Texas Copperheads Thread

[austinturfcats]

This Will Now Be The Official Home And Thread For Copperheads News For Upcoming Seasons --- Disreguard The Former Nifl Thread -- Go Copperheads

[Minor League Man]

Welcome to the af2 Copperheads!

I wish you well.

[austinturfcats]

I Am Very Excited About The 2007 Season -- Go Copperheads

[Minor League Man]

I just hope CS/NIFL doesn't file any lawsuits!

[Reichert]

Will the team still be in the Merrell Center or is the name change a precursor to the Copperheads moving down the road to say, the Berry Center?

[Minor League Man]

I'm thinking Reliant Arena (8,500)

[Reichert]

The Berry Center is similar sized AND is closer to the west Houston suburban market the Copperheads have been operating out of. I think a move to inner city Houston would be a mistake.

[sportznut]

Honey, We're Home!

[Reichert]

So there are three options on the table, of which I'm sure the Copperheads have already decided:

--Reliant Arena. Seats around 8,500, would put the new af2 team right in the heart of Houston. On the other hand the team would likely have to seek new sponsors and fans would have to pay for parking and deal with a commute into Houston for games.

--Berry Center. Similar seating to Reliant Center. Close enough to Katy that the team could keep some of the momentum built during last season. Also, suburban location could lend itself to expanding its fan base in west Houston.

--Merrell Center. If you ask me, the least likely option would be staying right where they are...if they were staying put why the name change? The Merrell Center is clearly identified with Katy. Arena size is barely enough to legitimately house an af2 team, the options mentioned above are definitely larger and that's important for a gate-driven business like this.

If they move to the Reliant Center, is it possible for the IFL or even the NIFL to try to put a new team in the Merrell Center? I'm going to figure if the team moves to the Berry Center it would be tough for another league to opt for the Merrell because the two arenas are too close. But Reliant is a good 35 miles from either of the other two.

[austinturfcats]

Look for more information on the Copperheads over the next few weeks

[Reichert]

Look for more information on the Copperheads over the next few weeks

Well, that doesn't do very much to quell speculation on the Copperheads' future arena, other than that it will be in metro Houston.

I wonder if I should start a pool, $5 per entry, on where the Copperheads new arena will be. Other than the Merrell Center, the Berry Center, and Reliant Arena, who else could I add to the list of possible entries?

[austinturfcats]

Look For More News On The 15th Or So And Af2 Schedule Will Be Released October 15 -- Go Copperheads

[da man]

Copperheadsfan why are you teasing us. Its got to be the Berry center. What about the players, I dont think all of them can make the transition to af2 football. Will they have another succesfull inaugural season, will they keep the same coaches(do they know the af2 game), will the owner be the first owner to also coach in the af2, When will there be tryouts(other teams are having tryouts and signing players)???????

[austinturfcats]

only 2-3 days until big release about the copperheads --- maybe 7 only time will tell

[sportznut]

Looking better every day!

[Reichert]

Well, I was told in an email to the Copperheads office that an announcment would be coming on Friday. Friday has now come and gone with nothing, which has me thinking of another possibility: THEY might not know where they are playing for sure yet and are still negotiating with the Berry Center. The Berry MUST be their first choice for af2...it has 3,000 more seats than the Merrell Center. But if for some reason negotiations with the Cy-Fair school district break down then a return to the Merrell can't be ruled out. "The Leonard" still has around 5,000 seats for an indoor football setup and as a result it would still be sufficient for af2.

[Minor League Man]

Well, I was told in an email to the Copperheads office that an announcment would be coming on Friday. Friday has now come and gone with nothing, which has me thinking of another possibility: THEY might not know where they are playing for sure yet and are still negotiating with the Berry Center. The Berry MUST be their first choice for af2...it has 3,000 more seats than the Merrell Center. But if for some reason negotiations with the Cy-Fair school district break down then a return to the Merrell can't be ruled out. "The Leonard" still has around 5,000 seats for an indoor football setup and as a result it would still be sufficient for af2.
Friday isn't gone yet...

[Reichert]

Friday isn't gone yet...

For purposes of having a press conference or release it pretty much is now.

[austinturfcats]

Lobos headed toward an af2 franchise
By NINO CARDENAS, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
09/29/2006
Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendlyThe arenafootball2 (af2) league is making a push into the Southwest, and again has its eyes set on a Laredo franchise.The indoor football team Laredo Lobos are coming back for another season and the question is, will it be under the af2 logo or the current Intense Football League?

After spending their first year in the Intense Football League Roque Vela Sr. relinquished his general manager and presidential duties to his son Roque Vela Jr.

The elder Vela said he, Roque Jr., daughter Yvonne and wife, Cookie, are the principal team owners, operating as ATI Sports dba Laredo Lobos.

The initials ATI are for Vela’s grandchildren, Alejandria, Tristian and Isabella.

Vela Jr. immediately got to work and is hopeful that the move up to af2 becomes a reality.

“The af2 offers more stability than the IFL, it’s a better product as a whole,” Vela said.

The af2 is viewed as a developmental league for the AFL, which is the NFL of indoor football.

The Lobos are expecting to be in the af2 mix. A visit to their website displays the league logo alongside their 2007 season tickets package. A call to the Laredo Entertainment Center ticket office proudly announces them as an af2 affiliate.

The af2 has targeted Texas for expansion this year with possible teams Laredo, Corpus Christi, Katy and Lubbock to go along with the current af2 franchises in Amarillo and Rio Grande.

The plan is to form a Southwest division that would include all Texas teams and Bossier City, La.

It won’t be the first time young Vela and the af2 cross paths. Vela was part of Laredo’s first indoor football venture when he played for the Laredo Law three years ago.

The fact that Vela Jr. is a local owner who can devote his attention to the team, will go a long way in making Laredo’s possible second venture into the af2 a reality.

League president of af2 Jerry Kurz believes the Laredo sports market is too much of a “fantastic” opportunity.

Considering his playing time with the Law, plus playing and management duties with the Lobos, Vela has the credentials that the af2 board is looking for.

“They made a nice presentation to the board and it looks favorable,” Kurz said about Vela’s trip to the ArenaCup Championship held in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he made his pitch.

The same group that owned the Laredo Law owned the Bucks, straining responsibility between the two sports.

“They had an awful lot on their plate. They were doing a tremendous job with the hockey team. This group’s (Vela’s) sole focus in on football,” Kurz said.

The season kicks off in late March and the league releases its schedule on Oct. 15.

Laredo along with a number of teams throughout the country, have to bide their time and wait.

“We’re going to select eight from about a dozen. We don’t want to grow too fast,” Kurz said.

In Corpus Christi the IFL’s Hammerheads lease at the American Bank Center wasn’t renewed, citing license agreement violations by the team.

A move that IFL president and team owner Chad Dittman claims is a power move in order to make way for an af2 team.

Doug McGregor, owner of the AFL Austin Wranglers, paid a visit along with Kurz to the ABC center.

Just like Laredo, all there is left to do is wait and see if their name is announced in the roll call.

In the meantime one of the Lobos’ top priority is finding a coach. Lobos’ IFL coach Stan Petry and the Velas parted after the season.

The incoming coach will be the team’s third in two years. Lawrence A. Fischer was handed the keys to the franchise, but was relieved in the second week of the season when Vela bought the team from Corpus Christi owner Glenn McCampbell.

One name that was in the hat right after the IFL season was United High School’s head coach David Sanchez.

He dabbled with the Lobos because of his connection with quarterback Sean Salinas, whom he had coached at San Antonio Holmes.

The Velas approached Sanchez.

“He wanted to do it, but we mutually decided that at the end it was too much of a strain mentally, physically and time wise,” Vela Jr. said.

Sanchez would coach both the Lobos and United Longhorns.

The Lobos plan to return five or six players from last year’s squad to form the nucleus of the team. Among the expected returnees are Ed Giddings, Mike McCullum and Salinas.





©Laredo Morning Times 2006

[Reichert]

This isn't exactly a surprise to those of us who have been following the situation in Laredo for awhile now.

[austinturfcats]

Arena football: Copperheads say hello to Cy-Fair, Berry Center
New AFL team bids farewell to Katy, former moniker


By NEIL STRATTON
Houston Chronicle

On Tuesday, Katy officially said goodbye to its first-ever professional football team. At the same time, the Cy-Fair area welcomed one.

In a move that has been in the planning stages for weeks, the Katy Copperheads announced plans to relocate to the Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center, 8877 Barker-Cypress in Cypress. The Copperheads, who will now be known as the Texas Copperheads, played their first season in the Leonard E. Merrell Center at 6301 S. Stadium Lane in Katy.

They'll not only be changing venues and names, but also affiliations. After one year as part of the National Indoor Football League, the Copperheads will play the 2007 season as a member of the Arena Football League's minor league, the AF2.

Team owner and head coach Bryan Blake said stepping up to the AF2 is a welcome change.

"We moved leagues because the NIFL was a nightmare," Blake said. "(In the AFL), we get support from the league office, and they bring us up here (to Chicago, site of an offseason convention for AFL and AF2 owners and officials), and we have three days worth of seminars that teach us how to market and how to sell tickets. It's more than them just wanting us to pay a franchise fee and that's it. They want every team to succeed."

Blake's dissatisfaction with the NIFL came to a head when the team's second-round playoff game in Rapid City, N.D., became a logistical problem of seismic proportions. Due to a series of financial and travel difficulties that Blake said was the fault of the NIFL and the Rapid City franchise, the team was forced to make the 24-hour trip just over a day before kickoff in rented vehicles, then return in similar fashion.

The Copperheads fell 60-38 to the Flying Aces.

"They say the AFL is only as strong as their weakest team," Blake said. "It's the kind of support we didn't get in the NIFL. I mean, I'm not going to have to be concerned if a team we're supposed to play is going to show up on Saturday, or if we're going to score 100 points on a team because the competition's so bad."

He said the long-term health of his team depended on switching leagues.

"League stability, competition, there's a whole bunch of different reasons (for the move)," he said. "We want to be in a league that's been around for 20 years, and it's the premier indoor football league in the country."

He said he also wanted his team to spend more time in professional venues and less on the road.

"The travel (will be less) and our rivals close to us were also attractive," he said. "We have six teams in Texas, and our fans will be able to go to the road games if they want to. There's us, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Rio Grande Valley, which I believe plays in Hidalgo. This is in close proximity to us, so we're not going to Rapid City twice or West Palm Beach.

