An open letter to Newark Express fans
March 31, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jersey Express News Release
Newark, NJ. On Sunday, March 19, the Newark Express concluded their inaugural season with a second round road playoff game against the "Tournament of Champions" host Rochester RazorSharks. Led by former Seton Hall standout Shaheen Holloway and mid-season acquisition Andrew Feeley, the smaller, undermanned Express, fought well for the better part of 3 quarters before falling to the eventual 2005-2006 ABA Champs. Congratulations to the Rochester RazorSharks on your Championship season!
Our mission remains, to provide fun, affordable, family entertainment while providing opportunities for everyone in our organization. In our first season, we've succeeded in:
* Creating a dedicatged fan base of children and adults that passionately support their newly adopted ABA franchise!
* Providing invaluable exposure for our organization through our agreement with Bombo Sports & Entertainment and the production of their documentary which chronicles our entire season.
* Advancing the careers of several Newark Express players who have gone on to sign lucrative contracts abroad.
* Enhancing the skill sets for our administrative staff, including a former intern, who, through his affiliation with the Newark Express, has secured a full time position with an NFL franchise!
Quoting co-owner Marsha Blount, "This is just the beginning! We'll be back for the 2006-2007 season with even more energy and excitement."
On behalf of the owners, Jacqueline Halyard & Marsha Blount, and the entire Newark Express organization, thank you for supporting us in our effort to bring a new and exciting brand of professional basketball to the Newark Community. We'd also like to acknowledge our corporate sponsors, PNC Bank and The City of Newark Department of Youth and Recreational Services, and our community-based partners, International Youth Organization (IYO), The Boys & Girls Club of Newark and Isaiah House. To the Honorable Mayor Sharpe James, thank you for believing in and supporting our vision. Thanks, also, to Mr. Melvin Knight for his experience and direction, and to his staff at Essex County College for their consistent support.
Next season promises to be bigger and better than the first. Please check our website regularly for important news and upcoming events. Our official '06-'07 schedule will be posted as soon as it is available. The Newark Express...Jump on board, it's going to be an amazing ride!
Added note from Joe Newman, ABA CEO: Thank You Jackie and Marsha. We consider your organization and you to be among the very finest in the ABA and are deeply appreciative of everything you've done to help embody the spirit and soul of the ABA. You are special people. We wish you well.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from March 31, 2006
- Global TV and ABA to offer streaming replays of playoffs, championship - ABA
- An open letter to Newark Express fans - Jersey Express
- ABA LiveTalk to announce DP awards Saturday - ABA
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.
