Orlando Starz 2003 Review/Tryout Information

June 24, 2003 - Independent Women's Football League (IWFL)
Orlando Mayhem News Release

Uh, Ms. Beatty, Coach, hold on a second. After winning an Independent Women's Football League championship in 2002, you were 1-8 in 2003, including a 34-0 regular season finale loss to Tampa Bay last Saturday that marked the fifth shutout in nine games.

Details.

"There is a lot to look forward to, and yes, there is a lot to celebrate about a 1-8 season,'' Beatty said. "We played home and home schedule with three teams in a divisional format, we flew to play a road game in Detroit, and we've honored all our financial obligations. Despite limited numbers on the roster and a mid-season coach change, we completed our slate of games with no forfeits or no rescheduling. For a young football organization, that is an accomplishment.

"I've also put together a new coaching staff, a new front office staff,'' Beatty adds. "I'm excited."

With Orlando's other women's team, the Fire of the Women's Professional Football League, recently ceasing operations, Beatty hopes that the Starz will represent Central Florida with a combination of the area's top players, and that a consistent off-field marketing message can be delivered.

"I'm looking forward to meeting with the Fire players, a few of whom have played for us,'' Beatty said. "I think we can put the past behind us and deliver a quality product on the field of play in 2004."

In addition to absorbing players from the Fire, tryouts for the 2004 Starz begin June 28, with a healthy number of early registrants signed up as a result of the overwhelming coverage of the Starz' own "Gridiron Granny" -- Miss Charlotte Chambers.

"Some new faces may be what this team needs,'' Beatty said. "We welcome all ladies who want the chance to play to come try out."

The most memorable part of the Starz' 2003 campaign will be the unprecedented coverage of Chambers, who at the age of 70, captured the hearts of the worldwide media with her quick wit, determination and pioneer spirit. Starz officials literally stopped counting the newspaper placements and radio and television interviews.

Highlights included appearances on the Best Damn Sports Show Period, Jimmy Kimmel Live and the CBS Early Show. Print placements included Sports Illustrated, Jet Magazine and, yes, even the National Enquirer.

"I didn't plan any of this,'' Chambers said. "All of this came to us. But I thank God for the opportunity to meet so many people and share some positive messages."

Other shows that have called and are interested in fall productions include; Sharon Osborn, The View, Wayne Brady, and Maury Povich. "We are hoping Oprah calls,'' Beatty adds..

Orlando's lone victory this season was a 22-14 decision at Detroit. The IWFL's Atlantic South Division, which included the Miami Fury, Tampa Bay Terminators and the exhibition Atlanta Xplosion, was perhaps one of the Eastern's Conference's strongest division.

"Still, we just didn't have the numbers to be as competitive,'' Vessio said. "We had moments in some games, but we were outmatched."

The Starz look forward to hosting their first tryout of 2004 on June 28, 2003 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Barnett Park, located on SR 50 in Orlando near the Fairgrounds. There is a $50 registration fee, and participants need to bring water, cleats, and a copy of their identification and insurance card.

For more information, contact (407) 521-9062 or visit the Starz' Website located at http://www.orlandostarz.com.

Independent Women's Football League Stories from June 24, 2003

• Orlando Starz 2003 Review/Tryout Information - Orlando Mayhem

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.

Other Recent Orlando Mayhem Stories

• Orlando wallops Carolina, 72-0
• Orlando Starz 2003 Review/Tryout Information
• Starz 22, Blaze 14
• Orlando Starz Game Seven
• Orlando Starz Game Notes