Predators Name Alan Gooch President And General Manager
July 30, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 30, 2007) -- A well-known businessman with strong ties to both the sports world and the Central Florida community is the new leader of the Orlando Predators. On Monday, majority owner Ron Howse named Alan Gooch, President and General Manager of Orlando's Arena Football League franchise.
"Alan is a well-known and highly respected professional with strong ties to both athletics and the local business community," Howse said in making the announcement. "Our only goal for the 2008 season is to win the ArenaBowl and Alan's understanding and expertise of our community, the athletics business, and football operations make him the perfect candidate to take the Predators to the next level."
Gooch is Founder, President, and CEO of TIZON, a commercial real estate firm based in Central Florida.
Prior to starting TIZON, Gooch spent 21 years as a member of the UCF football family. After playing four years of college football, including the last two the University of Central Florida, he entered the coaching ranks - starting as defensive backs coach and finishing as interim head coach for UCF in 2003. He would then spend 18 months as Executive Director of the Golden Knights Club, the fund raising arm of UCF Athletics.
During his career at UCF, Alan received many accolades for his contributions but his most memorable came in 1997 for his work with former UCF tailback Dwight Collins, who is deaf. The duo gained national attention for their work together, with Dwight receiving ESPN's National Spirit Award for the nation's most courageous football player. Collins and Gooch were later recognized in 1998 by President Clinton and the National Consortium for Academics and Sports during a White House ceremony.
During the same year, the American Football Coaches Association named him NCAA Division 1-A Assistant Coach of the Year.
"I want to express my appreciation to Ron Howse and the Orlando Predators organization for giving me the opportunity to lead this franchise," Gooch said. "I am looking forward to building on the success that this organization has enjoyed in the past. The commitment, passion, and direction that Ron Howse possesses for this team and organization became a major factor in my decision to accept this position."
In his new role, Gooch will oversee all aspects of Orlando Predators operations - including sponsorships, marketing, ticketing, game day operations, public relations and community relations. He will also represent the Orlando Predators as an alternate director on the AFL Board of Directors.
A member of the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame, Alan has strong passions for both Central Florida and for mentoring young athletes. He located his new company TIZON Commercial in Orlando and continues to spend time speaking and mentoring young athletes across the country.
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