Freedom Update

April 2, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Trenton Freedom News Release

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For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 4, 2015 ~~~~~

TRENTON, NJ--March has finally arrived, Freedom Fans. There are now just 18 days left before the second season of Trenton Freedom football begins.

The Freedom host the Richmond Raiders at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. First, take a look at what #FreedomNation has to offer this week. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Donate Food For Tickets ~~~~~ ~~~~~

The Trenton Freedom would like to welcome fans to another opportunity to win tickets to any home game this 2015 season. For every five canned food items donated to the Penndel Food Pantry, you win two tickets for a home game of your choice. The Freedom has partnered with Penndel Food Pantry in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for this promotion that only lasts until the end of March. Come by the Trenton Freedom office located at 884 Town Center Drive in Langhorne, Pennsylvania during our office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Give us the cans, we'll give you the tickets. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Media Credential Requests Due Wednesday, March 18 ~~~~~

If your news outlet plans to cover the Freedom this season, send a written request on company letterhead to Steven Eggert at

steveneggert@comcast.net.

The last day season-long credential requests will be accepted is Wednesday March 18.

These will now be available at the Will Call window at the Sun National Bank Center prior to the March 22 home opener.

The credentials will be yours to keep, and will be valid for all home games played the Sun National Bank Center. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

The Tanning Zone ~~~~~ ~~~~~

TRENTON, NJ-The Trenton Freedom Xtreme Dance Team has officially partnered with The Tanning Zone in Hamilton, New Jersey for the 2015 season.

The staff at The Tanning Zone is committed to delivering the ultimate tanning experience to their clients. When coming to The Tanning Zone, expect a lounge-like and professional atmosphere. They want to ensure that the salon will have an inviting, clean and relaxing environment for every visit. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, top of the line tanning equipment and products, and a clean and relaxing atmosphere, you can walk into The Tanning Zone feeling good, and leave looking great.

The Tanning Zone is located on 3800 Quakerbridge Rd, in Hamilton, New Jersey. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Player Spotlight ~~~~~

Melik Brown

Fullback/Defensive Lineman 6'2 295 lbs College: North Carolina Hometown: Camden, NJ ~~~~~

Melik Brown was voted the PIFL's All-Ironman for a reason.

His 461 rushing yards as the Freedom's starting fullback ranked him third in the PIFL in that category. He occasionally filled in on the defensive front and had 2 sacks along with 8 1/2 tackles in total. He was also the team's long snapper on special teams.

This offseason, Brown was signed as a defensive lineman, but will once again be involved wherever the team may need him. He embraces it.

"I'm a defensive lineman by trade," he said. "We had a few holes coming into the offseason on the defensive line. So Coach (O'Hanlon) and I had a conversation [about my position]. If he needs me to play defensive end, if he needs me to play fullback, wherever he needs me I'm going to play. Coach knows I'm willing to do anything for the team. I'm going to do my best to get the job done."

Brown is going into his seventh year of professional arena football. He's a vocal leader on the field with experience, almost like player/coach to his teammates.

Now that he and several other players on the Freedom are back for a second season, the job is to instill team values to newcomers.

"The best thing is we get to lead by example," he said. "So it's not trying to put a bunch of guys together and make leaders. We've got guys that bled together, sweat together, cried together, won together, lost together, had fun together, ate together, slept together in the same places. So we've got the opportunity to instill [this family-like mentality] in these young guys."

Normally a team-first guy, Brown didn't have much to say on personal goals. But he believes there are two team goals that need fulfillment in order to win a PIFL Championship.

"First, it's to get through every day healthy," Brown said. "Then it's to take it one game at a time, and go 1-0 every week. If we go 1-0 every week, we'll get the chip (championship) at the end of the season." ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Dancer Q&A ~~~~~

Jamie Jamie is another one of five newcomers to the Trenton Freedom Xtreme Dance Team. Freedom media relations had the chance to her about why she decided to join the team this season and her experience thus far. ~~~~~

Q: What made you decide to come back for another season as the Assistant Director/Choreographer? A: I had a lot of fun last year working with the dance team, and I enjoyed being a spectator at the football games, so I definitely wanted to continue working with the Trenton Freedom again this year. It was a no-brainer!

