Future Expectations Raised for Orlando Predators
August 19, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO - August 19, 2015 - The bar has officially been raised for the Orlando Predators.
The franchise has achieved plenty of success over the past two seasons. The Predators won back-to-back South Division Championships, increased their regular-season win total from 11 in 2014 to 12 in 2015 and are back where they belong at the Amway Center - aka "The Jungle" - once again.
However, in the moments after a disappointing, season-ending, playoff loss to the Jacksonville Sharks last Saturday, head coach Rob Keefe made it very clear that he and the franchise aren't happy with simply reaching the playoffs any longer.
"We won the South Division back-to-back for the first time in a very long time. But the goals are higher now," Keefe said.
He didn't have to say the words. Everyone associated with the Predators organization knows the ultimate goal. The Predators have been to seven ArenaBowls. Orlando has captured the AFL championship twice in 1998 and 2000.
Since July 15, 2014, when David Siegel and Westgate Resorts announced ownership of the Predators, there has been a feeling of building something even bigger and better.
"I feel proud. I'm so happy they're involved," Keefe said of Siegel and Westgate. "They're class acts. I'm proud that I think we're bringing it back. I'm proud that people know they're coming to an Orlando Predators game and the guys are going to give maximum effort."
From ownership, to the team administration, to the coaching staff and players, everyone understands that putting a great product on the field for the best fans in the Arena Football League is the goal.
"The response from season ticket holders since our return to Amway Center has been incredible," team president Jared Saft said. "Looking back on our season, I'm most proud of the product we put on the field. It's a tribute to Coach Keefe, his staff and the players who wore a Predators jersey with pride. We're equally pleased with the front office we have assembled, with everyone working together to provide the premier game-day experience in the entire AFL."
Keefe expressed his appreciation to the Orlando fans and his belief in the Predators product.
"I know we're putting on great entertainment," the head coach said. "I wanted to give them two more games, obviously. But hopefully the fans enjoyed themselves."
Arena Football League Stories from August 19, 2015
- Predators DL Austin Brown Signs with New Orleans Saints - Orlando Predators
- Future Expectations Raised for Orlando Predators - Orlando Predators
- Soul Offensive Players Receive All-Arena Honors - Philadelphia Soul
- Center John Collins Named to All-Arena Second Team - Portland Thunder
- Three SaberCats Earn 2015 All-Arena Offensive Honors - San Jose SaberCats
- Four Sharks Named to All-Arena Offensive Teams - Jacksonville Sharks
- AFL Announces All-Arena Offensive Teams - AFL
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