"There's also teams in Bossier City, (La.); Tulsa, (Okla.); Oklahoma City, (Okla.) and Arkansas. Those are all teams basically in our region, all in states touching our state. It would probably even be closer to drive to Oklahoma than to Lubbock."

He said the move to the Berry Center was prompted not by cost or a dissatisfaction with the team's former home, but merely a question of dimensions.

"There was no way at all we could play (in the Merrell Center) because 180 (feet) was the max distance of the floor in the Merrell Center, and it has to be 196 feet in the AF2," he said. "You can change the width at the Merrell Center, but not the length beyond 180 feet. It's also wider. We were 80 feet wide last year, but we'll be 84-85 feet this year (in the Berry Center)."

Jim Chapman, General Manager of Facilites for the Merrell Center, said the move was expected.





"The AF2 came down here to visit our facility, their commissioner Jerry Kurz did, and my understanding is that they had a preference to be in the largest facility they could be in in this area, and the Berry Center is larger than we are," he said. "They are like 8,300 seats and we're about 5,200 when we set up in the same arrangement for the Copperheads, and so we're happy for them if they're moving up in the world."





He also didn't challenge Blake's assertion that the team would need a longer field to play by AF2 rules.



"That may be true," he said. "To be honest with you, I don't know, off the top of my head, the exact dimensions. They're probably bigger than we are, but our floor is 180 feet long and they may require a (bigger) end zone."



He said the loss of the Copperheads doesn't signal the end of professional sports in Katy. Chapman said any teams looking for a modern arena for professional competition would be welcome at the Merrell Center.



"In general, we're open to talk to anybody, really," he said. "Not just football, but any event."



All in all, Chapman said the Merrell Center is better for having had the Copperheads as its guest.



"I think the exposure was well worth it," he said of the team's one-year tenure in Katy. "We got a lot of people aware of the facility and the community certainly supported the team and rallied behind them way beyond my expectation level. The Katy area is a tight-knit society, so when there's something like that available, they're going to support it."



Chapman was careful to express that there are no hard feelings between the neighboring school districts.



"Because we're a school district and they are, we're not competing, and if we have a date that's already taken, or an event that better fits them, we'll recommend the Berry Center and vice versa," he said, "so we're certainly not in competition with them and we're happy to provide leads to them and vice versa."

[GoAces]

Good luck with this team AF2! I'm sure they are still crying about their loss to RC in the playoffs. A bunch of babies = Katy!

[cap]

Good luck with this team AF2! I'm sure they are still crying about their loss to RC in the playoffs. A bunch of babies = Katy!

At least Katy wasn't sold off at a city auction. Had any luck finding new turf & equipment?

Going once.....

Going twice.....

SOLD for $5 to HP Patterson!

[austinturfcats]

don't be hatin' since all you have is the nifl --- cap is so funny

[da man]

The team has not even been worried about that lost. It seems to me you are the one still crying about it GoAces, maybe you know on a level playing feild you would have lost that game to the Copperheads or your just bitter you didnt win it all.WHATEVA!!!
We are moving on here in Texas leaving the Aces to play with the unstable nifl and the dreams of maybe some reservation owner {removed by admin}! GOOD LUCK

[sportsguy12]

I think the 100 point font would have sufficed. Did you really have to bold that post?

[preeths]

I have a working theory. The validity of any post is inversely proportional to the number of exclamation points and the font sized used.

[Reichert]

I personally agree with that theory.

As for the Copperheads, the only person who loses in all of this is Carolyn Shiver. The Cypress area gets an af2 team, the Katy area will likely STILL get an upgrade to the IFL, both arenas will get plenty of revenue, and both leagues will be better for it. Carolyn, on the other hand, is on the outside looking in.

[sportznut]

I know how upset we were during the week after the ...problem trip to RC.. but the only ones that seem to keep bringing all that back up since are the Aces fans... Maybe that is their attempt to convince themselves that on a level playing situation that they still would have won.. keep talking over there Aces fans and good luck in the Nifl..... I am sure you guys will run the table in CS's personal playground.

[Reichert]

NIFL Bowl will be between the only two teams left standing at the end of the season, so it will be Fayetteville 59, Rapid City 48

[phydeaux72]

I wouldn't count out Tri-Cities and Wyoming just yet. And I'm having some considerable doubts about Fayetteville as well.

[da man]

Sorry about the font Admin., I let him get a little under my skin but all is well now and the TEXAS COPPERHEADS will rule in 2007 so I will be just fine.
Has anyone heard of any try-out dates for the copperheads or a major press release?

[cap]

Sorry about the font Admin., I let him get a little under my skin but all is well now and the TEXAS COPPERHEADS will rule in 2007 so I will be just fine.
Has anyone heard of any try-out dates for the copperheads or a major press release?

They told me late November or early December for tryouts. I think they are finishing up the arena agreement. I guess they are wanting tryouts on the field that's attached to the arena. That will be cool.

[AllTheRage]

Congratulations on being able to keep your team going. But, your Holier than Thou attitude comes off as a little much. You would be right back at the Merrill and in the NIFL or IFL had it not been for the AF2 needing additional franchises in Texas to avoid losing current franchises. That, coupled with the deep pockets of the guy who owns the Utah and Austin AFL teams. He's the one putting up the money for all the AF2 raiding of other leagues that is going on.

You didn't get there because you are any smarter or are have a better team or marketing program. Location, location, location.... You had a need and AF2 had the money and you were in Texas where they needed teams.

You did have a good team and it was run pretty well. I still believe that it was as much your own team's fault about the RC trip as it was RC's. But stop the put downs of other leagues and be glad you found a sugar daddy because otherwise you would be scrambling like many of the other teams and leagues.

[cap]

Congratulations on being able to keep your team going. But, your Holier than Thou attitude comes off as a little much. You would be right back at the Merrill and in the NIFL or IFL had it not been for the AF2 needing additional franchises in Texas to avoid losing current franchises. That, coupled with the deep pockets of the guy who owns the Utah and Austin AFL teams. He's the one putting up the money for all the AF2 raiding of other leagues that is going on.

You didn't get there because you are any smarter or are have a better team or marketing program. Location, location, location.... You had a need and AF2 had the money and you were in Texas where they needed teams.

You did have a good team and it was run pretty well. I still believe that it was as much your own team's fault about the RC trip as it was RC's. But stop the put downs of other leagues and be glad you found a sugar daddy because otherwise you would be scrambling like many of the other teams and leagues.

What's your deal. I've seen nothing on here but Copperheads fans who are excited about the move to the af2. You’re only pissed because you said it would never happen. About your sugar daddy, investors come in all sizes. Coach Blake owned over 80% of the team last season, and had plenty to sell. He still holds the Majority, and now has deeper pockets and a much better league to show for it. Go rain on someone else’s parade. :mad:

[phydeaux72]

He still holds the Majority ...

Blake owns 10% of the Copperheads. And that's a fact, Jack.

[cap]

Blake owns 10% of the Copperheads. And that's a fact, Jack.

Sorry, I've seen the agreement. He only sold 25% of his shares. He has also been approved & employed by the league as the Head Coach. And that's the real fact, jack.

How can you constantly justify putting completely false statements on this board. I do not understand why you or anyone in that matter would have a personal problem with Coach Blake. He was just another victim of the false promises of Carolyn Shiver and the NIFL. All he is trying to do right the ship. He and the Copperheads will land firmly on their feet in Cypress. He has nothing against the IFL, and would have gone that route, but his investors would not buy into the fact that the league had only been in existence for two years, and had not played the two years consecutively. I have never seen where he has ever said anything bad about the IFL at all. In the article today, he actually said he was glad to see them in Katy. Am I the only one who read that?

[Malepig]

Sorry about the font Admin., I let him get a little under my skin but all is well now and the TEXAS COPPERHEADS will rule in 2007 so I will be just fine.


The Copperheads will be fine but not rule. This is the af2 afterall.

[factor]

Does it really matter that new issues are coming up about Blake and the Copperheads. There has been and there most likely always will be questions about Blake and his 2006 season- his investors new and old and his issues and his change of arenas. He has provided Katy will real excitement and introduced indoor football to the area. He took the risks and I admire him for that, but enough. Katy has a new team and the IFL is excited about the opportunity.

He is taking his circus up the road to play. There is not a bigger thread on the board than the Copperheads. Will someone tell the truth about the travel that I am reading about and the Merrell Center vs. Barry Centre and why CS and the NIFL keeps getting blamed (per Coach Blake). Was CS an owner- Why did af2 select the Copperheads, who are the investors Coach Blake refers to, why would af2 pick the Copperheads lead by the AW investor get in business with a fomer NIFL team franchise, some of their players did not travel with the team to a playoff game, (according to the Hou. Chron.) and why did they "elect" to move to the Barry Centre from the Merrell Center and accordingly to Coach Blake, not have an arena deal in place, yet had a press release- what is af2 thnking or is there something we don't know. I was a season ticket holder who was kept in the dark- they closed their offices in late July and the phones don't work-so good job with your fans and good luck with 2007.

[austinturfcats]

The team and Blake are committed to West Houston and the Katy markets, there has been no lies etc from the team. I am curious but why would you go see a lower level IFL team for same cost of a ticket when you can see a superior AF2 proven product. The Katy unnamed team will end up being former Copperheads players that don't make the AF2 team. The IFL has no or little ability to place players in the majors (AFL). The NIFL was good for getting the team started but scheduling was a nightmare last season with teams not showing etc. The IFL is a glorified TEXAS league only with markets that could not support an AF2 franchise, the teams in the IFL will probably show better profits than Blake in the AF2 but Blake is committed to putting a better product on the field and is much more fan friendly.

[rams80]

The team and Blake are committed to West Houston and the Katy markets, there has been no lies etc from the team. I am curious but why would you go see a lower level IFL team for same cost of a ticket when you can see a superior AF2 proven product. The Katy unnamed team will end up being former Copperheads players that don't make the AF2 team. The IFL has no or little ability to place players in the majors (AFL). The NIFL was good for getting the team started but scheduling was a nightmare last season with teams not showing etc. The IFL is a glorified TEXAS league only with markets that could not support an AF2 franchise, the teams in the IFL will probably show better profits than Blake in the AF2 but Blake is committed to putting a better product on the field and is much more fan friendly.

