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Lee Accepts New Challenge, Steps Down As Bucs Coach

September 29, 2009 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Louisiana Swashbucklers News Release


LAKE CHARLES, La. (September 28, 2009) - After a four-year run that includes three championships in two different leagues, a perfect season and fifty victories, Darnell Lee is leaving the Louisiana Swashbucklers for a promising opportunity in the nation's final frontier.

Lee has accepted a position with the Alaska Wild of the Indoor Football League and has resigned from the defending Southern Indoor Football League champions, team owner/president Thom Hager confirmed Monday evening.

He and his family will embark to the 49th state to rebuild a franchise that went winless in 2008 and has yet to win a road game in its three-year existence.

``I couldn't be more happier for Darnell and I have never appreciated a coach more than him,'' Hager said. ``It's a great day for Alaska. The Wild is striving to be a class operation and Coach Lee will bring a few key elements they've been looking for ... discipline, knowledge, commitment, integrity, and the love of the game.

``Indoor football is not all about wins and losses and championships but most of all opportunity, and Darnell has a great opportunity to build a winning team and enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of God's creation,'' Hager added. ``Best of fortune to him, his family and all those involved.''

In his four seasons with the Swashbucklers, Lee compiled a 50-9 record with three consecutive champions - two in the Intense Football League and one in the SIFL. His 2008 team posted a perfect season (16-0) in IFL play. He also garnered two coach of the year awards.

Lee also had the unique distinction of having a rule named after him: The Darnell Lee Law, which prohibits coaches from playing for their teams after they have been named a coach at any level. The "law" stemmed from Lee having to activate himself and play quarterback for the Swashbucklers during a two-game swing through Alaska in 2008.

"He's the kind of guy who loves a challenge. He never quits, he never complains, he just does his job...he wins," Hager said.

The Swashbucklers know they can't replace Lee, but are optimistic as they've begun a coaching search that is expected to be resolved in less than two weeks.

"When Head Coach Kip Texada stepped down as head coach of the Bucs, I had no idea how we would find that sort of leadership,'' Hager said. ``So, we promoted from within. It seemed to have worked out beautifully.

"Swashbucklers get knocked down from time to time, but they never get knocked out," said Hager. "We look forward to playing new teams in 2010 as the SIFL is expanding its regional footprint. We just gained two outstanding coaches in Columbus' Jason Gibson and Carolina's Tony Wells and along with Lafayette's legendary John Fourcade, will join our new coach in providing a quality product for our fans and exceptional instruction for their players."

For information on Swashbucklers indoor football, call the team office Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at 310-PASS (7277) or visit www.labucs.com.Scaramouche!



Southern Indoor Football League Stories from September 29, 2009


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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