Pioneers News Update
Published on February 12, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release
Player News: Last week the af2 assigned nine new players and three former Pioneers players to the 2003 Pioneers training camp roster. Former Pioneers Rich Butcofski, Opio Gary and Joe Kowalski will vie for spots on the 2003 team. New faces include Bo Thomas (Richmond Speed), Chad Henritzy (New Haven Ninjas), Adrian Perez (Iowa Barnstormers), Carl Beaty (Trenton Lightning -- IPFL), Willie Owens (Winnipeg Blue Bombers -- CFL), Jon Horton (B.C. Lions -- CFL), Jason Lawson (German Football League experience), John Kotarsky (East Stroudsburg standout) and Michael Haywood. For more information on the Pioneers 2003 training camp roster, log on to www.wbspioneers.com.
AFL on NBC: For the second week in a row the AFL on NBC pulled in a national 2.2 rating -- a major success. In addition to the true grit two-way football, the success is due in part to the support of the NFL. AFL-involved NFL names include John Elway, who owns the Colorado Crush, and Jon Gruden, who's brother, Jay Gruden, quarterbacks for the Orlando Predators.
According to a news article in the Tampa Tribune titled "Arena Football League Making Major Strides," and published Wednesday, February 12th by Tribune reporter Gary Haber: "Nine NFL owners operate or have applied for Arena Football franchises. The list includes Jerry Jones (Dallas), William Ford Jr. (Detroit) and Pat Bowlen (Denver). (AFL Commissioner) Baker is looking to add six more teams in the next three years. Saints owner Tom Benson will operate a franchise in New Orleans in 2004 and Redskins owner Dan Snyder is interested in bringing a team to the Washington, D.C. area."
NEPA for Week Three: You'll be able to catch the Dallas Desperados at Orlando Predators at 3PM on local NBC affiliate WBRE-TV 28.
Dance Team News: The Pioneers named 19 girls to the 2003 Pony Express dance squad. With the help of dance team partner The Weekender, the new Pony Express has an entirely new look for 2003. The team is already at work preparing for a newer dance style and songs for the 2003 season. UPCOMING APPEARANCES: Meet Amy and Elizabeth between 1-3 PM this Sunday, Feb. 15th at the Grand Opening of the new Premiere Tanning in Dickson City. Meet Erika, Amanda and other members at the Weekender Birthday Bash at the Woodlands at 8PM, and join a few of the girls at the upcoming Pioneers Booster Club meeting this Monday, February 17th at 8PM.
Merchandise News: Replica jerseys are now 20% off on-line for a limited time. Check out the Pioneers on-line store for information (www.wbspioneers.com). You can order on-line and pick up your items at our front office or have your order shipped to you direct.
Other News: The Pioneers have an on-line bulletin board that is maintained by the Pioneers Booster Club President, Brian Stevens. If you are interested in voicing your opinion about the team, or just want to check out what other fans have to say, you can find a link to the board on both the Pioneers Booster Club page at www.wbspbc.netfirms.com, or the Pioneers website at www.wbspioneers.com.
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