I love Kool-aid! (especially in regards to your shots about the Intense league). Talent level for the IFL and af2 is about the same, so I'd lay off the lower level stuff if I were you-as for the market argument, I think it has more to do with the fact that the IFL arenas aren't run by SMG, so the af2 can't "Corpus Christi" any more leases.

Anyway, what's wrong with a more regional business model?

[factor]

Lets be sure you understand; We loved the players, it was good for the community and now they are gone. So you can answer the questions or you can compare ticket prices. We as fans know that you have left- we just would like the veil to be lifted. We didn't know the NIFL or why all the blame is on the NIFL from any other league- we are just glad we have a new team with great ownership and the funds to run a first class, year around business in the Katy area. I don't see anybody running the af2 down, but you are sure that the IFL is not as good. Why don't you guys call the new coach at in Katy when you get settled in at the Barry and arrange a game- now that would be cool. The Katy team could add that as a easy victory and that would go good with the others. As far as having former Copperhead players- you don't show much respect for them- that's sad. You are the fan-club guy and the photographer- you have drank the Kool-aid with Blake and good luck and don't come backfrom Cypress.

[sportznut]

Let me tell you... Good luck with the IFL...I have many friends in high places amoungst the teams and the league, But I am glad the copperheads did not go that route. Katy, Loved ya, nice building, friendly people, But I drive in almost 2 hours to see them play every game.It doesnt matter to me where they play as long as they are playing. If you are gonna ***** about having to drive what? 20 minutes or so to see them play..... God some people....

[factor]

I have just called over to the Barry Center and you don't have an agreement. So why are you saying drive 20 minutes.

[Malepig]

The team and Blake are committed to West Houston and the Katy markets, there has been no lies etc from the team. I am curious but why would you go see a lower level IFL team for same cost of a ticket when you can see a superior AF2 proven product. The Katy unnamed team will end up being former Copperheads players that don't make the AF2 team. The IFL has no or little ability to place players in the majors (AFL). The NIFL was good for getting the team started but scheduling was a nightmare last season with teams not showing etc. The IFL is a glorified TEXAS league only with markets that could not support an AF2 franchise, the teams in the IFL will probably show better profits than Blake in the AF2 but Blake is committed to putting a better product on the field and is much more fan friendly.

Very well said. You are right, there are IFL teams that could not support the af2 and in some cases such as Fort Worth and Frisco that are too close to the AFL Desperados. Texas is more than big anough for both leagues and the people in Texas will be entertained better than before with the af2.

[rams80]

For one season.

Then Lubbock, Laredo, and Corpus Christi fold.

[Malepig]

For one season.

Then Lubbock, Laredo, and Corpus Christi fold.

stop being so negative.

[Reichert]

The team and Blake are committed to West Houston and the Katy markets, there has been no lies etc from the team. I am curious but why would you go see a lower level IFL team for same cost of a ticket when you can see a superior AF2 proven product. The Katy unnamed team will end up being former Copperheads players that don't make the AF2 team. The IFL has no or little ability to place players in the majors (AFL). The NIFL was good for getting the team started but scheduling was a nightmare last season with teams not showing etc. The IFL is a glorified TEXAS league only with markets that could not support an AF2 franchise, the teams in the IFL will probably show better profits than Blake in the AF2 but Blake is committed to putting a better product on the field and is much more fan friendly.

Look, I'd be careful before bashing the IFL or the new Katy team. The bottom line in this situation is that EVERYONE WINS EXCEPT SHIVER. I've been saying this over and over again and I really truly believe it to be true. In fact, from the limited conversation I've had with Coach Blake, I think he believes it, too.

Bryan Blake is still majority owner of the Copperheads. Once again, he's a pretty affable and responsive guy...so if you're really doubting this maybe you should just try POLITELY asking.

I really believe indoor football can be supported in both the Cypress and Katy markets simultaneously and that both teams will show a black number on the bottom of the old P&L statement. For the Copperheads to work in af2 they needed a larger arena to increase gate revenue, period. If Katy had been aiming for a team on a bigger level than the NIFL they would have built the Merrell Center to be a larger building. I don't think the KISD had designs on indoor football when they first built The Leonard. Indoor football discovering Katy was almost a happy accident...one that Blake pounced on.

I don't like seeing the Copperhead contingent bashing the IFL nor do I like seeing people rip on Blake and the Copperhead organization. The bottom line is Carolyn Shiver has been denied a high-potential market, and for that we can ALL smile :)

[rams80]

stop being so negative.

I have trouble believing that markets like Lubbock and "Laredo of the empty seats" will last long in the af2 financial structure.

[phydeaux72]

I have trouble believing that markets like Lubbock and "Laredo of the empty seats" will last long in the af2 financial structure.

I certainly agree with you on Laredo. Not because they "can't", but more so because I believe that the market there at this point, thanks to bad ownership in both the af2 and the IFL, has been damaged beyond repair. If Lubbock can survive in the CHL, where the financial structure is almost identical to the af2, then they can survive in the af2. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. I think Lubbock has a much better chance at survival than Amarillo does. And Amarillo seems to be doing OK, despite their less than adequate attendance numbers. At least that's how it appears on the surface.

[sportznut]

IFL Bashing..... I have alot of friends withing the league and teams.. If i wasnt bashing on them they would think that something was wrong.
Katy, I enjoyed going to games there, People were great. Venue was great...But i have no interest in following the new team there. I hope they make it

[austinturfcats]

In no way was i bashing the IFL or Katy I was just saying that the AF2 is more established league with better organization

[phydeaux72]

In no way was i bashing the IFL or Katy I was just saying that the AF2 is more established league with better organization

More established? Ok, I'll give you that. They've been around longer. But they, like any league in any sport, had their hurdles to overcome in the beginning.

Better organization? Not hardly. I've had the priviledge of being directly involved with the IFL as of late. They're every bit as organized as the af2 has ever been. Maybe not as many "deep pocket" owners. But, the financial model isn't the same either.

And contrary to what some may think, the level of play and talent is arguably equal to that of the af2, maybe even better in SOME cases.

[austinturfcats]

THE KATY COPPERHEADS GAME JERSEYS FROM LAST SEASON ARE AVAILABLE NOW FOR ONLY 75.00 --- EMAIL ME AT oswalt1@houston.rr.com for details -- teal home and white away jerseys are available while they last ----

[factor]

Wow, what a great opportunity:

Lasted 1 year as the Katy Copperheads - Priceless
Lasted 1 year at the Merrell Centre - Priceless
Lasted 1 year in the NIFL-Priceless
Each jersey carries the NIFL logo - Priceless

[da man]

Factor, your Pricless!
Why are there certain people who get on this forum to be so negative? I think no matter what the league is, if ran properly it will be successfull. Lets face it the AFL & AF2 is a proven product and is the inovator for all inndoor leagues who have followed " no argument". So Blakes move was definently a smart one and I wish the team in Katy success but really dont think there was proper planning in moving a team to Katy when there will be an AF2 team down the road.

[Pounder]

I should bring over a "buddy" of mine, ordained minister and small college SID, who has the biblical version of the "sometimes you must kill something to save it" speech down pat. He's not a guy I'd call negative, either.

Some things, organizations, et cetera, have earned the negativity.

[austinturfcats]

Upgrade to af2 moves Copperheads to Berry Center

By DUSTIN WENZEL
Katy Sun Staff
After a year in which the team made the second round of the playoffs, the Copperheads are no longer the team Katy calls its own.
The Copperheads made their move to the af2 league and Richard E. Berry Center official on Oct. 18, leaving the confines of Katy’s Merrell Center after its inaugural season in the National Indoor Football League. As a result, the team will now be called the Texas Copperheads.
“I want Katy and our fans to understand it was a business decision for me,” Copperheads owner and head coach Bryan Blake said. “I appreciate how everyone supported us last season, and hope that there are no hard feelings.*The hometown Copperheads are not leaving, we’re just moving up the football ladder.”
The move to a different league and, subsequently, a different arena doesn’t come as a surprise.
The Copperheads drew meek crowds during summer home games, never drawing a sellout in the near 5,000-seat Merrell Center, even with a big name in running back Bam Morris. The team also won the Pacific South Division title with an 11-3 record.
More importantly, the Copperheads’ costs were high from traveling outside the state at least four times during the regular season. Before the Copperheads’ playoff game at Rapid City, South Dakota, the Flying Aces did not pay their share of travel expenses, forcing the team to charter a van. As a result, some players stayed in Texas because they were unwilling to make the long road trip.
“I worked way too hard last season to have the NIFL leave me sitting in Katy without transportation to our second-round playoff game with Rapid City,” Blake said. “The league has turned into a joke.”
Some NIFL teams had worse financial problems early in the season. Big Sky Montana, one of the worst teams in the NIFL last season, did not even travel its team last season. Instead, it mailed jerseys and forced the Copperheads management to find players to fill the opposing team’s roster. The Copperheads played a Houston semi-pro team, the Sharks, whom they defeated handily. The biggest margin of victory was 132-3.
“I wouldn’t pay a ticket to see that either,” Blake said. “I never knew if the team we had scheduled was going to show up.* How many forfeits were there last season?*Professional leagues do not have forfeited games.*Bottom line is that the NIFL did not deserve the product I put on the field week in and week out. I’m sorry the Katy fans had to go through that.”
Blake said the main reason for the stadium move was the need for a bigger field. The field for af2 must be 16 feet longer than the Merrell Center’s 180-foot floor.
Blake also added that his budget doubled by switching leagues and that the national recognition of the Arena Football League has put him close to finalizing a television contract for next season.
“I think one of my main reasons for the lack of exposure was a lack of TV coverage,” he said.*“It’s hard for a minor-league sport to make it in a major-league market.”
The Richard E. Berry Center is a new multipurpose facility located on Barker Cypress north of Clay Road. The Cy-Fair ISD Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the contract in their monthly meeting Oct. 10. Negotiations with the school district began in August.
The move will increase the number of seats at Copperheads games to more than 7,000, and Blake said ticket prices at the Berry Center will range from $10 to $50.
“For the football games we haven’t quite figured (capacity) exactly, but it’ll be less than (8,300) because we’ll retract some seats,” said Beth Wade, general manager of the Berry Center.
Tryouts for the Copperheads will be held in December and possibly another in February.
“I’m looking at returning about 10 to 12 of my 25 from last season,” said Blake, who also said Morris will not be back with the team after being released from the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.*“Some of the guys who let the team down last year will not be invited back. The rest will come from free agents and open tryouts.”
Twenty-four teams competed in the af2 last season, and the Copperheads are one of five expansion teams entering the league in 2007. According to the league’s Web site, 50 former af2 players signed with the Arena Football League this offseason.
“The af2 has the 21 years of the Arena Football League backing them,” Blake said. “It is a true developmental league.*Forty-three percent of*the players in the AFL last season came out of the af2.”
“It was very important for me to keep the team in the West Houston market,*which still includes Katy. I hope the*fans*are as proud of the Copperheads as I am, and I'll do my best to take this team to new heights in the af2.”

