Expansion

[BUCKLERSWASH]

Word is that some old Intense teams could be coming to the SIFL. And the league could be 10 teams next year. And any Expansions after that would be small and over many years. I think the max would be 16 but 12 would be great.

I would love to see Corpus Christi back in the same league. along with teams in Beaumont / Alexandria / Huntsville (hint, hint) / Frisco / Midland and Monroe

[mwhite212]

I would really like to see a team in Frisco.

[JROB]

Odessa will have the Roughnecks, and Midland will definatley have a team, The West Texas Rustlers.

[mwhite212]

That's great about the Roughnecks. Was there an official press release on it yet?

[phydeaux72]

I have been given full assurance by Thom Hager that the SIFL has no intention of placing a team in Midland. If the WT Rustlers play next season, it won't be in the SIFL. Thom Hager and I have a good business relationship and I take him to be a man of his word.

[sportznut]

The WT team has not started any expansion process with the SIFL, and we do not expect them too

[BUCKLERSWASH]

No team in west texas has been awarded at this time

[Caballo Diablo]

Rumors are ther could be 20-25 ownership groups attending the offseason league meetings with interest in joining the SIFL. No, all won't join the league next season for one reason or another but the interest is spreading.

[trifecta]

20-25 prospective ownership groups? Come ON...Are you serious?

Good news if true. Hagar must be a "Feste-like" salesman Very hard to believe.

Riddle me this....If Austin is the "Gem" of the SIFL and they get 1100 people on a FREE ticket give away night AND have a long list on "Non" cash sponsors....What is remotely attractive about ownership in the SIFL?

You mention expansion.....Will ALL the inaugural season teams make it to year two? Two of the the first 6 teams did not even make it to the end of the first season.

[Big Easy]

20-25 prospective ownership groups? Come ON...Are you serious?

I'm a prospective lottery winner. I bought a ticket once. :p

Interest and feasability/ability are very different things. I'm sure they may have 25 people interested, but I'd be surprised if they had 1 or 2 solid groups emerge from that field. It's very hard to make these teams work. Before the season started I met with and really liked the people who tried to make the Pirates work. I have a lot of respect for them as people and wish things could have worked out better for them. If being nice guys were the prerequisite, they would have been very successful. Unfortunately it takes more than that. After spending a little time with them I quickly realized that they were in for tough times. Besides hating the facility they choose to play in, realizing the rude awakening they were about to get, I choose not to get involved as a fan or helping hand.

If I were the SIFL, I would concentrate on getting 4-6 solid teams before throwing a bunch of crap against the wall and hoping some of it sticks. If more than 2 groups emerge from that alleged group of 25, I'd be very concerned if I were the SIFL. Just getting 4-5 teams to make it through this season has been enough of a challenge. I think adding a large number next season could prove more detrimental than helpful.

[BUCKLERSWASH]

Listen peps yes there may be 25 groups intrested but Tom is no push over. I think he would only have a maxium of 16 teams ever. I think next year we will see aroun ten total teams. The way he is running the league is way different from any league he wants ever team to make money not just see them fold and at the same time not to have the league run a failed team. If you look back two weeks ago I told yall there was a move going to happen with the pirates (i.e. hurricanes). The expansion process will be slow and steady not crazy and all over the country side like other leagues. But the word is surprise!
this what I see possible.

1. Louisiana Swashbucklers (Flagship)
2. Austin Turfcats (The Gem)
3. Acadinia Mudbugs (The Rivalry)
4. Texas Hurricanes (A Whole New Talent)
5. Houma Conquerors (Will Be Steady in 2010)
6. A Houston Team (Maybe Crusaders)(IDK Will See)
7. Beaumont (Maybe Same Name) (But Hopefully A Civic Venue)
8. A Old Intense Buddy (Maybe A Big Fish)
9. Another Old Intense Buddy (Maybe A Western Lone Star City)
10. Either Another Old Buddy Or Possible Alexandria, La / Waco, Tx / Monroe,La / Baton Rouge,La / North Texas / Huntsville,Tx

I dont think any florida team or mississippi or alabama or arkansas will be in the league anytime soon!

North Texas I also do not think will make the league due to venue. (buy possible)

I would say start watching the IFL.

[Caballo Diablo]

Listen peps yes there may be 25 groups intrested but Tom is no push over. I think he would only have a maxium of 16 teams ever. I think next year we will see aroun ten total teams. The way he is running the league is way different from any league he wants ever team to make money not just see them fold and at the same time not to have the league run a failed team. If you look back two weeks ago I told yall there was a move going to happen with the pirates (i.e. hurricanes). The expansion process will be slow and steady not crazy and all over the country side like other leagues.

To be able to cull the good ownership groups from the bad you always need more than desired or you're stuck with whoever shows up. Some of the groups are just fishing for information while others are ready to pull the trigger. Some are existing teams either unhappy with their current league or their expensive business plan. Others just love football and are in love with the idea of owning a team. You've always got people that aren't prepared to own a team either financially or lacking in business knowledge but are over flowing with desire.

They had already anticipated doubling the size of the league in year two before the first game ever took place. Some of the groups interested will be rejected by the league while others make their own choice not to join, but it would be easy to have more than 10 teams next season if wanted. That's why they have meetings, to see what makes the most sense.

Part of the cheaper business plan comes from regional teams and minimal travel. One of the biggest reasons Mr Hager didn't want to join the IFL was the teams being spread across the map and huge travel costs.



I dont think any florida team or mississippi or alabama or arkansas will be in the league anytime soon!
The original plan was to put a divison/conference in Florida in year two. This reduces teams having to travel long distance. To make it work properly you need enough teams in Florida to join. We''l just have to wait and see what they decide on the Florida market.