Q: A majority of the dancers came back from last season as well, what does that say about the commitment level and the camaraderie on this team? A: We were lucky to have a group of dancers last season enthusiastic about the Freedom and worked well together. I appreciated the hard work from all the dancers last year, and I was impressed by the absence of "cattiness" that you sometimes get with a group of girls. It seemed like all of the dancers became friends as a result of their experiences last year. That being said, I was so happy to see a lot of the same faces at tryouts this past November. The fact that a majority of the dancers from last year returned this year is a reflection of their continued commitment to the team, fans and giving back to the Trenton community in general.

Q: In addition, how much easier does that make your job when you have dancers who've been together since last year and can also show the ropes to the new dancers? A: It definitely makes my job easier to have veteran dancers on the team this year. These girls have been great in stepping up and setting a good example for the new dancers. I'm sure that the veteran dancers will also be very supportive of the new girls at the home opener to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed on their first game day.

Q: What are some things you'd like to see done both similarly and differently from last season to this season with the Xtreme Dance Team? A: First of all, we're planning longer performances, both pregame and halftime, this year. We're also working with a group of young girls-the Trenton Freedom Junior Dance Team-and incorporating them into three half-time performances, which is exciting. The team is also getting more involved in community service events this year, which is great. I think it's really important to make an impact in the community in addition to entertaining fans at the football games. The Trenton Freedom had a great season last year, and I hope we're just as successful this year! ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Youth Football Clinic ~~~~~

Freedom players and coaches have you covered for Spring Break. They're hosting a youth football skills clinic on April 9 and April 10 at the Sun National Bank Center. Kids ages 7-14 will learn interactively from the pros in all phases of the game.

For more information, see our flyer here GePg]or pictured left. If you're interested, contact Ryan Bartel at 609-230-8154 or email him at rbartel@trentonfreedom.com ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Youth Dance Clinic ~~~~~

Does your kid enjoy dancing and want to learn more? The Trenton Freedom Xtreme dancers encourage kids ages 7-14 to sign up for their youth dance clinic on June 19 and 20. Learn a dance routine and perform it pregame on the Freedom's final game of the season on June 20.

For more information, see the flyer (pictured here), sign up here GePg]or contact Rachael Liberto by phone at 800-500-1776 or at rliberto@trentonfreedom.com ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Buy Freedom Gear Online ~~~~~

Buy your official Trenton Freedom apparel in advance of the home opener. Fans can purchase shirts, hats, Dance Team Calendars and more by logging on to trentonfreedom.storenvy.com HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]. Shop for your team gear today. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Fan Experience Deals ~~~~~

The Trenton Freedom are excited to offer fans two types of deals to feel like a part of the team.

Freedom VIP Experience: $37.50

ACTUAL VALUE: $75.00

- 1 lower level game ticket

- 1 Trenton Freedom autographed game football

- Pregame meal with the team

- Player and coach photo opportunities after meal

- Front row viewing experience of player warm-ups

- Postgame on-field autograph session

Freedom Gear-Up Experience: $27.00

ACTUAL VALUE: $55.00

- 1 Lower Level Game Ticket (Row 1-3)

- 1 Trenton Freedom autographed game football

- 1 Trenton Freedom T-Shirt (style and size of your choice)

- Postgame on-field autograph session experience ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Listen Live to our New Radio Partner ~~~~~ ~~~~~

All Freedom Home games will be broadcasted on 107.7 FM the Bronc WRRC in Lawrenceville, New Jersey--located on the campus of Rider University.

Listen live by logging on to 1077thebronc.com HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]and click the "listen live" tab at the top of the page. In addition, search for "WRRC1" and "WRRC2" in both the Apple iTunes and Android/Google Play stores and download the apps today. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Play on the Red Turf ~~~~~ ~~~~~

If you have a sports group that is interested in playing on the Freedom red turf before one of the home games, please contact General Manager Jeff Gonos at jgonos@trentonfreedom.comfor more details. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

The Freedom organization is giving away an iPad to any person or group leader that purchases season, group or family four packs. For each ticket purchased you will receive one entry in the contest drawing. For example, if you purchase one season ticket package you will receive six entries in the drawing. The contest begins today and runs through the end of February. The drawing will be held on Monday March 2, 2015. Call 1-800-500-1776 to purchase your tickets today! ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Sponsors ~~~~~

