California Cougars Announce Change Of Ownership
April 6, 2009 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
California Cougars News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - April 6, 2009 - Cabernet Sports Entertainment of Livermore, California has purchased majority interest of the California Cougars of Stockton, California, it was announced today.
Mr. Jim Rachels, the former Managing Partner of the Cougars franchise, will remain with the club as a member of its board of directors and will continue to hold a minority interest in the company.
"I feel this is a perfect partnership for the long term stability, growth and success of the franchise," said Mr. Rachels. "Cabernet Sports Entertainment brings significant resources and a strong management team as the backbone to future success."
After three years of ownership by the Rachels led group, the team culminated their successful building strategy last month with a championship title. The Cougars captured their first title on March 15, 2009 at Stockton Arena by winning the Professional Arena Soccer League's inaugural championship.
"We look forward to working with Jim as we continue to build on the successes he and his management team have already achieved," said Cabernet Sports Inc. CEO Fred Walke. "We are very excited to add this very important business to our portfolio of businesses. The California Cougars represent excellence by providing a premier product and experience which align to our core values."
Mr. Walke announced today that after careful consideration with former management, ownership and the new board of directors, the California Cougars will not be renewing its contract with former player and head coach Bernie Lilavois.
Due to respect for Mr. Lilavois and his personal privacy, details of the change will not be released. Cabernet Sports Entertainment wishes Mr. Lilavois the best of luck in the future and thanks him for his commitment and efforts both on and off the field.
An extensive search and interview process will be preformed for the many vacant positions within the Cougars organization by Cabernet Sports Entertainment's board of directors. The board's goal is to move forward quickly by building a dynamic management team which compliments the exceptional group of players that feature speed, athleticism, and strong character. Management believes it has, on a short list, the type of coaching staff that will provide leadership to compliment these players and drive them to greatness as well as the ability to lead in a manner that is in line with Cabernet Entertainment's core values.
The Cougars feature 2008-09 PASL MVP and Ultimate Cougar Award winner Brian Farber. As well as, first team All-PASL forward Aaron Susi, second team All-PASL midfielder Majell Aterado and second team All-PASL defender Pedro Lupercio. The Cougars also feature PASL finals MVP goalkeeper Jesus Molina, along with outstanding players such as Nelson Santana, Antonio Sutton, David Vedder, Uriel Robledo and Matt McDougall.
"The future is so very bright for the Cougars, we look to expand the talent level of players on the field and defending our championship during the 2009-10 season," stated Cabernet Sports Entertainment's management group.
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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from April 6, 2009
- California Cougars Announce Change Of Ownership - California Cougars
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