
Fury ready for a dose of Spirit
February 3, 2003 - National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Dallas Fury News Release
They've had their introductions, signed autographs and done interviews. Now it's time for the Tennessee Fury to take care of business on the court. Coach Minggia has been putting his ladies through some rigorous workouts in the past week in preparation of what is shaping up to be quite a debut for the NWBL in Tennessee. The Fury will duke it out with a Spirit team overflowing with talent. I'm sure most of the Lady Vol fans were glad to see the likes of Sue Bird, Rebecca Lobo, Swin Cash, and Kara Wolters graduate, in hopes that it would be the last time they saw them. Think again Tennessee fans. They will all be back, and as always they will be looking to dominate. The Spirit will be coming in fresh of a thrashing of the Houston Stealth where Rebecca Lobo paced the Spirit with 13 points and a game high 20 boards.
"We know what we're up against," said coach Rodney Minggia. "These are some of the best players in the game and it's going to make for some tough matchups. Our ladies will be ready, by no means will we be intimidated."
Things will get underway at 7:30 on Tuesday at the Cooper Athletic Center at Maryville College. Seating is still available so don't miss out on your chance to see the Fury take on the Springfield Spirit. You can purchase tickets at www.knoxvilletickets.com or call 865 656 4444. We'll see you there!
In other Fury news the team has announced today that they have hired the nationally renowned East Tennessee coach, Lynn Burkey of Oak Ridge. Burkey will take on the Assistant Coaching duties under Head Coach Rodney Minggia. Burkey, who has coached women's basketball in East Tennessee for over thirty years, has coached many premier national champions. One of his protégés was superstar Jennifer Azzi. He has also coached a number of players that have gone on to become Lady Vols such as Nikki Caldwell, Brittany Jackson and Kelly Jolly.
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to help coach these Professional athletes on the Fury and no doubt East Tennessee basketball Fans are going to love our style of ball. I hope everyone will come out and support our team at the pre-season game against the Springfield Spirit." stated Lynn Burkey.
"No doubt, Coach Burkey brings us great experience, having worked with some of the best women basketball players in the nation. With every day that goes by our organization and team is growing and becoming very strong." stated Fury head coach Rodney Minggia. The team has also come to terms with Janee Hayes. Hayes just released from the Birmingham Power will Join the Fury for it's game against the Spirit. Janee, who attended Duke University, is expected to bolster the teams post play.
"She has a great game underneath the basket and we will look for her to help control the boards," said coach Minggia.
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Basketball League message board...
National Women's Basketball League Stories from February 3, 2003
- Fury ready for a dose of Spirit - Dallas Fury
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.