1960 Group Editor Joel Weckerly and writer Kentesheia Dockery contributed to this story.

[Reichert]

While it is Blake's intention to market to the Katy area I am not sure to what extent he will be successful in doing so. The Katy community, as large as it is, happens to be also a very proud and tight-knit region. As a result, I expect the Katy IFL team to captialize on this and be the ones to capture most of the indoor football fans from the Katy region.

[austinturfcats]

I believe some Katy fans will follow the Copperheads and some will adopt their new team and that is fine because we can capitalize on a larger Houston and CyFair area. I think the Copperheads would have stayed in Katy but the arena would not fit our needs. I wish the IFL well in the Katy market.

[Reichert]

I believe some Katy fans will follow the Copperheads and some will adopt their new team and that is fine because we can capitalize on a larger Houston and CyFair area. I think the Copperheads would have stayed in Katy but the arena would not fit our needs. I wish the IFL well in the Katy market.

Both markets are plenty large. Greater Katy is pushing 200,000 residents and Cy-Fair, while not that much larger, still is nothing to sniff at with around 250,000 in what will be the central Copperheads marketing area. The Berry Center will seat around 7,000 for af2 games while we all know the Merrell is a hair short of 5,000. We are looking at both teams needing to attract right around the same percentage of fans to fill their respective arenas.

Both teams are going to be successful because the Copperheads are going to be the team for the Cypress area and the new IFL team will draw from Katy. There will be some, but not very much, overlap between the two neighboring regions. Both the Cy-Fair and Katy areas really love their football, and both are in places where entertainment options short of the long drive to Houston have been in short supply. In short: separate teams, separate leagues, similar success for both.

And on that note I will continue to reiterate an unpopular opinion here: The only loser in all of this is Shiver.

[phydeaux72]

Both markets are plenty large. Greater Katy is pushing 200,000 residents and Cy-Fair, while not that much larger, still is nothing to sniff at with around 250,000 in what will be the central Copperheads marketing area.

I know I've pointed this out before. But greater Katy actually has over 400,000 residents. The city of Katy houses 5 class 5A high schools, a class 4A high school which will be moved up to 5A next school year, and has broken ground on a 7th, which is also expected to fall in the 5A class. This is according to the Katy Chamber of Commerce, who I've been working very closely with over the past several weeks. Cy-Fair, as you pointed out, is a bit larger. It doesn't benefit either team to seek sponsorship or season ticket holders in each other's markets. Most business in Cy-Fair are not going to waste their sponsorship dollars in Katy, where it will have little to no benefit to them. And the same goes for Katy. Both teams, if they are run properly and if they focus primarily on their respective markets, will be highly successful.

[austinturfcats]

Arena Football League (AFL)
af2 Texas Copperheads
Announce Inaugural Season

You are formally invited by the Texas Copperheads
to attend our announcement of the team and our new home.

Event: Texas Copperheads News Conference
Date: Friday, November 17, 2006
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Place: Richard E. Berry Center
877 Barker Cypress
Houston, Texas 77433

[sportsguy12]

With all of the Copperhead posts, is there anything new to announce? I'm just glad that the team is settling into its new home. Congrats!

[preeths]

Spell it out or take your hate elsewhere. Specifically, what do you allege Blake has done? What charges do you think are forthcoming? What do you have to do with all this? Let's hear specifics, not vague defamatory comments. You have 24 hours.

[phydeaux72]

This message has been deleted by preeths (http://www.oursportscentral.com/boards/member.php?u=1). Reason: Violation of board rules, unsubstantiated claims

I certainly welcome your support for the Katy IFL team in 2007. However, if there are outstanding issues between Blake and the Merrell Center & others, then let's let that remain between them.

The worst way for me to garner support for my team in Katy would be to go around slandering or downplaying Blake or the Copperheads. The Copperheads did well in Katy last season with the little time they had to get things going. I wish only the best for Blake and the Copperheads in Cy-Fair. And if he is as good of a business man as I think he is, I'm sure that he feels the same way.

[austinturfcats]

For the Copperheads, it's an entirely new game

By NEIL STRATTON

Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

For Bryan Blake, the winding road that traveled from the end of the Katy Copperheads' first year in existence to the launch point for its second season took him on quite the scenic route.


For the team's second year, Blake will be trotting out a new league (the AF2, farm league for the Arena Football League), a new name (the team he founded will be known as the Texas, not Katy, Copperheads), a new venue (the Richard E. Berry Center, about 25 minutes from last year's Leonard E. Merrell Center), a new part-owner (Doug McGregor, owner of the AFL's Austin Wranglers) and many new players, as well.


After a roller-coaster ride through the National Indoor Football League, Blake weighed the benefits of several other ventures before focusing on the Arena League and the Cy-Fair area.


"There was a lot of doubt, the way the season ended last year," he said, admitting he wondered if there would even be a Season 2. "It was difficult on me at the end of the year. We lost a lot of money, and when the season ended I wasn't sure if it was going to continue. It was kind of sad because it felt like it was all coming apart, but fortunately I was able to get with (AF2 Commissioner) Jerry Kurz and (Austin Wranglers owner) Doug McGregor, we came to an agreement, and he'll come on as a partner. He also has ownership with another team in Texas, in Corpus Christi and in Lubbock. He's a big proponent of AFL football, and AF2 is a new way to spread that message. With Doug behind me, the financial backing is there.


"At the end of (last) season we were strapped, and now we're looking forward to moving forward. I mean, last year, we didn't even have a schedule until about three weeks before the season. Now this season, the schedule's out, our division lineups are out, they run their offices out of Chicago.


"It's a lot more paperwork for me," he added with a chuckle, "but that's the only downside."


For Blake, the upside is clear. The team moves to a newer venue that can hold thousands more people (Blake said he hopes to see 7,000 to 8,000 fans at every game next year) with a far more established league, and he's close enough to last year's facility to hope that fans are willing to make the short ride down Barker-Cypress to ring in the second season.


On Friday at the team's news conference, there were plenty of people to share his excitement.


"We're excited about having them here," said Don Ryan, President of the Cypress-Fairbanks School Board. "We hope they can fill (the Berry Center) up each week. I know I look forward to bringing my kids here."


If all goes well, that might not even be necessary. Jerry Ippoliti, the founder of three college bowl games (the Motor City Bowl, Music City Bowl and Houston Bowl) and former Commissioner of the Mid-America Conference, is on board as a consultant. He's confident that the team will have a contract to broadcast the games on television as well as radio in the very near future.


"The first goal is, No. 1, marketing the product and getting it on TV," Ippoliti said. "We have had two meetings already and I think that's doable. In addition to that, we're probably going to be on radio as well, and we've had a meeting for a radio contact."


Many team members will be new, as well. For now, Blake is still unsure if former NFL running back Bam Morris will be back (though he contacted Blake this week), and it's still uncertain on whether last year's kicker, Whitney Hillin, will return.


"He's undecided on if he wants to play AF2 or play in Katy," Blake said.


One who will be playing is former SMU quarterback Tony Eckert, who was rehabbing from a senior-year shoulder injury and hoping for selection in the 2006 NFL Draft at this time last year. On Tuesday, the one-time NFL prospect signed a deal with the Copperheads.


"Last year, in 2005, my senior year, I got hurt," he said. "I ended up getting a workout with the Cowboys, and had a lot of eyes on me, but I thought Arena would be the best way for me to develop and explore my options."


He said he can't wait to get started.


"It's a quick game with quick throws, and it's high-flying football that's fun to watch," he said. "I'm ready to get in pads and get this thing going."


Of course, in keeping with the theme, the Copperheads will also have new competition for the Greater Katy football fan's dollar. The Intense Football League will have an entry in its circuit that will take the place of the Copperheads in the Merrell Center.


Does Blake see an on-field battle with the Katy team in the offing?


"To be honest, I've had people talk about that," he said. "It might be neat to have a scrimmage game, but it's a different league and level. For liability reasons I don't think it would happen. It would probably not be an option."

[factor]

Front page of the Katy Times

[texfootball]

My original post was deleted by admin for reasons of unsubstantiated claims. I say let the truth me told! Let me ask the question again...Bryan Blake or Carolyn Shriver - Who's more of a con man?

READ BELOW

Copperheads leave town owing KISD, booster clubs
By Nick Georgandis
Managing Editor
Monday, November 20, 2006 11:16 AM CST

When the Katy Copperheads announced they were leaving the Leonard Merrell Center, the National Indoor Football League and the Katy area for greener pastures a few months ago, they left behind several disgruntled business partners.

The team, which now calls Cy-Fair Independent School District's Berry Center home under its new moniker, the Texas Copperheads, and has moved up to join the AF2 league, reportedly owes KISD more than $20,000 in expenses for renting the Merrell Center.

“They were supposed to pay per game and the rate changed some game by game depending on how much concession sales were,” KISD Deputy Superintendent John Bailey said.

“They defaulted and didn't pay for four games. We've issued a written demand letter asking for payment and at this point we are expecting it to go to litigation.”

The Copperheads played seven home games at the Merrell Center between March and June of 2006.

“The typical game cost was between $6,400 and $7,000,” Merrell Center General Manager of Facilities Jim Chapman said.

“That depended on when the games were scheduled. If there was a large event the night before, it would vary on how much we had to work to change it over, sometimes that meant working through the night. Early in the season it was also taking us longer to get the system down to set up the field, so that was an extra cost.”

The district did provide the Copperheads with a “rebate” based on concession sales. The team was refunded 30 percent of concession sales during the game.

The Berry Center, the Copperheads' new home just up Barker-Cypress Rd., seats 8,000 compared to the 5,900-person capacity of the Merrell Center.

Berry Center General Manager Beth Wade said CFISD takes precautions when renting its facilities.

“We are aware of (the situation with KISD),” Wade said.

“They are going to pay us before the games are played. I would never do any event without payment. We always require deposits at the Berry Center. We would never put ourselves in that position.”

