Defenders Recognized with Pair of CPIFL League Awards
June 19, 2014 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Oklahoma Defenders News Release
Lawrence, KS. - The second season of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League will come to a close on Saturday night with Champions Bowl II being played in Wichita between the Wild and Sioux City Bandits. In 2014, CPIFL teams continued to look for ways to improve their operation and build their presence in their communities. The CPIFL is honoring teams and individuals in five different categories for excellence in team operation.
Franchise of the Year: Dodge City Law
The Law made a huge splash in Dodge City during their first season. Dodge City was among the league leaders in attendance and is also being recognized for Best Game Operation. On the field, the Law finished fourth in the regular season standings with a record of 8-4 and qualified for the playoffs.
Team Executive of the Year: Lamar Baker, Oklahoma Defenders
Baker is in his third season as Owner and GM of the Defenders. Oklahoma was among the league leaders in improved attendance and improved sponsorships from a year ago. Baker is known throughout the league as a leader who never fails in terms of compliance with league rules and procedures. The Defenders also produced their own audio broadcasts of all 12 games and produced outstanding broadcasts for AmericaOne internet pay-per-view video. Under Baker's leadership, Oklahoma has won the CPIFL's Community Service Award in both 2013 and 2014.
Best Game Operation: Dodge City Law and Omaha Beef
Both the Law and Beef provide non-stop entertainment for fans during games including fun on-field promotions, outstanding dance teams, and enjoyable halftime shows. Both franchises feature scoreboard replays and arenas with modern conveniences for fans. The Law are among the league leaders in attendance as fans are treated to a show the likes of which has rarely been seen in indoor football. The Beef are known for the way visiting teams are treated when they travel to Omaha.
Best Media Relations/Social Media: Salina Bombers
The Bombers enjoy some of the best media coverage in the league by building media contacts in radio, newspaper and TV. The Bombers also have a strong social media presence with numerous in-game updates and features during the week. In just two seasons, Salina has amassed nearly 5,000 "likes" on Facebook.
CPIFL Community Service Award: Oklahoma Defenders
The Oklahoma Defenders remained committed to community service in 2014 and were extensively involved in Tulsa area events again this year. The players, staff, and coaches have volunteered at numerous events and programs including Bailey Medical Center's Play Program, Roses for Teachers, Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration at Remington Elementary School, Cox Business Center Community Night, Holy Family Cathedral NFL Play 60 Event, Finish Strong Initiative offering free haircuts, and the Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics. The Defenders also participated in the Tulsa Downtown Parade of Lights, the Martin Luther King Jr.
Parade, and the Route 66 Mascot Dash. The Defenders Youth Football Association (DYFA), a football and cheerleading program for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade, is also starting its second season this fall.
Champions Bowl II will take place on Saturday night as Sioux City travels to Wichita with the title on the line. The game can be viewed on AmericaOne at www.americaonesports.com.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Stay connected with the CPIFL by following us on Twitter @CPIFL and becoming a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/cpifl.
• Discuss this story on the Champions Professional Indoor Football League message board...
Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 19, 2014
- Wichita Set for Champions Bowl II - Wichita Wild
- Defenders Recognized with Pair of CPIFL League Awards - Oklahoma Defenders
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.
