Lions set to roar in Columbus for 2007 WIFL season
September 11, 2006 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. - Indoor football remains in Columbus , but with a new name, a new league, a new ownership group and a dedication to give a deserving city a quality organization both on and off the field.
Old School Sports Inc., headed by Daytona Beach ( Fla. ) Thunder owners Kevin and Zack McDonald, secured a lease with the Columbus Civic Center on Tuesday, August 15 with the intent of playing in the inaugural season of the World Indoor Football League in 2007.
The team's name - the Columbus Lions and colors - blue and silver - were debuted at a media event September 11, 2006 at the Civic Center .
"I've come to love the city of Columbus - great people, great businesses and an incredible passion for football," McDonald said. " Columbus is a city that's been burned by bad business decisions when it comes to sports. That day is over. I give you a solemn promise as a former United States Marine that this new team will be one the city of Columbus will be proud to be associated with."
The one positive aspect from the previous team does return: Head Coach and Director of Football Operations Jason Gibson.
"Jason's a class act - I almost hired him in Daytona Beach ," McDonald said. "I'm expecting great things from him and for him."
Gibson played for WIFL Commissioner Gary Tufford during a two-year stint with the Greensboro Prowlers in af2.
"Jason's a quality individual and coach,'' Tufford said. "He's the right guy for the job. His commitment to the city of Columbus was evident last year and he will continue to build a program that is worthy of the city.
Intense efforts to secure partnerships on both the sponsorship and investor level are underway with early success. Four Columbus residents -- Joe and Angela Wagenti of Vroooom Technology, Shep Mullin of Premier Realtors and Kiki Seda of A-1 Postage Meters are onboard as part-owners. Numerous other investment possibilities are still available.
"I'm not going to be some out of town owner coming in to make a quick buck, "McDonald said. "I want and need local participation to make this work."
Rick Jacobson will serve as the team's Vice President Foe Sales and Marketing.
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from September 11, 2006
- Lions set to roar in Columbus for 2007 WIFL season - Columbus Lions
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