AIFA Declines Renewal On Erie Freeze; Johnstown Dormant For 2008
Published on October 8, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) News Release
BALTIMORE, Maryland (October 8, 2007) - The American Indoor Football Association has declined renewal of its league agreement with the Erie Freeze. At the same time, the league announced that the Johnstown Riverhawks franchise would be dormant for 2008, with the possibility of a return in 2009.
The AIFA had negotiated with the Erie franchise owners for several months, in hopes of achieving a satisfactory business arrangement for the team and the league. When these discussions failed to generate a workable solution, the AIFA chose to decline Erie's participation. The league further stipulated that significant changes in the team's ownership structure would be required for the Freeze to rejoin the AIFA.
Meantime, the Johnstown Riverhawks will enter dormancy for the 2008 season. From a timing standpoint, this will allow the franchise time to plan for resuming play in 2009.
"Me and my partner (co-owner Michael Dawson) made a decision that it would be a joint effort with both of us putting in one hundred percent," said Johnstown co-owner and Vice President James Wallace. "Unfortunately, he had some personal issues that won't allow him to spend the type of time that's needed to get through the year.
"I know there will be a lot of people disappointed that they won't have football this upcoming season, but in the long run I think this is the best business decision for the franchise, for the league and for the community."
AIFA co-owner John Morris believes that, with time, the Johnstown franchise can be a league asset.
"We're looking forward to Johnstown coming back in 2009," Morris said from AIFA headquarters in Baltimore. "Southwest Pennsylvania is rich in football tradition, and the Riverhawks have great potential to tap into that marketplace."
The AIFA continues its commitment to the long-term success of its member franchises.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from October 8, 2007
- AIFA Declines Renewal On Erie Freeze; Johnstown Dormant For 2008 - AIFA
- Pittsburgh RiverRats re-sign AIFA All-Star QB David Dinkins - Erie Explosion
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