KISD is not the only area entity frustrated by a lack of funds from their involvement with the Copperheads. Both the Katy and Taylor High School Athletic Booster Clubs entered into agreements with the team to have volunteers sell programs at home games in exchange for a cut of the sales.

Neither booster club was ever paid for its services.

“It started out that they were selling tickets at Taylor High and we were going to get a commission on that,” Chuck Chesser, Taylor High School athletic booster club president said.

“We were selling programs at the games and figured we'd make about $500 for the booster club. We got our parents there, sold quite a few, waited a while, called and they said, ‘We're working on it, we'll settle up at the end of the season.' I could kind of tell as we went through to the end of the season that it was never going to come to fruition. I wrote it up to experience.”

Mitch Fralick, Katy High School booster club president, related a similar experience.

“The initial deal was they called us and told us they were opening up the season with a Katy night and asked if we'd be willing to sell programs for $3 a piece and in return for the volunteers, we'd get $1 per program,” Fralick said.

“About halfway through the season I addressed our booster club officers and said I was a little concerned, this was a cash transaction, why are these guys not settling up with us?”

Seven Lakes High School booster club president Greg Henry said the other schools' officers warned him away from dealing with the football team.

“The presidents of the athletic booster clubs meet together about every three months to share and be cohesive in our endeavors for the district,” Henry said.

“When I asked about the Copperheads' deal, the others warned me so we did not partake on their offer.”

While Fralick himself never was part of the volunteer squad of parents, he related that several other Katy High parents were approached by the Copperheads to continue selling programs at the games in exchange for a cut of the profits going to the booster club. They agreed and worked several more home dates during the season.

“I made some calls and they told us they were fixing to settle up, just getting their tallies on everything,” Fralick said.

“I made a couple more calls and was told the checks were being cut, but we knew they were trouble by late in the season. We probably should have been more cautious when we didn't settle after the first round, we were working on good faith and had some pretty zealous members as always who are out to do whatever they can for the Katy High School booster club.”

Calls to the Copperheads' office were not returned.

On Friday morning, Katy's newest professional football team, the Katy Ruff Riders, were formally introduced at a press conference held at Don McGill Toyota. The Ruff Riders are members of the Intense Football League (IFL) and will play mostly in-state opponents.

Bailey said KISD has learned from the mistake it made when dealing with the Copperheads.

The new team has paid in advance, we made sure of that,” Bailey said Wednesday evening.

“Once bitten, twice shy.”

For Fralick and Chesser, the most frustrating part of the experience is how many hours their parent volunteers spent without the promised return to the club's funds.

“It's hard enough to get people to volunteer,” Chesser said. “I had just been elected president, and I told our parents, ‘Hey guys, we've got a couple of opportunities here to raise some good money for our athletics. (The Copperheads) were giving me the story of ‘we'll get back to you at the end of the season' but nothing ever happened.”

Fralick chalked the sour deal up to an inherent trust in the city.

“The Katy community is a very ‘trust-me' type of community,” Fralick said.

“When people come into Katy and do things that are in the old town part of Katy, you just sort of figure they're a new part of the group. I guess this just proves that Katy's growing fast.”

[preeths]

Where's the con? The article discussed unpaid debts, but I don't see where the con comes in. The owner hasn't run, and he's still in the Houston area. Anyone with a beef knows where to find him. Yes, the Copperheads need to settle up with the arena and the booster clubs, but I don't see a con here. This is hardly stifling debt for a going concern, though I agree the team does need to make good to its creditors. Staying in business should help them do so.

BTW, you were given 24 hours to explain your initial post, and you didn't. For all appearances, it looked like nothing but a hit and run attack on the Copperheads.

[austinturfcats]

The Texas Copperheads will hold an open tryout prior to the 2007
arenafootball2 season, looking for that "Cinderella story" of an athlete rising up from obscurity to play professional football. The Copperheads are looking for players at all positions and each athlete will be required to participate in offense and defensive drills. Players will complete at one of the following positions: QB, WR/DB, OL/DL, FB/LB or K.

Head Coach Bryan Blake said, “We have fielded many phone calls and emails over the past few months and we want to give all a chance to be part of this franchise. Texas has a rich football history and we want to be part of it.”

Players should arrive one hour prior to tryout start time for registration. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a $50.00 cash only registration fee. Players should dress in workout gear and have the appropriate shoes. The surface of the outdoor arena is field turf. Pads will NOT be worn.

The workout will consist of running the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle. Players will then go through position and one-on-one drills, both offensively and defensively. Bench press repetitions will also be recorded. 185 pounds for quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs. Linebackers, running backs and all linemen will be tested with 225 pounds.

WHERE: Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium (outdoors)

Located on the corner of West Road and Barker Cypress in West Houston. The address is 8877 Barker Cypress, Houston, TX 77433.

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2006

Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m.

Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m.

[austinturfcats]

TEXAS COPPERHEADS AF2

WHERE: Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium (outdoors)

Located on the corner of West Road and Barker Cypress in West Houston. The address is 8877 Barker Cypress, Houston, TX 77433.

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2006

Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m.

Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m.

For More Information -- Email me at oswalt1@houston.rr.com

[austinturfcats]

Texas Copperheads defensive lineman Matthew Beeler discusses his career and signs autographs for Memorial Parkway Junior High seventh-graders Hannah Steinweg, left, Brooke Bretting and Christy Martin at St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Katy.

Dec. 6, 2006, 10:52PM
Football player inspires youths
His story is one of perseverance in sport he loves


By SANDRA BRETTING
Chronicle Correspondent


At 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 310 pounds, Matthew Beeler, a defensive lineman for the Texas Copperheads arena football team, intimidates players simply by showing up.

What most opponents don't know is that Beeler, 24, has suffered more injuries in seven years of playing football than most players will see in a lifetime.

Beeler shared his story with Katy middle-school pupils at a recent meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held at St. Peter's United Methodist Church.

The Fellowship is the largest Christian sports organization in the country, with chapters at more than 5,500 college, high school and middle school campuses.

"It's inspiring to hear someone who has gone through so much, but stays with it because he loves it," said Shelby Pichon, 12, who attended Beeler's presentation. "Here's an athlete and a Christian who finds time to come talk to us because he doesn't want us to give up, either."

A product of Katy High School, Beeler played freshman football as a 5-foot, 100-pound offensive lineman. By the time he graduated in 2000, Beeler had shot up a foot and gained 85 pounds.

"I was just a little guy when I started," Beeler said. "But then I got into training and eating more, and I turned into a wide receiver."

Beeler also suffered his first injuries, twice breaking his arms and wrists. By the time he joined the football squad at Texas State University in 2002, he had also torn his posterior cruciate ligament, which doctors warned could end his career.

"Later, the team's trainer told me it was a good thing he didn't know about the injury, because he might not have let me play," Beeler said.

To date, Beeler has twice broken his arm and wrist, undergone three major reconstructive surgeries on his knees, suffered a half-dozen concussions and smashed his foot.

Surprisingly, it was Beeler's father who encouraged him to try out for the Texas Copperheads when the team formed in Katy last spring.

"My dad loves that I play football, but my mom doesn't like to watch," Beeler said. "She's afraid that I'll get hurt again."

Beeler plays primarily defense. The Copperheads have since switched leagues moving from the National Indoor Football League to the AF-2 and changed venues from the Leonard Merrell Center in Katy to the Richard E. Berry Center in Cypress-Fairbanks.

A controversial move, Beeler said the team needed a bigger arena to conform with its new league's rules.

The Copperheads will kick-off its first game of the season April 6. Unlike the national football league, arena teams pay players about $200 a game, with a $50 bonus if they win. Like the rest of his teammates, Beeler works several jobs to support himself. In addition to training an hour a day, he is a security guard for the Houston Astros and moonlights as a doorman at a local nightclub.

Beeler also attends the University of Houston and plans to graduate with a degree in communications next fall.

"Whatever I do, whether it's broadcasting or working in player relations for a team, I'll always be around football," Beeler said.

[austinturfcats]

Tommorow at Berry Stadium -- 8am -- email oswalt1@houston.rr.com for details

[austinturfcats]

Go to

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=119600237

new Texas Copperheads Cheerleaders

[austinturfcats]

More than 40 teams will be made available in Arena Football: Road to Glory and for the first time the user can play as their favorite AFL or af2 team. af2 is the developmental league of the AFL playing primarily in secondary markets. In addition, players can take the af2 circuit by storm by winning the ArenaCup then export their players into the AFL and set their sights on an ArenaBowl championship. The game brings back the excitement and experience of hard-hitting, high-scoring intensity of 50-yard goal line-to-goal line battles. Players can dominate both leagues by scoring at will and wreaking havoc on their toughest rivals with huge hits that send players into-and over-the walls. The game’s official website is www.easports.com/afl2.

[austinturfcats]

Tryouts give arena football teams a look at prospects


By JOHN PAPE
Chronicle Correspondent

Eighty would-be arena football players showed up for the Texas Copperheads' open tryouts on Saturday at the Cy-Fair school district's Berry Stadium, with 30 being invited back for a second look on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Meanwhile, Katy's new team, the Ruff Riders, an affiliate of the smaller Intense Football League, was holding tryouts at Rhodes Stadium in Katy.

The Copperheads will open their first season in the Arena Football League 2, or af 2, on April 6 against the Florida Firecats. The team played last season as the Katy Copperheads at Katy's Merrell Center under the banner of the smaller National Indoor Football League.

Copperhead coach Bryan Blake said he was pleased with the level of talent he saw at the tryouts.

"We had a lot of receivers, a lot of defensive backs, and five or six quarterbacks come out. The talent level was higher than we saw last year, and from the group of 80 we invited about 30 guys back on Sunday for a second look in a game setting," Blake said.

The greater level of talent was probably because of the higher level of professionalism in af 2, which is a farm system for the Arena Football League.

"Last year on our first tryout (as the Katy Copperheads), we had around 120 come out. The number this year was smaller, but the talent level was higher," Blake explained. "The af 2 has a higher level of professionalism and I believe that's attracting better talent to the tryouts. As a coach, I'd rather go with fewer people and better talent"

The Copperheads are planning another tryout in January. After the two tryouts, the team will decide on offering contracts or signing letters of intent with players. Training camp will open in March.

"The league rules let us open camp two weeks prior to the start of the season, but our first week is a bye week, so we will get a little more time to get ready for the first game," Blake said.

