NWFA news

February 11, 2005 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA) News Release

WOMEN'S PRO FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GAME RETURING TO LOUISVILLE!

The National Women's Football Association has announcing the signing of the Papa John's Cardinal Stadium as the site for the 2005 World Championship Game.

The game will be held on Saturday night, July 30th and will pit the top two teams of the 36 teams that will play in the 2005 season which begins April 16th.

"We really enjoyed our experience last year at this stadium and were well received by everyone in Louisville. The Louisville Sports Commission was great to work with and we are going to expand our partnership with them this year to make it an even better event.

We are hoping that by bringing the event back to Louisville, those companies and individuals who misssed out being a part of it last year will participate this year. All of our sponsors last year had a great time and plan on participating again this year. This is a great event and brings a lot of tourist money and focus upon the city. And, for football fans, this is something really special," states league VP, Debby Lening.

A new logo has been designed just for this year's event and incorporates things that Louisville is known for such as horseracing. "We wanted to show our affiliation with the city of Louisville and thinks this logo really does a nice job," Lening adds.

Sponsorships are now open for the event and sponsorship packages can be obtained by contacting the NWFA at (615) 860-4084 or by visiting the league's website at womensfootballassociation.com

To view the new 2005 Championship logo, please visit womensfootballassociation.com

Girls Football Team Makes History!!

The National Girls Football Association (NGFA) has announced the granting of a license to the first team, the North Carolina Safari. The NGFA offers full contact football in an organized league for girls in grades 7-12.

The Safari is owned and operated by Sandy Palmer. Palmer has a rich history in football having played and coached for over 8 years. He spent many years with a team in the Pop Warner League and won the 1995 Pop Warner National Super Bowl Championship. "I would like to bring home some of the experiences and knowledge of the game and present the opportunity for girls like my daughter to be able to achieve their dreams in Football," states Palmer. "I have seen first hand from the National Women's Football Championship games that Girls/Women can and will play football. It has inspired me," adds Palmer.

"We are very pleased to announce the opening of our first team in the NGFA. We have been working to make this a reality for some time and to see it get off and running is very exciting. Mr. Palmer is familiar with our women's league and we feel that he'll do a terrific job running the team for younger girls," states league VP Debby Lening.

Registration will be held on Feb 19, March 5, and March 19 at 1:00pm It will take place at Kiwanis Park on Meadowbrook Rd. in Asheboro. There is a one time registration fee of $15 All participants must provide birth certificate, proof of health insurance, and their parents must sign an injury wavier. Please contact Sandy Palmer at 336-625-6526 for more information and directions.

Interested potential team owners should contact the NGFA league office at (615) 860-4084 or email footballmedia@cs.com.

The NGFA operates under the umbrella of the National Women's Football Association, the largest pro football league in the world for women. For additional information on the NGFA or the NWFA please visit the league's website at womensfootballassociation.com

WOMEN'S PRO FOOTBALL TEAM DEBUTS NAME AND LOGO

The new name for the Shreveport, Louisiana affiliate team in the National Women's Football Association has been announced. The team will be called the Shreveport ShockHers. The team logo has also been designed by well know graphic artist, Francis Santaquiliani. It can be viewed by visiting the NWFA's global website at womensfootballassociation.com

The team has been practicing for several months and while they will not play in the official 2005 schedule, plans are underway to have the team play several exhibition games. Jim Haacker has been named the Head Coach and is acting as General Manager until an owner for the team is signed.

"The team is looking for someone who is familiar with operating a business and who wants to get in on the ground floor of a new pro team," states league VP, Debby Lening. Interested parties should call the league office at (615) 860-4084 for ownership information.

OTHER NWFA NEWS!

*********** The 2005 playoffs schedule and rules are finally here! This year the NWFA will not have divisions. Instead, our team will be divided into two conferences, a Northern and a Southern. The playoffs are always exciting so please keep this handy and check our website as the season progresses to see who's going to be in them!! To view the playoff schedule go to the league website, womensfootballassociation.com and click on the Postseason nav bar on the left.

************* The NWFA has produced a league football with Wilson Sporting Goods. It is a TDY and will be used at all NWFA games. The football has the NWFA logo embossed in gold. To purchase your official NWFA game ball, please visit the NWFA store on the league website.

************* The Maine Freeze have negotiated a deal to broadcast their games on TV for the 2005 season! For more info contact the Maine Freeze at owner@mainefreeze.com

************** Tickets are now on sale for most of the NWFA teams so if you are one of our supporters, now is the time to get your season tickets!

************* Watch and listen for many of the NWFA team's games to be broadcast on the web this season. Check your favorite team's website for this information.

************* The NWFA has produced its first official 2005 calendar. This wonderful work of art has lots of photos of NWFA players and coaches in action and a great deal of information on the history of the NWFA as well as the league all stars, the 2005 schedule and much, much more. To get your copy of this collector's item, please email footballmedia@cs.com. The cost is $15.00 and includes shipping! The NWFA will require that all league officials be sanctioned by the Commissioner's office. In order to be sanctioned, all officials must register with the league and pass a test. This will go a long way in making sure that the officials who work NWFA games understand the rules and are capable of making the best calls possible.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE!

