Saunders Named Copperheads General Manager
February 16, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Texas Copperheads News Release
HOUSTON, TX - The Texas Copperheads have named Gary Saunders the team's General Manager, Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake announced today.
Saunders is formerly a member of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) front office and most recently served as GM for the University of Memphis Tiger Sports Properties. Saunders signed a contract with the Copperheads earlier this week.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity I have been given here with the Copperheads," said Saunders. "I chose the Houston area because I feel there is a solid foundation to build upon. Our ownership is strongly committed to long term success and Coach Blake has certainly proved himself to be a solid on-field leader. I look forward to the chance to work in a market that will soon be recognized around the AF2 as one that is filled with passionate fans who have boundless enthusiasm for the game of football."
Said Blake: "After making some difficult decisions, we wanted to find somebody who brought a new level of intensity and a fresh vision toward this organization. We were fortunate to be able to speak with a number of qualified and capable individuals, but the one person who impressed me with not only his track record but also his intensity toward the game and the league was Saunders. There is no question in my mind that Gary will give us a realistic chance of competing for the Arena Cup long-term. Gary's decision to join our organization is a huge step forward and sends a strong message to this league and the community about the direction we are headed."
Saunders, 48, has over 15 years of professional sports experience and possesses a solid track record of success. He becomes the first General Manager in the Copperheads history and is ultimately responsible for overseeing all the business aspects of the Copperheads organization.
A native of Reston, Virginia, Saunders received his undergraduate degree from the Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. He is the proud owner of three league championship rings (two with the Atlanta Braves' Carolina League affiliate and one with the Memphis RiverKings of the Central Hockey League. Saunders is married and has two young sons. "We are excited about becoming a part of the community," Saunders added. "There's a lot of work to do and I'm ready to get started."
The Copperheads kick off the 2007 home season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats at the beautiful Richard Berry Center (located off Barker Cypress Road). To get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets or reserve a group outing in 2007, please contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com.
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