Under league rules, the Copperheads are allowed to bring 35 players to camp and have 22 on the roster. On game day, Blake said, the team will be allowed to suit out 19, or 20 if one is an international player.

Players will receive a league-standard salary of $200 per game, with a $50 bonus for a win. The Copperheads will play a 16-game season, with their nine homes games at the 8,239-seat Berry Center.

Blake said the opener against the Firecats, historically one of the league's best teams, will be a good test for the Copperheads.

"The Firecats have been one of the top teams in the af 2, having gone to the playoffs just about every season. They should be stiff competition and the fans will see a great opener to launch our new season, our new home stadium, and our new league," Blake said.

"The (Ruff Riders) tryout may have cut into our numbers a little, but I don't think it was a huge factor. The leagues play with different levels of talent," Blake said. "I think that our fans will see a very high level of professionalism, something worthy of a pro team."

Blake added that the higher level of competition will probably keep the scores closer than the team ran up against NIFL teams last year. While lower scoring might disappoint some fans, he pointed out that better competition is all a part of a higher level of professionalism.

"We had scores of 87, 90, and even 132 points last year. We outscored one team 132 to 3," Blake said. "You're not going to see those kinds of scores any more, but you will see better football."

He also said that the stability of the af 2 will be better for the team, players and fans. Last year, a number of NIFL teams, including the Copperheads, were plagued with financial problems. Several teams folded before play began while others were unable to complete the season.

"This year I'm not going to be worried on Friday night about whether or not the other guys are going to show up. We'll also play a lot more teams in Texas and that will cut down on the travel time and expense," Blake said.

In addition to the opener against Florida, the Copperheads have homes games scheduled against Corpus Christi twice, the Laredo Lobos, the Tri Cities (Washington) Fever, the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings, the Lubbock Renegades, the Tulsa Talons and the Rio Grand Valley Dorados. The Corpus Christi team has not yet been named.

Away opponents include Bossier-Shreveport, Lubbock, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Corpus Christi, as well as the Alabama Steeldogs and the South Georgia Wildcats.

In addition to the Copperheads and Ruff Riders, a third team, the Houston Dragons, has also announced open tryouts. The Dragons, part of the Texas-based Gulf Coast Football Association, will hold tryouts on Jan. 6 at Spring Branch's Spring Woods High School.

[austinturfcats]

Local Talent Request Second Open Tryouts
Thursday December 28, 2006

The Texas Copperheads will hold a second open tryout prior to the 2007 arenafootball2 season, due to the overwhelming demand from area players. Several former professional and college players have contacted the Copperheads after seeing the news special done by local television in Houston.

The Copperheads are looking for players at all positions and each athlete will be required to participate in offense and defensive drills. Players will complete at one of the following positions: QB, WR/DB, OL/DL, FB/LB or K.

Head Coach Bryan Blake said, "We have fielded many phone calls and emails over the past few days and we want to give all a chance to be part of this franchise."

Players should arrive one hour prior to tryout start time for registration. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a $50.00 cash only registration fee. Players should dress in workout gear and have the appropriate shoes. The surface of the outdoor arena is field turf. Pads will NOT be worn.

The workout will consist of running the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle. Players will then go through position and one-on-one drills, both offensively and defensively. Bench press repetitions will also be recorded. 185 pounds for quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs. Linebackers, running backs and all linemen will be tested with 225 pounds.

WHERE: Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium (outdoors)

Located on the corner of West Road and Barker Cypress in West Houston. The address is 8877 Barker Cypress, Houston, TX 77433.

WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2006
Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m.
Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m

[austinturfcats]

FOOTBALL
Copperheads to hold tryouts
The Texas Copperheads will hold a second open tryout on Jan. 27, prior to the 2007 arenafootball2 season.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a $50 cash-only registration fee. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the tryout starts at 9 a.m. at Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium at 8877 Barker Cypress.


LINK - http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/other/4456577.html

[austinturfcats]

Texas Copperheads to Host Pick-A-Seat Party

Copperheads to sign autographs at 2007 season-ticket kickoff party
Meet Houston’s Only Arena Football Team

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads are inviting all of Houston’s football fanatics and their families and friends to their first annual “Select-A-Seat Meet-and-Greet” kickoff party, to be held at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road) on Saturday, January 27th from 1:00-4:00 pm. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Head Coach Bryan Blake, Copperheads players and members of the Texas Charmers Dance Team. The team will be available for autographs and photos throughout the event, and the Charmers will perform a dance routine at 2:00pm. Fans will also be able to see the all-new Berry Center firsthand to choose the location of their season, group or individual game tickets for the upcoming 2007 season. The team, coaches, staff, and dancers will be on hand to assist you in finding that perfect seat.

Attending this event will ensure that all fans can choose the best seats available. There are also tickets and payment plans to meet every budget, as prices begin at only $60 for the entire season. Plus, fans that attend this event can purchase season tickets as low as $54 each with the 10% Pick-A-Seat discount.

“I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Blake. “I know our fans can’t either, so we are opening up the Berry Center for the fans to test drive their seats.”

Blake also commented on the outlook for the upcoming Copperheads season. “Fans who enjoy Arena Football are going to be thrilled with the af2 game and the product that we’ll be putting out on the field,” he said. “It’s just an outstanding and affordable family entertainment option here in Houston.”

Season Ticket Holder Advantages:

• No Waiting In Lines On Gameday – go right to your seats!
• 15% Merchandise Discount at Texas Copperheads Team Store (with season ticket holder card)
• Opportunity to purchase Authentic Copperheads Game Jerseys at $40 instead of $120
• Free Parking in designated season ticket holder-only lot
• Interest-free financing on payment plans
• Flexible Renewal Payment Schedule
• One complimentary Special Announcement on Jumbotron (birthday, anniversary, etc.)
• Seating Priority and Preferred Seat Assignments in the brand-new Barry Center
• Savings on Gameday Box Office Prices
• Priority on Playoffs With Your '08 Renewal
• Priority on Renewals from season to season
• Priority on Seat Upgrades / Relocations
• Priority on Individual Game Tickets - Prior to Public Sale
• Priority on Additional Playoff Tickets - Prior to Public Sale
• Complimentary Media Guide (1 per account)
• Copperheads E-Connect Media List Access
• Exclusive Copperheads Player Meet & Greet / Photo Day
• VIP Access to Select FanFest Events
• Dedicated Account Executive
• Premium Gift Item (1 per account)

The Texas Copperheads are Houston’s only Arena Football team. They are committed to becoming a premier team in arenafootball2 and being involved in the community that supports them. The Texas Copperheads are an affiliate of the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers.

The 2007 Texas Copperheads season opens on April 6th with a 7:00pm kickoff against the Florida Firecats. For more information contact the Texas Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592, Dave Fanucchi at dfanucchi@sbcglobal.net, J. Ronald Oswalt at (832) 754-7666, or visit www.texascopperheads.com.

Press Release photos are courtesy of www.osportsphoto.com

[sportsguy12]

Good luck with this team AF2! I'm sure they are still crying about their loss to RC in the playoffs. A bunch of babies = Katy!

... their now headed to af2 and RC is headed for the defunct football team graveyard. Who's cryin' now?

[austinturfcats]

copperheads party this sat email oswalt1@houston.rr.com for details

[austinturfcats]

01/23/2007
Copperheads host team party
Staff Reports

The Texas Copperheads are inviting all of Houston's football fans, and their families and friends, to their first annual "Select-A-Seat Meet-and-Greet" kickoff party, to be held at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road) on Sat., Jan. 27 from 1-4 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Head Coach Bryan Blake, Copperheads players and members of the Texas Charmers Dance Team. The team will be available for autographs and photos throughout the event, and the Charmers will perform a dance routine at 2 p.m.

Fans will also be able to see the all-new Berry Center firsthand to choose the location of their season, group or individual game tickets for the upcoming 2007 season. The team, coaches, staff, and dancers will be on hand to assist you in finding that perfect seat.


Attending this event will ensure that all fans can choose the best seats available. There are also tickets and payment plans to meet every budget, as prices begin at only $60 for the entire season. Plus, fans that attend this event can purchase season tickets as low as $54 each with the 10 percent Pick-A-Seat discount.

"I can't wait for the season to start," said Blake. "I know our fans can't either, so we are opening up the Berry Center for the fans to test drive their seats."

Blake also commented on the outlook for the upcoming Copperheads season. "Fans who enjoy Arena Football are going to be thrilled with the af2 game and the product that we'll be putting out on the field," he said. "It's just an outstanding and affordable family entertainment option here in Houston."

Season Ticket Holder Advantages:

- No Waiting In Lines On Gameday - go right to your seats. - Fifteen percent Merchandise Discount at Texas Copperheads Team Store (with season ticket holder card) - Opportunity to purchase Authentic Copperheads Game Jerseys at $40 instead of $120 - Free Parking in designated season ticket holder-only lot - Interest-free financing on payment plans -Flexible Renewal Payment Schedule -One complimentary Special Announcement on Jumbotron (birthday, anniversary, etc.) -Seating Priority and Preferred Seat Assignments in the brand-new Barry Center -Savings on Gameday Box Office Prices -Priority on Playoffs With Your '08 Renewal -Priority on Renewals from season to season - Priority on Seat Upgrades / Relocations - Priority on Individual Game Tickets - Prior to Public Sale - Priority on Additional Playoff Tickets - Prior to Public Sale - Complimentary Media Guide (1 per account) - Copperheads E-Connect Media List Access - Exclusive Copperheads Player Meet & Greet / Photo Day - VIP Access to Select FanFest Events -Dedicated Account Executive - Premium Gift Item (1 per account)

The Texas Copperheads are Houston's only arena football team. They are committed to becoming a premier team in arenafootball2 and being involved in the community that supports them. The Texas Copperheads are an affiliate of the Arena Football League's Austin Wranglers.

The 2007 Texas Copperheads season opens on April 6 with a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Florida Firecats. For more information, contact the Texas Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592, or J. Ronald Oswalt at (832) 754-7666, or visit texascopperheads.com.

[austinturfcats]

Pasadena Seniors Get Into the Game
Access Home Care, City of Pasadena partner up for a Night out with the Copperheads

HOUSTON, TX – Access Home Care and the City Of Pasadena Office On Aging have teamed up with the Texas Copperheads Arena Football team to provide residents at Pasadena’s Madison Jobe Senior Center with tickets to the 2007 Copperheads season opener, Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats at the Berry Center in Cypress.

