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Larry Linde Joins Sharks Ownership Group

October 14, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Corpus Christi Sharks News Release


The Corpus Christi Sharks Arena Football team announced today that Larry Linde, the team's Vice President, has joined the organization's ownership group. The team also announced plans to expand the group with the addition of other local partners.

Linde joined the Sharks organization in January 2007 just prior to their inaugural campaign. A Chicago native, he originally moved to South Texas in April of 2004 to become Vice President & General Manager of the Corpus Christi Rayz of the Central Hockey League. This past season the Sharks experienced record growth in season tickets sales, sponsorship sales, and average attendance. In addition, the team was recently recognized for off-field excellence by the af2 league office being named recipient of the af2 Cares Award, the Community Relations Franchise of the Year, and the Best Promotional Clip for "We Hold It Down" (produced and performed by The Freddie Urban All-Stars).

Entering his third season with the Sharks, Linde has already logged more than 19 years in sports management. A Butler University graduate, he reached his first sports General Manager position at the age of 27 and has not looked back since. While with the Indianapolis Ice, Linde made nationwide headlines when he signed 7'7" NBA Center, Manute Bol as "The World's Tallest Hockey Player" and former Figure Skating Champion, Tonya Harding as part of "Guaranteed Fight Night". Active in numerous community organizations, Linde currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the South Texas Chapter of the USO.

"From the onset of our involvement with the Sharks our intent has been to develop a strong base of local owners," said Doug MacGregor, Texas af2 Holdings LLC President, "We feel fortunate to have someone with Larry's experience and background as part of our group. The team has made steady progress in the community as well as financial performance and we expect that to continue with increased local participation".

Linde added, "I feel strongly about this community and I feel strongly about the future of the Sharks. The opportunity to develop a local ownership group and become more ingrained in the community was essential to my decision. We've worked hard to establish a solid foundation and reputation as a professional organization both on and off the field. The sky's the limit for this franchise and I'm excited to be a bigger part of it.

Attendance for home games at the American Bank Center Arena increased to 4,600 fans per game during the 2008 season - the team's 2nd in the Coastal Bend. The Sharks have enjoyed the support of local sponsors such as CITGO, Radiology Associates, Andrews Distributing, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Navy / Army Federal Credit Union, Valero, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and L & F Distributors to name a few.

The Sharks will kick off their 3rd season in the Coastal Bend this coming April, 2009. Season tickets start as low $75. For more information please contact the Sharks at 361-882-9292.

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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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