MISL Baltimore Blast

Blast Names New Head Coach

Published on December 9, 2002 under Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Baltimore Blast News Release


Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Blast Owner Ed Hale and General Manager Kevin Healey announced today that the team has named Bobby McAvan head coach. McAvan played for the Blast from 1981-1985 and has served as the team's radio color analyst for the past five seasons. He replaces Sean Bowers who was named player/coach of the Blast on November 7th.

"I'd like to thank Sean for stepping in as player/coach while we completed the search for the head coach," said Hale. "I'm pleased Bobby McAvan has accepted the position. This will provide linkage to the past traditions of the team. I'm looking forward to Bobby's input and re-creating the winning ways of the Baltimore Blast.

Healey added, "Bobby is very knowledgeable about indoor soccer and he has a passion for Blast soccer.

McAvan, a native of Dundee, Scotland, joined the Blast organization in 1981 and has been a player, a member of the front office and the radio broadcast color analyst for the team. He played in 97 regular-season games and 23 playoff games, recording 10 goals and 16 assists as a defender. He was a member of the 1983-84 MISL Championship Baltimore Blast team and was instrumental in organizing the "Baltimore Legends Game" the Blast hosted in November. A Canadian citizen, McAvan represented Canada's Olympic and Pan American Teams in 1979 and 1980. McAvan, 49, is also the former co-owner of the Maryland Sports Arena in Harford County.

"I am honored to be Head Coach of the Baltimore Blast," McAvan said. "I am excited about the challenge ahead of me and I will work hard to guarantee that my passion will be contagious.

Bowers, the 2002 MISL Defender of the Year, led the Blast to a 2-4 record in his six games as head coach. He will continue to play for the Blast under McAvan. Bowers took over the coaching role in early November when General Manager Kevin Healey was relieved of his coaching duties and promoted to a Vice Presidency position in Arena Ventures.

"I felt it was in the best interest of the organization for the team to have a head coach rather than a player/coach," said Bowers.

Single-game tickets for the remaining Baltimore Blast 2002-2003 regular season games are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets at the Baltimore Arena Box Office and at all TicketMaster outlets including TicketMaster phonecharge at 410-481-SEAT. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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