The event will be the first effort in the Copperheads’ new community outreach program, “Team Up for Tickets.” The program will provide complimentary tickets to area organizations that demonstrate achievement in an area of endeavor, whether academic, athletic, philanthropic, artistic or civic. The Copperheads will give consideration to non-profit 501c(3) organizations, donating up to 50 complimentary tickets to groups who best exemplify dedication and commitment to their communities.

"This program will enable the Copperheads to work with area groups each year to share the excitement and fun of live Arena Football at the Berry Center with local fans who might not otherwise be able to attend the games," said J. Ronald Oswalt, Texas Copperheads Director of Media Relations.

"Our participation in the new Copperheads Tickets program is another way for all to get involved with Arena Football in the greater Houston area,” said Access Home Care CEO Dana Deal.

"We're grateful to Dana Deal and Access Home Care for creating this exciting opportunity for seniors to enjoy the Arena Football experience many at the Madison Jobe Center have never had.” said Barbara Sitzman, Recreation Manager for the city of Pasadena.

The Copperheads are also encouraging area businesses to join the “Team Up for Tickets” program and sponsor a block of tickets for groups in their communities.

For more information on the “Team Up for Tickets” program, or to apply for a Copperheads ticket grant, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

[Malepig]

Happy to see professional football in the Katy/West Houston area acting so well for the community.

[factor]

01/23/2007
Copperheads host team party
Staff Reports

The Texas Copperheads are inviting all of Houston's football fans, and their families and friends, to their first annual "Select-A-Seat Meet-and-Greet" kickoff party, to be held at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road) on Sat., Jan. 27 from 1-4 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Head Coach Bryan Blake, Copperheads players and members of the Texas Charmers Dance Team. The team will be available for autographs and photos throughout the event, and the Charmers will perform a dance routine at 2 p.m.

Fans will also be able to see the all-new Berry Center firsthand to choose the location of their season, group or individual game tickets for the upcoming 2007 season. The team, coaches, staff, and dancers will be on hand to assist you in finding that perfect seat.


Attending this event will ensure that all fans can choose the best seats available. There are also tickets and payment plans to meet every budget, as prices begin at only $60 for the entire season. Plus, fans that attend this event can purchase season tickets as low as $54 each with the 10 percent Pick-A-Seat discount.

"I can't wait for the season to start," said Blake. "I know our fans can't either, so we are opening up the Berry Center for the fans to test drive their seats."

Blake also commented on the outlook for the upcoming Copperheads season. "Fans who enjoy Arena Football are going to be thrilled with the af2 game and the product that we'll be putting out on the field," he said. "It's just an outstanding and affordable family entertainment option here in Houston."

Season Ticket Holder Advantages:

- No Waiting In Lines On Gameday - go right to your seats. - Fifteen percent Merchandise Discount at Texas Copperheads Team Store (with season ticket holder card) - Opportunity to purchase Authentic Copperheads Game Jerseys at $40 instead of $120 - Free Parking in designated season ticket holder-only lot - Interest-free financing on payment plans -Flexible Renewal Payment Schedule -One complimentary Special Announcement on Jumbotron (birthday, anniversary, etc.) -Seating Priority and Preferred Seat Assignments in the brand-new Barry Center -Savings on Gameday Box Office Prices -Priority on Playoffs With Your '08 Renewal -Priority on Renewals from season to season - Priority on Seat Upgrades / Relocations - Priority on Individual Game Tickets - Prior to Public Sale - Priority on Additional Playoff Tickets - Prior to Public Sale - Complimentary Media Guide (1 per account) - Copperheads E-Connect Media List Access - Exclusive Copperheads Player Meet & Greet / Photo Day - VIP Access to Select FanFest Events -Dedicated Account Executive - Premium Gift Item (1 per account)

The Texas Copperheads are Houston's only arena football team. They are committed to becoming a premier team in arenafootball2 and being involved in the community that supports them. The Texas Copperheads are an affiliate of the Arena Football League's Austin Wranglers.

The 2007 Texas Copperheads season opens on April 6 with a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Florida Firecats. For more information, contact the Texas Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592, or J. Ronald Oswalt at (832) 754-7666, or visit texascopperheads.com.

Just curious who the Copperheads hired as their GM for this year. I can't find any information out from the website regarding any PR or Media releases that say who that is. Just curious.

[sportznut]

Does it matter? Some teams do not have a GM. Hell, look at the NIFL, some teams dont have owners,places to play, fields, equipment... So you with your agenda want to call out the Copperheads because of sour grapes... let it be and go support your Ruff Riders

[houstonian]

The Fact Is, The Copperheads Need A Gm, And Not Blake Running The Whole Show! He Is Definitely A Snake In The Grass! Copperheads Is A Team, Not A One Man Show, Therefore You Need A Staff. Supporting The Ruff Riders Won't Be A Bad Choice, Looks Like They Have All Their Ducks In A Row And A Super Staff!! Go Ruff Riders!!!!!

[preeths]

I'm with sportznut. You're misguided, houstonian. The Copperheads do a pretty good job, good enough to move up to af2.

[factor]

Does it matter? Some teams do not have a GM. Hell, look at the NIFL, some teams dont have owners,places to play, fields, equipment... So you with your agenda want to call out the Copperheads because of sour grapes... let it be and go support your Ruff Riders

It was a simple question!

[Malepig]

To clear up something, The Copperheads have Elvis in thier office and he was part of the turn around in Green Bay and is a great asset. Just because he is not on the website yet doesn't mean a thing.

[sportznut]

The Copperheads are a WHOLE lot more organized then alot and i mean alot of other teams i know about...

I say, Lets just put this all aside and get ready to watch some football!!!!!

[sportznut]

Sorry to scoop ya BUT

Jan. 27, 2007
Pro football works at grass-roots level
They are still the Copperheads, but Houston's indoor team begins the year with excited new fans, a new home and a highly competitive new league

By ERIC BARTON
For The Chronicle

New name, new digs, new league. What's new with the city's "other" pro football team? You name it — starting with the name.

The Texas Copperheads, formerly known as the Katy Copperheads, shed their affiliation with the National Indoor Football League and are upgrading to the Arena2 system that will give players a chance to compete in the Arena Football League. (The home opener is April 6 at Berry Center.)

The Copperheads received special permission from the AFL to enter the Houston market as a farm team for the Austin Wranglers and Utah Blaze after only one season in the NIFL.

Copperheads fans got their first taste of the changes when the team hosted "Select-A-Seat, Meet-And-Greet" at the Berry Center on Saturday, an event that allowed fans to meet potential new players and see the team's new facility.

"It's exciting for me and the players," Copperheads head coach Bryan Blake said about changes to the team. "I'm hoping this catches on. Houston is a football town, and this is a great facility."

Poor weather conditions forced an open tryout to be moved to next Saturday, but it didn't stop the team from signing several players to contracts and issuing them invitations to training camp March 1.

"It's exciting. All the players are ready to get pads on and be successful," former SMU quarterback Tony Eckert said. "The way I look at it, this is minor league football. All the players are trying to earn spots and move up to the next level just like baseball players do. This is a great opportunity."

Unlike when the team was affiliated with the NIFL, the Copperheads are looking to sign athletes who performed at the Division I level in college or former Arena2 players. Team officials have received calls from more than 400 area athletes requesting an opportunity to try out.

"I played in the NIFL for five years, and I'm finally moving up," former Beaumont Drillers linebacker Randy Chappell said. "This is an exciting time for me and my family."

'Instant credibility'
The transition to a new league brings stability to a franchise that was plagued by having to play teams that were poorly funded.

"It would be Friday night, and we would still not know if the competing team was going to make it to the game," Blake said. "Arena2 has instant credibility; any one of our guys can be called up to play for the AFL at any point in the season."

Despite the fact the Copperheads will play in a conference against teams from Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, they faced an obstacle when it came to picking a home city.

"Along with our approval to come into the league, we were told we couldn't use the 'Houston' name because that would be used for an eventual AFL team," Blake said. "Houston is an AFL market, but we do have a three-year exclusion.

"After that, someone would have to buy us out."

The Copperheads settled on "Texas" because they wanted to draw fans from every town in the Houston area.

The league change comes after a successful season in the NIFL. The Copperheads were 11-3 in 2006 and won the Pacific South Conference but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Rapid City.

Team members would love nothing more than to have the Copperheads become an AFL franchise, but for now players and coaches are grateful for the opportunity they have.

"This is another steppingstone for me," said wide receiver Travis Golden, who also serves as a physical education teacher at Albright Middle School in the Alief Independent School District. "Teaching makes me smarter in the game and just adds another dimension to what I can do."

Golden, who played at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, brought two of his students to Saturday's festivities at the Berry Center.

"They don't get to get out and about in Alief," Golden said. "I like to give back as much as I can and commit to the students."

Ticket sales brisk
The jump to the new league for the Copperheads will mean a slight increase in the price of the game tickets. General admission second-level tickets will be $10, but front-row sideline seats increased to $45 and $50 from $28 last year.

Despite the price increase, Copperheads fans are ready for April 6, when the team opens the season at home against the Florida Firecats. In only two days, the team sold more than 100 season tickets.

"I love it better than the (Houston) Texans, and I'm a huge Texans fan," Copperheads season-ticket holder Doc Holliday said. "I just love the interaction you get from the team. You get sweaty with them."

Friend and fellow season-ticket holder Andrew Leeber agrees.

"I have to force my kids to come to a Texans game," Leeber said. "Here it's like they are right there on the field, and it gives you that football fix between the seasons."

[austinturfcats]

Pro football works at grass-roots level

They are still the Copperheads, but Houston's indoor team begins the year with excited new fans, a new home and a highly competitive new league


By ERIC BARTON
For The Chronicle

New name, new digs, new league. What's new with the city's "other" pro football team? You name it — starting with the name.

The Texas Copperheads, formerly known as the Katy Copperheads, shed their affiliation with the National Indoor Football League and are upgrading to the Arena2 system that will give players a chance to compete in the Arena Football League. (The home opener is April 6 at Berry Center.)

The Copperheads received special permission from the AFL to enter the Houston market as a farm team for the Austin Wranglers and Utah Blaze after only one season in the NIFL.

Copperheads fans got their first taste of the changes when the team hosted "Select-A-Seat, Meet-And-Greet" at the Berry Center on Saturday, an event that allowed fans to meet potential new players and see the team's new facility.

"It's exciting for me and the players," Copperheads head coach Bryan Blake said about changes to the team. "I'm hoping this catches on. Houston is a football town, and this is a great facility."

