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Rio Grande Valley Magic Cast A Spell On South Texas Football

August 20, 2010 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Rio Grande Valley Magic News Release


HIDALGO - Ole Miss great and former NFL quarterback John Fourcade will lead the Rio Grande Valley's new indoor football team to victory as the franchise's first head coach, team officials announced Friday during a press conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in McAllen.

"Coach Fourcade is an incredible football mind, and we were absolutely thrilled to make him our franchise's first head coach," said Chad Dittman, the team's owner. "I can't think of a better man for the job. Coach Fourcade's impressive resume speaks for itself." Fourcade played for the New Orleans Saints as a professional, but before that he set records as a star quarterback at Ole Miss. From 1978 to 1981, Fourcade gained 6,713 yards, breaking the school record set by Archie Manning. In 1982, he was named the most valuable player in the Senior Bowl. Fourcade also has worked for several years as a broadcaster, covering the New Orleans Saints. "I'm incredibly excited to be here, and I've been meeting people and been navigating the area all week. Everyone has been so nice, and I really like the Valley," Fourcade said. "I know how much fans around here love football, and we're going to give them a great team to cheer for."

The team is also pleased to announce its name. The Rio Grande Valley Magic have arrived, and they are ready to cast a spell on South Texas pigskin fans. That's right, the Valley's new football is officially called The Rio Grande Valley Magic. "We all felt bewitched when we heard the name," Dittman said. "This name has the perfect blend of excitement, energy and local history that we're looking for. We can't wait for the team to hit the field at the State Farm Arena and mesmerize sold out crowds."

The name harkens back to the early 1900s, when the rest of Texas referred to Hidalgo, McAllen, Brownsville and the area as the "magic valley." How did the area earn such a mystical moniker? It started because of the hot, hot, hot climate. It's no secret that the Valley can be hot and dry. So farmers had to use elaborate irrigation systems to spread moisture to their crops. Visitors would often travel to the Valley, where they saw luscious orchards of citrus trees but no rain. It was like a magic growing spell had been cast on the area. "We're really excited about the name, and how well it captures the South Texas spirit. I'm just glad we can finally share it with everyone, it was pretty hard to keep this secret bottled up," Dittman joked.

The clever name was discovered after more than 1,000 people entered a name the team contest. It was chosen from a number of fantastic entries. Tomas Rios, who is from Hidalgo, coined the phrase Rio Grande Valley Magic, and he won lifetime season tickets, official team jerseys and a chance to hit the field and flip the coin at the Inaugural Season Home Game. Rios did research online to learn about the Magic Valley nickname. He was shocked and excited to learn he won. Rios said this is the first time he has ever won a contest. It's safe to say this is the first of many magical moments for the Valley's most exciting sports franchise.

Stay tuned for more exciting news about the team's logo unveiling soon. For more information about the Rio Grande Valley Magic, season tickets and sponsorship opportunities call (956) 630-KICK.

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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.

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