm very thankful the SIFL brought football back to the Austin Market and I wish them the best in the future. Successful leagues and teams are a positve for all fans of the 50 yard game. I will still be following their play and rooting for the league as a whole.

But be aware, this was a difficult decision made through open dialogue between the team and league. Austin didn't leave under the cloak of darkness, say like the Baltimore Colts of the NFL or the Columbus Lions and South Carolina Force of the AIFA. It was a decision both the franchise and the league had a part in.

Caballo Diablo

09-25-2009, 11:23 AM

I know, you're wondering why I broke the posts down this way. I had it all in one long disertation and when I went to post it an error popped up and it was all lost so I started over and saved it piece by piece - lol

but please know that there is a reason that the AFL and the AF2 folded...

There are many reason they've folded, travel was one of the AFL problems, but not the af2.

The AFL's business structure was built around being the 5th major league, and it was never able to climb out of their niche and attract the national masses. Their salary cap was up to 2 mil per year. The leagues arena restrictions forced teams to rent major league venue's at $20 to $30k per game. Then you've the plane travel back and forth across the country. The tried to put the Dallas team in the Northeast Divsion to play off the NFL rivalries and financially it didn't work out.

Then you had a commisioner running wild with no oversight and 100% control. This can be very dangerous when franchise owners and investors have no control and are kept in the dark about expenditures and operations.
One person reigning as the dictator usually doesn't bode well for long term success.

The af2 had restructured travel over the past few seasons to contain costs. Some teams did play too often and teams didn't even play the same number of division games as each other. This was keep mileage to a minimum until you reached the post season, I would assume the SIFL will try to use the same philosopy.

The af2 folded to legally break ties from the AFL, it's creditors and possible lawsuits to come. It wasn't because of debt or cost of business. They should soon be releasing their plan to form a two tierd league of their own. Now this did release all of their teams from the af2 contracts and some have exercised other options.

Travel for all leagues needs to be kept under control, but it's only one part of the overall equation.