FORMER OSU LADY BUCKEYE SOCCER AND BASKETBALL STANDOUT JOINS COLUMBUS COMETS

According to a Q & A session for The Ohio State University athletic department website last February, "Sports are not a hobby for Emily Haynam. They are a way of life." Now Haynam's way of life has expanded to football as she joins the Columbus Comets for the 2005 season. Whether it's covering the Columbus Crew for Ohio State's newspaper The Lantern, stopping shots on the soccer field or pulling down rebounds on the basketball court, Haynam's love for competition may be matched by her athletic ability. At Westerville South High School, she was the second student and first girl in school history to earn 12 varsity letters and was a Street & Smith's magazine honorable mention All-America selection in basketball. Haynam played in the girls' basketball All-American, Ohio-Pennsylvania and North-South All-Star Games after her senior year. She was also an All-Ohio Capital Conference and All-Central District goalkeeper on the Wildcats girls' soccer squad that reached the state regional semifinals in 1997 and the regional finals in 2000. Haynam twice earned berths to the state track meet, finishing third in the shot put as a junior along with fifth in the discus and seventh in the shot put as a senior which won her All-Ohio track selections in both her junior and senior years. As a sophomore, Haynam's goalkeeping for the Ohio State women's soccer team along with the goal scoring of Comets NWFA All-Star WR Lindsay Eckles carried the Lady Buckeyes to their first berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2002. Haynam went 6-3 while the Lady Buckeyes finished 10-1-11 overall. As a senior in 2004, Haynam conceded only 12 goals in 23 games as OSU went 19-3-4 and won the Big Ten Tournament championship.

Cincinnati Sizzle Owner Visits Troops in Bosnia to Watch Superbowl!

Several former NFL players went to Bosnia over the weekend to watch the SuperBowl with the troops.

Ickey Woods, former Cincinnati Bengal and NWFA team owner, left for Bosnia on Friday night along with Frank Minnifield and Handford Dixon (Both Former players for the Cleveland Browns). Ickey Woods is best recognized for his popular "Ickey Shuffle", a dance performed after Touchdowns. Woods is the Co-owner and Head Coach of the Cincinnati Sizzle Women's Football Team.

For more information about the Cincinnati Sizzle, please visit cincinnatisizzle.com

Gulf Coast HERricanes Announce 2005 Offensive Coordinator

Tammy R. Long, the owner of the Gulf Coast HERricanes, is pleased to announce David Hilton as the new offensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the HERricanes ("Canes"). Hilton is the head coach of the club football team at the University of South Alabama.

David Hilton comes to the HERricanes with over 6 years of football experience, both as player and as coach. Hilton was invited to come on board with the Canes organization because of his outstanding reputation at USA, experience and keen ability to teach women the skills needed to be great football players. "Women not only want to know how to play their position, but they want to learn the game," states Long. "That is exactly what David and the rest of our coaching staff instills in our players!"

In addition, Hilton brings along two other coaches from USA, Chris Harvard and Donald Cooper. Harvard, USA's defensive and offensive line player and coach since 2001, is appointed as the Canes offensive line coach and has played football for the Mobile Wizards, Mississippi Firedogs and Hilo-Storm. Cooper, USA's defensive coordinator, secondary and linebackers' coach and player since 2003, is appointed as the special teams coach and played football at Daphne High School.

If interested in becoming a part of the Gulf Coast HERricanes as player, coach or staff member or to just locate additional information related to the team, either visit gcherricanes.com or contact Tammy R. Long at (888) 596-1163 or David Hilton at (251) 753-8983.

Philadelphia Phoenix

Name Head Coach!

The Philadelphia Phoenix Women's Professional Football team is proud to announce Henry Racich as the teams new Head Coach. Coach Racich has been involved in football for over 20 years as a player or head coach. Coach Racich played semi-professional football for the Conshohocken Steelers for ten (10) years before taking over as owner and head coach of the franchise three years ago, where he has led them to a 24 - 6 record, with two visits to the championship game. Coach Racich is also co-founder of the Colonial Football Alliance, which is currently in its second season of unlimited men's football in the tri-state area.

Coach Racich is also very active in his community. He coaches his son Jakob's flag football team, leading them to a two year record of 16 - 4, and runs an annual Punt, Pass and Kick contest for 250 children. This year's winner will be representing the Conshohocken Steelers at the NFC Championship Game. Coach Racich is also pursuing a professional boxing career (2 - 0), and currently holds the tri-state tough man title with a combined record of 18 - 0.

The new Philadelphia Phoenix owners are excited about the experience and high community profile that Coach Racich brings to the organization, during the Phoenix's re-organization and rebuilding this year. Coach Racich will play a large role in bringing the NWFA Championship back to Philadelphia!!!!

For more information on the Philadelphia Phoenix or to tryout for the team please call (267)679-9535, or go to their website Philadelphiaphoenix.org.

Baltimore Burn to Hold 4th Annual Kick-Off Bull Roast

Glen Burnie, MD — The Baltimore Burn will hold it's 4th Annual Kick-Off Bull Roast on Sunday, March 20th at La Fountaine Bleu in Glen Burnie, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, to raise money for the 2005 season.

