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Baltimore Mariners Ready To Sail Into Action

March 13, 2009 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release


(Baltimore, MD) It has been a long off-season for the coaches and front office staff of the 2009 Baltimore Mariners. Since the conclusion of their 4 and 10 inaugural season last year, the men and women behind the scenes have been running non-stop in their preparations for the upcoming 2009 season. This Sunday, the Baltimore Mariners mark their return to Royal Farms Field at downtown Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. When asked if he was prepared for the home opener, team owner Alan Taylor said "We are ready. Opening day has arrived so fast. Part of me wishes we had a few more weeks to work with, but we are ready and very excited."

While Taylor and his office staff worked on the business aspect of the team, he left the football operations to head coach, Chris Simpson. Simpson returns to the sidelines after being relieved of his position with the Mariners last season, by former team owner and American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) co-owner John Morris. Simpson has an axe to grind, and he is ready to let his team's actions do most of the speaking on his behalf. "I was never afforded the opportunity to coach the way I wanted to last season." said Simpson. "The direction of the team and the decision making process was in the hands of the previous owner" he added. This season, Simpson was handed unbridled control of the team. He has picked his players with the help of his supporting coaching staff, and he strongly believes that this will be the difference maker. "I have a lot to prove this year. Not just to myself and my family, but to this team, its fans, and the city of Baltimore" said Simpson. "The way this team is working together, the respect they have for each other and the coaches, it is something special. We have all bought into the 'Mariner Way'. That is the mindset of the team. We are in this together" Simpson concluded.

One thing that is evident in this 2009 team is the implanted discipline. This is in part, a result of the integrity of each player on the roster; yet a nod of acknowledgement needs to be sent team GM Greg "Muggy" Justice. Any spectator that has happened across the team at their practice facilities at Baltimore Lutheran School, or Freestate Arena can tell you that Justice keeps this team on a tight leash. Justice, an imposing figure on the Mariners staff commands respect, not just for his position, but for the uniform that players will be wearing. "This is professional football, and this team will conduct itself in the utmost professional manner at all times" said Justice. "We will not lower ourselves to jaw-jacking on the radio, or in the press. We will leave that for our opponents, and they know who they are. We are here to play football, win games, and represent Baltimore with pride and class" added Justice. This is not just lip-service from Justice. The players have bought into this mindset one hundred percent. During scrimmages, after an exceptional play, a touchdown, an acrobatic interception, Justice can be heard shouting to the team "Celebrate gentlemen! It's okay to celebrate after a play like that!" Only after being given permission, did the players engage in their celebratory dances. "They believe in this. In the discipline and integrity of the 'Mariner Way'" said Jim Hopkins, director of Game-day Operations. He added, "It's funny. They have probably been practicing their celebration dances at home, just waiting for an opportunity to showcase their moves. They have to be relieved that Greg [Justice] is letting the leash out just a bit."

While the team is preparing inside the arena, the football atmosphere will begin before the fans even walk through the door. Tailgating will be set up in 1st Mariner Arena's administrative parking lot, and if things go as planned, it will be a sea of purple as Ravens Roost's, Ravens Nests, and the official fan club of the Baltimore Mariners (the Mariner Maniacs) eat, drink, and talk Mariners. The parking lot will feature festivities for everyone, including the young fans of Baltimore football. With a Moon Bounce, face painting, roaming clowns and their balloon animals, there will be plenty of entertainment to satisfy everyone, from the most grizzled, to the youngest of football fans.

The Baltimore Mariners sail into action on Sunday March 15th at 1st Mariner Arena against the visiting Erie RiverRats. Kickoff is at 4pm, but with the pre-game show and festivities that are planned, fans may want to consider getting to their seats a bit earlier. "We have an impressive show mapped out" said Justice, with a smile on his face. "I can't give away too much, but we decided if we are going to do this, then it is going to be done right. This will not disappoint, and the fans do not want to miss it."

2009 Baltimore Mariners tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, including 1st Mariner Arena's box office. Join the Mariners as they "Set Sail for the Ring". Purchase your tickets toady and "Get in the Game!"

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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.

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