Polisky promoted to team president
July 26, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush organization has promoted Mike Polisky to team president and general manager, managing partner Alan Levin announced today.
"After five years of enormous and dramatic success, the ownership group felt it was time that Mike played an even more integral part in the management of the team," said Levin. "The franchise has achieved great success, both off and on the field, and Mike has been the driving force behind creating what is regarded to be one of the best management staffs in the Arena Football League."
Polisky joined the Rush in March 2001 as senior vice president/general manager, after spending four years (1997-2000) at Jim Beam Brands Company and five years (1992-96) at Public Communications, Inc., where he worked with the Chicago White Sox in public relations and community activities.
Under his guidance the team has carved out its place in Chicago's sports landscape, witnessing a 71 percent growth in attendance and a 550 percent rise in sponsorship sales since its inaugural season.
The Rush won the 2004 Arena Football League Commissioner's Award, given to the AFL's Organization of the Year and, in 2005, averaged 14,458 fans and ranked third in the league in sponsorship sales.
Polisky also was instrumental in the negotiations that led to NFL Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka joining the Rush ownership group in December 2004.
On the field, the Rush has made the playoffs in each of its five seasons, advancing to the semifinals three times, including 2004 and 2005.
"It has been a rewarding journey," said Polisky. "But more work needs to be done to achieve our ultimate goals. I am grateful that our ownership has placed its faith in me and our staff, and I look forward to leading the team as we begin preparing for 2006 and beyond."
The 2006 Arena Football League season begins in January and reservations for 2006 season tickets currently are being accepted. To reserve your tickets, or for more information about 2006 Rush season tickets, fans can call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site at www.chicagorush.com.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 26, 2005
- Aaron Humphrey West Austin Youth Association Football Camp - Austin Wranglers
- Soul to host second annual "Soul Summer Slam" - Philadelphia Soul
- Polisky promoted to team president - Chicago Rush
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