Poor weather conditions forced an open tryout to be moved to next Saturday, but it didn't stop the team from signing several players to contracts and issuing them invitations to training camp March 1.

"It's exciting. All the players are ready to get pads on and be successful," former SMU quarterback Tony Eckert said. "The way I look at it, this is minor league football. All the players are trying to earn spots and move up to the next level just like baseball players do. This is a great opportunity."

Unlike when the team was affiliated with the NIFL, the Copperheads are looking to sign athletes who performed at the Division I level in college or former Arena2 players. Team officials have received calls from more than 400 area athletes requesting an opportunity to try out.

"I played in the NIFL for five years, and I'm finally moving up," former Beaumont Drillers linebacker Randy Chappell said. "This is an exciting time for me and my family."


'Instant credibility'
The transition to a new league brings stability to a franchise that was plagued by having to play teams that were poorly funded.

"It would be Friday night, and we would still not know if the competing team was going to make it to the game," Blake said. "Arena2 has instant credibility; any one of our guys can be called up to play for the AFL at any point in the season."

Despite the fact the Copperheads will play in a conference against teams from Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, they faced an obstacle when it came to picking a home city.

"Along with our approval to come into the league, we were told we couldn't use the 'Houston' name because that would be used for an eventual AFL team," Blake said. "Houston is an AFL market, but we do have a three-year exclusion.

"After that, someone would have to buy us out."

The Copperheads settled on "Texas" because they wanted to draw fans from every town in the Houston area.

The league change comes after a successful season in the NIFL. The Copperheads were 11-3 in 2006 and won the Pacific South Conference but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Rapid City.

Team members would love nothing more than to have the Copperheads become an AFL franchise, but for now players and coaches are grateful for the opportunity they have.

"This is another steppingstone for me," said wide receiver Travis Golden, who also serves as a physical education teacher at Albright Middle School in the Alief Independent School District. "Teaching makes me smarter in the game and just adds another dimension to what I can do."

Golden, who played at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, brought two of his students to Saturday's festivities at the Berry Center.

"They don't get to get out and about in Alief," Golden said. "I like to give back as much as I can and commit to the students."


Ticket sales brisk
The jump to the new league for the Copperheads will mean a slight increase in the price of the game tickets. General admission second-level tickets will be $10, but front-row sideline seats increased to $45 and $50 from $28 last year.

Despite the price increase, Copperheads fans are ready for April 6, when the team opens the season at home against the Florida Firecats. In only two days, the team sold more than 100 season tickets.

"I love it better than the (Houston) Texans, and I'm a huge Texans fan," Copperheads season-ticket holder Doc Holliday said. "I just love the interaction you get from the team. You get sweaty with them."

Friend and fellow season-ticket holder Andrew Leeber agrees.

"I have to force my kids to come to a Texans game," Leeber said. "Here it's like they are right there on the field, and it gives you that football fix between the seasons."

[austinturfcats]

we had to have been in af2 room at same time sorry

[austinturfcats]

pick a seat pics now up at www.osportsphoto.com -- click events

[austinturfcats]

Copperheads Bring Four More to Camp
Expansion team adds three and first international player

HOUSTON, TX – Texas Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake and Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit have just added four more players to their camp roster for the first-year franchise, the team is starting to come together for their 2007 season. On Monday, the team announced that they have been assigned 4 players by the af2 league office.

OL/DL Anthony George (6’4, 288) joins the Copperheads from the Ragin’ Cajuns of Southwestern Louisiana. The team also added Lone Star products DB Kevin Mangum, Jr. (6’0, 195) Texas A&M, DB Victor Malone (5’11, 185) from the University of Houston.

The Copperheads also added their first International player in franchise history, as they tabbed DB Emmanuel Ajiodo (6’2, 215). Ajiodo played his college football at Paul Quinn College and graduated *** Laude. In 1999 Ajiodo was a NCAA national qualifier in 200, 400, and 100 meters to add to his accomplishments.
“This organization is dedicated to finding the best talent available both locally and nationally,” added Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

[mvhcpa]

The Copperheads also added their first International player in franchise history, as they tabbed DB Emmanuel Ajiodo (6’2, 215). Ajiodo played his college football at Paul Quinn College and graduated *** Laude.

I think the profanity filter went a little too far here! I guess we have to write "with honor" from now on!

Michael Val
(who used to post to a movie board that didn't allow the name of the director Alfred Hitch....)

[austinturfcats]

Copperheads Drill Beaumont For Talent
Texas Team Adds Six Local Players

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads on Wednesday announced that they have been assigned 6 talented players by the af2 league office.

The team added strength to their defense by acquiring two indoor football statistical leaders WR/LB Randy Chappell (6’5, 250) Oklahoma State and FB/LB Eric Winchester (6’2, 240) Southwestern Oklahoma State. Both players had record seasons finishing as number 1 and 2 in tackles for thier 2006 indoor team. WR/KR Roland Hayes (5’11, 185) comes to the Copperheads with some impressive indoor statistics in 2006 with the Beaumont Drillers. Hayes recorded a record of 33 rushing touchdowns along with 5 touchdowns on returns; he played college football for Alabama A&M.

The Copperheads also landed OL/DL Ronald Brown (6’4, 365) Murray State, and WR/DB Kenyada Tatum (5’9, 175) played in Kansas for Garden City College.

QB Damone Scott (6’2, 215) closes out the latest round of signed players for the Texas Copperheads. He possesses a strong arm, accuracy, and experience playing in the Arena Football League for the Buffalo Destroyers. Scott played college football for the Matadors of California State at Northridge.

“The Golden Triangle area around Beaumont has been known for producing some of the best football players in Texas, many of these players have gone to play at many different levels of professional football,” added Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

[Snake Bitten]

Long time lurker, new member.

Bought my Copperheads season tickets at the meet and greet last week.

Huge minor league sports fan, especially the Astros minor league teams in Round Rock and Corpus. Also a Houston Aeros fan. I'm originally from New Orleans so I follow the AAA Zephyrs and AFL's Voodoo too.

I'm fired up about the Copperheads' innaugural season in the af2. Can't wait for April 6.

Ron, thanks for keeping this thread updated. This is where I've been coming for my Copperheads news as the official site hasn't always been up to date. I met you at the meet and greet last week with my son. See you at the games.

Chris

[austinturfcats]

if you are from new orleans -- where did u go to college

[austinturfcats]

look for new copperheads new website in next 3 weeks -- very high tech

[austinturfcats]

Copperheads Ready For Super Bowl
Houston’s Only Arena Football Team Ready For Colts-Bears Matchup

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads on Wednesday announced that they will be having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 4, 2007 from 5pm until in conjunction with SRO-Standing Room Only Sports Bar and Grill in Houston, Miller Lite, and HOUSTON'S 107.5 FM - The New K-HITS – greatest hits of the 60'S AND 70'S .

SRO is located at 6982 1960 West, it is near Cutten Road and Willowbrook Mall in northwest Houston. Their phone number is 281-537-0691 for more details.

The Copperheads party will have raffles for game tickets, hats, game jerseys, t-shirts and more. The dance team will be at the bash along with the Demolition Crew and many players and staff members of your favorite AF2 team.

“The Copperheads are excited about having a true Super Bowl experience with one of the best known sports grill in town and our fans,” said J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

[austinturfcats]

Copperheads Looking For Fight Song
COPPERHEADS LOOKING FOR HOUSTON’S BEST MUSICIANS TO ENTER OFFICIAL TEAM INTRODUCTION SONG CONTEST

HOUSTON – The Texas Copperheads are inviting Houston’s best musicians and bands to create an original theme song that will become the teams’ official introduction music for the 2007 season. Artists can submit their recordings to team officials by sending a copy of their music on CD to: Copperheads Contest, 4200 FM 1960 West, Suite #137, Houston, TX 77068.

The winner will be selected March19th and given the opportunity to perform in front of a Copperheads crowd at halftime and receive season tickets, & autographed game ball. Not only that, but the artist’s song will forever become known as teams’ first ever official theme.

The Texas Copperheads are beginning their first season in the brand new af2 as an official affiliate of the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers. “We thought this was a unique way to have some of Houston’s original musical artist to get involved with our team,” said Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

“We really want our fans to feel a local connection, and we’ve already had some good song submissions so far, but we’re hoping to hear something that really gets our fans excited as our players come onto the field.” added Esprit. The deadline for submitted music is March 16th.
The winner will be determined March 19th.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com or www.af2.com, J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

[Snake Bitten]

if you are from new orleans -- where did u go to college


University of New Orleans

/and a die hard LSU fan too

:-D

[rams80]

look for new copperheads new website in next 3 weeks -- very high tech

Is this a euphamism for "will look like every other af2 site with their one template fits all standard"?

[factor]

look for new copperheads new website in next 3 weeks -- very high tech

You would of thought that came with the AF2 Starter Kit.

[austinturfcats]

factor: from several of your post do you have issues with the copperheads -- if you do i will try to help to resolve any issues

[austinturfcats]

Copperheads Add CFL and AFL players
Houston area team prepping for camp

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads announced on Tuesday that they have been assigned 5 key players with professional experience by the af2 league office.

The team added International player and former Tulsa Talon WR/DB Marvin Abii (5’10, 197) and FB/LB Jimmy Barnett (5’10, 245); Barnett has AF2 experience with the Arkansas Twisters and played college football for the Texans of Tarleton State.

The Copperheads also added FB/LB Derron Griffin (6’0, 250), the Beaumont native played for the Southeastern Conference power Auburn Tigers. Griffin also played for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders and the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League and has experience with the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League and in the af2 with the Mobile Wizards.

The Copperheads were fortunate to sign WR/LB Courtney Murrell (6’3, 206) from Midwestern State. Murrell was a key player for the Indians from Wichita Falls during his playing days and has made Houston his home.

“The Copperheads want to bring players from several professional backgrounds to mesh and form one cohesive unit for the 2007 season,” added Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

[Snake Bitten]

Check out the Copperheads' podcast. I found it on Itunes. Also available at the address below.

http://copperheads.lonestargridiron.com

[Malepig]

Is this a euphamism for "will look like every other af2 site with their one template fits all standard"?

What is wrong with that? Personally I would like to see that happen so they all can be up to date. The NBA has it and it works nicely.

[Snake Bitten]

http://www.af2.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3525&ATCLID=799264&SPID=7210&ISWIDE=1