Riptide Announce Ed White as Team President
November 9, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Riptide announced "Big Ed" White as President of Jon Runyan's arenafootball2 franchise at a press conference held yesterday. This marks the first official move made under the new ownership group.
"It's an absolute wonderful culmination of the past three years," said Riptide founder, Gil Saidy. "(White) is a very well respected individual in the community. He is a great hire for us."
White was recently inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame for his performance at the lineman position during the "Air Coryell" days and ranks sixth on the all-time list with 241 games played, including 24 playoff appearances. In addition to his accomplishments on the field with the Chargers, he made four Pro Bowl appearances and was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Pro team in 1983.
In 1985, he traded in his helmet for a coach's hat and went on to coach with the San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams, University of California, Berkley, and San Diego State University. Previous to the offer with the Riptide, White worked in the Development office of San Diego State's athletic department. White was initially contacted for the head coaching position with the 'Tide, but was more interested in "bigger" things and coaching in different terms.
"I love coaching and this is a different kind of challenge," said White. "I would have plenty of opportunities in terms of coaching the Front Office staff. I will coach like (Don) Coryell and treat everyone in this organization the way I was treated."
He has been linked to the organization from its 2001 inception through his son, a former member of the Riptide Coaching staff. Over the years, he has been able to monitor the franchise and see what has and hasn't worked. He believes the franchise will be successful in the San Diego market.
"Over the first two years, I was aware of the team but it dwindled each year. The new ownership and management will add a lot to the franchise. We just need to get out into the community, work hard with sponsors, and increase our ticket sales. We have to make a presence in this town."
The hiring of "Big Ed" also marks a reunion with Riptide franchise player and San Diego State Aztec alumni, Rico Curtis. White used to coach Curtis in college.
"You get accountability and integrity from Coach White," said Curtis. "He is a leader who will tell you what it is, when it is, and how it is."
White's 35 years of involvement with football makes him a very credible and respected individual. His accomplishments are something only few are ever able to realize. As the new President of the Riptide, his experience and insight will breathe new life into this team and turn a young and raw organization into a championship franchise.
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