The menu includes all-you-can-eat pit beef, ham, Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, pork BBQ, side dishes, desserts, draft beer, soda and setups. A cash bar will also be available.

There will also a money wheel, a 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Tickets are $25 per person but are limited.

For more details about the Bull Roast or about Baltimore Burn, call (410) 768-1383 or see the Baltimore Burn web site at www.baltimoreburn.com

ALABAMA RENEGADES

OPEN TRYOUTS!

Although the Alabama Renegades have held their final official tryout, the team is still able to take on new players. For any women who have not previously tried out and still wish to play for the 2005 Renegades, please call 256-830-4537. Practices are starting and the more you miss, the further behind you will be. Don't miss an opportunity of a lifetime!

For more information about our the Alabama Renegades team, you can visit our website at alabamarenegades.net

Meet The Denton Stampede!

Denton Business EXPO Date: March 6, 2004 Place: Golden Triangle Mall

Annual event at Golden Triangle Mall where businesses can promote their products and services from a trade show booth for a reasonable registration fee. The event is promoted in the Denton Record-Chronicle, Denton Business and Community News, the Denton Chamber Newsletter, and through a mailing to the entire school district. The Denton ISD school with the most attendants receives a $1,000 gift from the Denton Chamber of Commerce. The 2003 recipient was Wilson Elementary.

For more infomation check the Denton Chamber of Commerce website... denton-chamber.org/annualevents.php

KENTUCKY KARMA SCORES BIG!

The KENTUCKY KARMA, a 2005 Expansion team of the National Women's Football Association, scores big on their coaching staff appointments. The coaches bring a combined total of 95 yeas of coaching experience to the team. Owner/Head Coach Thomas Hawkins has made the following appointments:Mount Hadden: Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line CoachIrv Hoffman: Linebacker CoachRobert Tinnin: Secondary CoachBilly Martin: Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Backs CoachMark Bennett: Offensive Line CoachVernon Broadnax: Assistant Offensive Line CoachFor information on how you can be involved in the exciting world of Women's Full contact Football in Louisville, Kentucky please call Executive Director, Valenta Hoffman at 819-0315 or Public Relations and Media Director, Terri Haysley at 262-0809.

NASHVILLE DREAM SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICING AVAILABLE NOW!

The National Women¹s Football Association has announced the 2005 schedule. The Nashville Dream¹s schedule includes 10 games. All home games will be played at Glencliff High School and have a kickoff of 7:00 pm.

The 2005 Nashville Dream schedule is:

March 26 @ Pensacola Power (Pre-Season)
April 9 Cincinnati Sizzle (Pre-Season)
April 16 ALABAMA RENEGADES
Aril 23 @ Chattanooga Locomotion
May 14 KNOXVILLE TORNADOES
May 21 @ Tennessee Venom
May 28 @ Atlanta Leopards
June 4 ASHEVILLE ASSAULT
June 11 NEW ORLEANS BLAZE
June 18 @ Knoxville Tornadoes

Early Bird Pricing for Tickets is available now - VIP Season tickets ($115 value) are only $45. Early Bird pricing for General Admission Season and Individual Game tickets is also available. Hurry, offer ends Februaury 5, 2005! Group rates and youth programs are also offered. Tickets are available from the Dream office or website.

For more information on the Nashville Dream please call 615-498-3580 or visit our website at nashvilledream.com

DALLAS RAGE PLAYER WINS CHICK KICK CONTEST!

On Saturday, January 29, 2005, Mix 102.5 hosted the first annual Jeff and Anna's Chick Kick contest at Texas Stadium. With over a hundred in attendance, Brittany Tole kicked the winning 30 yard field goal to win a 43" HDTV big screen television, a Super Bowl party catered by Maggiano's Little Italy, a Pangea Harmony Massage package from Daired's Salon and Spa Pangea and Dallas Desperados season tickets!

Brittany, an assistant manager with Starbuck's Coffee, is beginning her first year as a player for the Dallas Rage. A resident of Plano, Texas, Brittany graduated from Plano Senior High. Having played flag football and soccer, Brittany was drawn to women's football for the love of the game and the camaraderie with the other female athletes. Though she has been working on her skills as a lineman for the Dallas team, she has definitely secured a position as kicker. With a number of Rage players looking on, Brittany Tole proved to the metroplex that women can play football and become CHAMPIONS!!!

For more info on the Dallas Rage, please visit dallasragefootball.com

For additional information on the National Women's Football Association, please visit womensfootballassociation.com. This website receives between 1 and 3 million hits per month. Or call the league office at (615) 860-4084.

The NWFA has been featured in more than 250 major publications and TV networks including the CBS Evening News, The NBC Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The NBC Today Show, CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, Inside Edition, SPIKE TV, BET's MAAD Sports, The New York Times, The LA Times, Nickelodeon, the Boston Globe, The Washington Post and many, many local and regional networks and publications.

National Women's Football Association Stories from February 11, 2005

• NWFA news - NWFA
• New Venue For Steam and Locomotion - Chattanooga Locomotion

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.