Blitz Announce New Owners and New Head Coach

Published on October 29, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Blitz of arenafootball2 introduced a new ownership group and coaching staff at a press conference yesterday. The ownership group, which goes by the name of Bakersfield Sports Partners I, LLC, introduced AFL veteran Gary Compton as the Blitz' new head coach and Cedric Walker as defensive coordinator.

New Blitz President/Partner Jeff Allen, a venture capitalist who resides in Santa Monica, said "We have combined local businessmen with outside individual investors to make a unique and very solid ownership group."

Compton is a 13 year veteran of the Arena Football League. He was named the "Built Ford Tough" Man of the Year in 2001 and played on the 2003 Tampa Bay Storm ArenaBowl Championship team. Last year he served as interim offensive coordinator for the AFL's Philadelphia Soul.

Walker recorded over 600 tackles in his career as a defensive specialist in the AFL. Originally from Lufkin, Texas, Walker had a career best 98 tackles with the Chicago Rush in 2002.

Paul Press, who was an assistant coach last year with the Blitz, is part of the operating group and will serve as general manager for the Blitz. He and "I can't stop smiling knowing that the Blitz will be in my hometown for many years to come and with Coach Compton's and Coach Walker's 25 years combined of experience in the AFL, we are sure to have an outstanding season."

Present at the press conference was af2 President Jerry Kurz who expressed his excitement for the future of Arena Football in Bakersfield.

The press conference was covered by all three major network affiliates and two reporters from the local paper. Member of the Blitz ownership group Scott Garrison told local reporters "I enjoy going to Blitz football games, and we need to offer this growing town a good team."

Blitz season tickets will go on sale November 14th and can be purchased by contacting the NEW Blitz phone number (661) 377-BLITZ.

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