Excitement growing for Katy's new Intense Football League team
Published on December 27, 2006 under Intense Football League (Intense)
Abilene Ruff Riders News Release
KATY, TX - The Katy Ruff Riders held their first open tryout Saturday at Rhodes Stadium, and first-year Head Coach Donald Hollas was more than pleased with the turnout. The brand new Intense Football League entry was looking for a few diamonds in the rough, as the squad prepares to start a brand new chapter in Houston-area arena football history in 2007.
"We hope to be able to sign a few of these players we had out here today" said Hollas, who starred as a quarterback at Rice in the early 90's. "But we'll have several more of these tryouts before training camp. Considering that this is the first one, and that it was all word of mouth, I'm pretty happy." Hollas - a nine-year NFL veteran who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders - grew up in the Richmond area, and is excited about his newfound opportunity to coach close to home. "I can't wait to get this thing going, because we're going to be drawing people from all over, and our goal is to pack the Merrill Center and win a championship."
Fullback Trey Herrmann, who played at Mayde Creek HS and at the University of Houston from 1999-2003, and is currently a football coach at Seven Lakes HS, decided to give it a shot. "It's a great opportunity, and I'd just love to be able to come out and compete again," said Herrmann, who can also play linebacker. "I feel like I've done pretty well here today, but I wish I would have had a little more time to get into better shape."
The Ruff Riders' only signed player so far - kicker Whitney Hillan - was also on hand helping out with drills, and getting to know the coaching staff that will try and mold this team together. "The staff here knew my background and history of kicking in arena football, and I also had an interest in playing here, so it has worked out well for me," said Hillan, who has been kicking for various indoor and arena football teams for the past seven years. "Coach Hollas is a veteran who really knows what he's talking about, and they run a first-class operation, so it's a very exciting time for this organization right now. By having these tryouts, maybe we can find some local talent right out of our own backyard."
Local ownership of the team is headed by Allegiance Pro Sports, a company founded by Brandon Smith and David Iglinsky, while longtime Katy resident Steve Martin has been named Director of Football Operations. The three hope to bring a brand of football to the fans that is unlike any other they are familiar with. "We're proud to call Katy home, and we're looking forward hopefully becoming an important part of this community," said Martin. "We think the fans are really going to enjoy seeing a quality product, and a fast-paced indoor football game with tons of action."
One of the first residents to purchase his four season tickets was Gary Jarvis, who plans on attending all of the Ruff Riders home games with his wife, son and daughter, and is looking forward to becoming acquainted with his hometown's new players. "The entire experience of getting to know these guys, and having those personal relationships - getting to bring my kids down on the field after the games - is really exciting to us," said Jarvis, who's been a huge fan of the Katy High School Tigers. "We just love having our own professional team here in Katy, and they fill a gap for us by playing football in the spring. It's different, unique, and they always play hard, plus it's just great family entertainment."
The Ruff Riders will invite 35 players to training camp at Rhodes Stadium in February, with the goal of trimming the official roster to 22 by March. They will play a 14-game schedule beginning on Saturday, April 14 when they host the Corpus Christi Hammerheads at the Merrill Center. The season concludes in late July with a four-team, two-week playoff that begins the first week of August. For more information about the Intense Football League, please visit www.intensefootballleague.net For season tickets to the Katy Ruff Riders home games, call 1-800-585-3737.
Intense Football League Stories from December 27, 2006
- Excitement growing for Katy's new Intense Football League team - Abilene Ruff Riders
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