North Texas I also do not think will make the league due to venue. (buy possible)
Finances are just as big a hurdle to them as their current venue. Although the SIFL has an inexpensive business model it's still more than a semi-pro league. Currently all of their games (besides the SIFL games) in around the Dallas/Ft Worth area and they only need one uniform instead of home and road uniforms. The semi-pro leagues fill a much needed niche and the owner of the Crunch has some big decisions to make on what's best for him and his family.

I would say start watching the IFL.
BLASPHEME YOU SAY !!

And you almost had us fooled you were a SIFL fan.

Do you realize the infighting going on over in IFL land? They haven't learned how to play nice and Tommy hasn't been able to, err, let's say UNITE the two leagues yet.

It's still the Intense League against the United League. Not just a rivaly but a bitterness. Plus some of the teams are feeling the pressure of the business plan and the finances of long distance travel. The IFL is no better or no worse than any of the other alphabet leagues struggling through this economic downturn.

Give your reasoning on why we should start to follow the IFL? Most that come to this forum love the sport and follow whatever league is closest to them. Many already follow more than one league.

[phydeaux72]

9. Another Old Intense Buddy (Maybe A Western Lone Star City)

From where or whom are you getting this information? I'm not sure which western Lone Star city you could be referring to, being that all four of them share common majority ownership. You're not going to get one of them unless you all of them.

[Caballo Diablo]

And we do appreciate your cooperation;)

[agqkindaguy]

I hope the SIFL expands into the ocean this league sucks! LOL!

[BUCKLERSWASH]

The reason why I said watch the IFL is some teams maybe moving soon.

I am a SIFL FAN most likely the biggest one this will be my only second missed game this year.

North Texas has been around for awhile but I dont think venue wise nor money wise can they join the league next year can they be a fill in YES.

Florida is a money and travel trap as well as Mississippi and Alabama at this stage.

I do get info from a great spot and it very trusting.

The opening of my last post is just a guess and a hope by me not the league or my source.

I would also say Beaumont and Alexandria or great bets for next season better than the Houston Crusaders.

I think Tom made the right move not going to the IFL the SIFL is shakey but the IFL is a 9.1 earthqauke.

Yes it is the Intense vs the United still and will be until teams fold / relocate / or leave for other green fields.

Yes I am Lake Charles Guy but I love the league I want to see all the teams do well.

I dont want more than 16 teams in the league. (16 solid teams) in ten years maybe 20 yes I said ten years

[fred1965]

agk -- what do you think of the IFL, where players assault officials? Is that any better?

[Caballo Diablo]

I hope the SIFL expands into the ocean this league sucks! LOL!
yet you're still here attempting some weak smack.
Come on out of the closet and admit the league is no different than the rest as far as problems and struggles.

I've asked before, can you give us a name of better league with no problems?
I didn't think so.

jealousy doesn't look good on you - lol

[expressfb]

bucklerswash,
the north texas team is in its second year.

[Caballo Diablo]

I hope the SIFL expands into the ocean this league sucks!
oh, I understand now.
This is more of what you prefer.........................



Assault on Official Mars Hammerheads Win
Jun 21, 2009

The Corpus Christi Hammerheads overcame ejections and penalties to post their fourth straight win on Saturday night. The 44-35 victory over division rival Abilene moved the Hammerheads to 6-6 on the season. The game was marred by an altercation between Corpus Christi lineman Eli Abraham and an official that left the official, Joel Hilliard, dazed by a blow to the face. Abraham was later arrested and booked into the Nueces County Jail on assault charges.

http://www.kiiitv.com/sports/stories/48730272.html

[mace]

I hope the SIFL expands into the ocean this league sucks! LOL!

You know, I hate to be Mr. Negative, but this ANUS shouldnt be allowed to breathe. Your opinion means nothing to any of us, probably to your wife also. This league has done VERY well considering the growing pains that EVERY league has. Please tell me that you arent a NIFL fan? I will tell you that even the IFL has got issues, I dont think that I have ever seen a league where coaches and players just do what they want to with other players and league OFFICIALS! So I so let it grow... we will get bigger and better next year.


SCARAMOUCHE!!

[Minor League Man]

SCARAMOUCHE!!

Won't you do the fandango?

[mace]

HAHAHAA Dude... I love indoor football and I have personally met one of the very moderators from this board in Sioux Falls!! Did I mention that I live in Lake Charles Louisiana! Yea, we met the 50yardFan while we were at the IFL UIFL Championship last year, 16 hour drive!! So I am sorry that I get a little pissy, but when some class two anus starts talking out of turn, it really gets me going.

[Caballo Diablo]

So I am sorry that I get a little pissy, but when some class two anus starts talking out of turn, it really gets me going.
I thought you handled it well, maybe we should rub a little Preparation H on him to reduce the swelling of his fantasy world- haha

[50 Yard Fan]

Yea, we met the 50yardFan while we were at the IFL UIFL Championship last year, 16 hour drive!!

Sorry, I have got back to the Swashbuckler message board. I am glad to see are going fairly well for the SIFL and most of the game seem competitive. I was worried the Bucklers would stomp on everyone, (not fun to watch game after game)

I have been in contact will Mr. Blanchard over the season, (getting some SIFL collectibles) and watching the news here and on the SIFL site.

As for this "agqkindaguy", if you ignore it, it will probably go away. When he makes one of his well thought out posts, just bury it under 4 new posts.

[Caballo Diablo]

When he makes one of his well thought out posts, just bury it under 4 new posts.
We're still waiting for the first:o