Shockwave press conference kicks off countdown to first season
February 28, 2007 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
San Diego Shockwave News Release
The San Diego Shockwave, San Diego's new, professional National Indoor Football League (NIFL) team updated the media on plans for their upcoming first season at a February 22nd press briefing. Held in front of a crowd of reporters, sponsors, players, coaches and the dance team at Cox Arena, the conference introduced key personnel and outlined plans for the inaugural NIFL season.
Media outlets in attendance included Fox Channel 6, KUSI Channel 9, KGTV Channel 10, Telemundo, ESPN Radio 800, KOGO 600, XX 1090, Blazin' 98, Cash 1700 and the Union-Tribune. Sponsors attending included Hometown Buffet, Bally's, the U.S. Army, Function Drinks, Smoothie King and Adidas.
Team president Jeff Sprowls acknowledged the many in attendance, singling out in particular, his mentor, Gil Saidy, founder of the now-defunct San Diego Riptide of af2. Sprowls also presented the team's first autographed game ball to 16 year old Escondido resident Kendall Ralston, a long-time football fan who is confined to a wheelchair.
In a few weeks, fans will be treated to helmet-popping, heart-pounding, turf-side action, where game balls and players literally can land in your lap. While balls are yours to keep; players must be returned to the field. NIFL teams lose several dozen official game balls every game; giving fans a chance to take home a memorable piece of the action.
Coaches and players alike expect a great season. Not only did the Shockwave recruit incredible talent, but most of it is homegrown.
Head Coach Bob Bees states, "We're a San Diego team, and we'll have a number of local players." One of those players, 29 year old, Rico Curtis, a star at San Diego's Serra High, San Diego State University and the Riptide, has played for 25 years - since he was four years old. Curtis agrees with Bees explaining, "If you're a hometown team, you don't want to see too many players from other cities. Local, homegrown talent makes people want to come out and watch."
The much anticipated Shockwave home opener will be Saturday, March 31st at 7 pm at Cox Arena against the Los Angeles Lynx. The talent-laden Shockwave expect to be in the hunt for an NIFL title in their first year.
Single game, season and group tickets and packages are on sale for the inaugural 2007 Shockwave season. All home games will be played at Cox Arena on the campus of San Diego State University. For more information, call 877-SHOCWAV (877-746-2928) or visit: www.sandiegoshockwave.com.
National Indoor Football League Stories from February 28, 2007
- Shockwave press conference kicks off countdown to first season - San Diego Shockwave
- Shockwave dancers, the Lady Shakers, Coaches entertain early morning NBC 7/39 TV audience - San Diego Shockwave
- Shockwave players, coaches and dance team entertain early morning Fox TV audience - San Diego Shockwave
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