Riverhawks Welcome New Owner
October 18, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Johnstown RiverHawks News Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- The American Indoor Football League announced Friday that Michael Dawson, 26, of Harrisburg, Pa. purchased the Johnstown Riverhawks.
"The privilege of owning the Riverhawks is a great opportunity," said Dawson, who bought the team from Brian Schwelling. "We are going to have a great season."
Schwelling bought the team last year from league founder Andrew Haines and will operate teams in the league's southern division. Although Dawson said he plans no major changes, he will expand the marketing of the team. He expressed a desire to increase the sales and marketing force immediately. He added that no changes in the coaching staff will occur. Dawson, a former restaurant entrepreneur, looks forward to the challenges of owning a professional football team.
"Some of the challenges will be that the league is still new," Dawson said. "We have to get the word out, to get people to realize that this team is going to be here for a while."
The Riverhawks went 7-5 in their inaugural season, losing to eventual league champion Richmond in the AIFL semifinals.
"The coaches here are proven winners," Dawson said. "Brian Basile and his crew are part of the reason why buying this team was so easy.
"The AIFL is here to stay and our goal here is to bring a championship to this town."
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