The Trenton Freedom would like to thank the following official sponsors and meal providers for the 2015 season. ~~~~~

Official Housing Provider Click here 7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Monday Meal Providers Click here 7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Tuesday Meal Providers Click here khEWnGMaqRc7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Click here 7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Wednesday Meal Providers Click here khEWnGMaqRc7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Thursday Meal Providers Click here rOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Friday Meal Providers Click here khEWnGMaqRc7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]Saturday Meal Providers Click here ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Season Tickets ~~~~~

Season tickets are still available for all six Freedom home games this season. To purchase season or individual ticket packages call 800-521-FREE (3733) or 800-500-1776. All home games are played at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

For more information... ~~~~~

To learn more about the Trenton Freedom, call us at 800-500-1776 or log on to www.trentonfreedom.com HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]. You can also like us on Facebook khEWnGMaqRc7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]or follow us on Twitter 7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg]and Instagram 7g7kulaZ9_HXrOis3UztBWLm6KAqz_kBGePg].

Feel free to communicate with us using the #FreedomNation hashtag on our social media platforms. ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Thank you for taking the time to read our #FreedomNation Newsletter. We really appreciate your interest and value you as an email subscriber. Sincerely, Steven Eggert Trenton Freedom Media Relations steveneggert@comcast.net(609)-240-8050

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Trenton Freedom | 884 Town Center Drive | Langhorne | PA | 19047 ------=_Part_111329911_503681454.1427992476446

For Immediate Release Thursday, April 2, 2015

TRENTON, NJ--I hope your April Fools day was filled with laughs and joy, Freedom Fans. Now let's get back down to business. Thursday Newsletter once again!

The Freedom host the Columbus Lions on Saturday night at 7 p.m., so be sure to come out and support, Freedom Nation. Here are some things to focus on in this week's #FreedomNation Newsletter leading up to the game.

Freedom Four Web Series Debut

Today

The Trenton Freedom present another opportunity for you Freedom fans to get closer to the action.

Click the YouTube link below to watch our new web series, Freedom Four. Our radio broadcasters, Mike Samsel and Sean Lerman, will give you an interactive look at all the latest news the Freedom has to offer.

The show is separated into four parts: recap, preview, interviews, and final words.

Freedom Four

Lions Provide Challenge in All Aspects After Bye

TRENTON, NJ-Two names Kevin O'Hanlon knows will challenge his team are Damian Daniels and Roshawn Marshall. The two Lions defensive backs combined for 18 interceptions in 2014, and Daniels already has a pick through one game adding on to his triple-digit career total.

"The defensive backs, what can you say - O'Hanlon said. "Pick city back there. They're ball hawks. So it's going to be a good test for us, and we're really looking forward to it."

Columbus also returns the PIFL's (non-Freedom) "Beast Mode" in fullback Kendrick Perry along with 2012 PIFL MVP Antwon Young at quarterback. Young threw six touchdowns last week while adding one on the ground. Last year, the Freedom outmatched the Lions 66-63.

"He's a dual threat," said linebacker Jerome Hayes, who had three of the team's sacks in the win over Richmond. "We definitely respect his ability to move the chains on third and short, using his legs. Playing them last year, we made some adjustments to tighten the pocket and put some pressure on him, and we were successful."

The Freedom were on bye last week as five of six teams in the PIFL kicked off their 2015 seasons. The job now that the players have had time off to rest their bodies is to remain mentally ready for the rest of the season-especially with three of the next four games at home.

"The biggest thing is that we're protecting this house," said receiver Antoine Rivera who had six catches, 97 yards and two touchdowns against Richmond. "Then, keep the ball rolling. It's [like] a small snowball that we're pushing down the hill trying to accumulate these wins."

The Freedom players have had another luxury other than an extra week of preparation. Practice all week has been and will be held at the Sun National Bank Center. This is the first week the team has set foot on the red turf other than for a game, and the impact has been immediate.

"You can definitely see it when we started," said O'Hanlon. "It was a little sloppy, but then you start seeing the quarterbacks get the ball out quicker, the wide receivers running tighter routes, but also you start seeing the defensive backs adjusting to their zones. They're getting their heads around quicker and able to come down with the ball a lot faster. So it's already helped us a lot."

Play on the Red Turf

If you have a sports group that is interested in playing on the Freedom red turf before one of the home games, please contact General Manager Jeff Gonos at jgonos@trentonfreedom.com for more details.

Freedom Shuffle Roster

TRENTON, NJ--Among the changes made to the team in the past couple weeks were the acquisitions of four players to the active roster. As a result, one player was traded, one was put on the AFL Exempt list, and two players were waived.

First, acquisitions; quarterback Steve Panasuk returns to the Freedom after being released from the Richmond Raiders on March 24. Panasuk backed up 2014 PIFL MVP Warren Smith last season.

"Having Steve is great," O'Hanlon said. "It takes a lot of stress off of (Offensive Coordinator Ryan) Vena. It's still Hunter (Wanket's) offense, but now we've got a quarterback we can go to at any time."

Jerome Williams started 16 games last season with the Philadelphia Soul as a linebacker/defensive lineman. The 6'2, 270-pounder played his college football at UConn and is from Burlington, New Jersey.

"With Williams, we're looking to keep adding experience, benefitting from the fact that the Moorestown Field House is where the Soul had their camp," O'Hanlon said. "When he became available, of course we're going to take a hold of him as soon as we can."

Also signed is former Michigan corner Boubacar Cissoko. Fullback/Offensive lineman Josh Kamenas was added to the 27-man roster as well.

Starting off with a trade, defensive lineman Marcus Green was traded to the Erie Explosion for future considerations on March 30. Offensive lineman Lloyd Morrison was assigned to the AFL and put on the Freedom's exempt list back on March 25. As a result of signing Panasuk, quarterback Steffen Colon was waived. Defensive back Aldain Barham was waived to make room for Cissoko.

To check out all the moves that the Freedom and other PIFL teams are making, log on to proifl.com, move your cursor to the news panel and click the transactions link in the drop-down menu.

Behind The Lens

PHOTO FACTS

Body: Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens: Sigma 120-300 f/2.8

Focal Length: 220 mm

Shutter Speed: 1/1000 second

Aperture: f/2.8

ISO Speed: 4000

In a segment we introduced last year in our playoff media packets, our Freedom team photographer, Steve Hofmann, chooses one of his favorite game photos and describes it from his point of view.

Story Behind the Shot

My favorite aspect of sports photography is being able to freeze the action as if everyone on the field were standing still. That's something that most every action photographer utilizes, as it usually produces the sharpest, most crisp images.

The downside to freezing the action completely (as opposed to a slower shutter speed which will allow for some motion blur and sense of movement) is that sometimes the photos of even the fastest, most interesting plays can turn out a bit boring. The play can be the biggest of the game, but if the moment you capture in your camera doesn't reflect that, then it likely won't translate well to an audience that didn't see the actual play unfold.

I chose this picture because while I generally don't prefer action shots to be going away from me, it's obvious that there's a lot going on. There are three players from the Freedom and four from the Raiders in this one frame alone. Melik Brown, the ball carrier and a huge part of the Freedom's win in Week 1, is suspended in mid-air while four Richmond players fight to bring him down. This shot captures the moment when two Richmond players make contact with an airborne Brown, implying that this play is going to come to a violent, abrupt end.

Do you ever wonder where we get some of our best photography for many of our promos, ads and games? They're courtesy of our team photographer, Steve Hofmann. Check out his page Steve Hofmann Photography on Facebook.

Look for his Behind the Lens segments in each upcoming newsletter for the remainder of the season.

Youth Football Clinic

Time's winding down.

Trenton Freedom players and coaches are hosting a youth football skills clinic on April 9 and April 10 at the Sun National Bank Center. If your child, ages 7-14, enjoys playing football, this is the place to be. They will have the chance learn interactively from professionals in all phases of the game.

For more information, see our flyer here or pictured right. If you're interested, contact Ryan Bartel at 609-230-8154 or email

rbartel@trentonfreedom.com

Youth Dance Clinic

For more information, see the flyer (pictured here), sign up here or contact Rachael Liberto by phone at 800-500-1776 or at rliberto@trentonfreedom.com

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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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