Soldiering Into Syracuse
January 23, 2006 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Syracuse Soldiers News Release
SYRACUSE, NY - The American Indoor Football League is soldiering its way into Syracuse, New York. League President Andrew G. Haines announced that the AIFL's 16th team will be located in Syracuse at a press conference held Monday, January 23, 2006 at the Onondaga County War Memorial. To be named the Soldiers, Syracuse will compete in the AIFL's Northern Conference along with the Canton (Ohio) Legends, Miami Valley (Troy, Ohio) Silverbacks, Erie (Pa.) Freeze, Johnstown (Pa.) Riverhawks, Huntington (W.V.) Heroes, Reading (Pa.) Express, and Stuebenville (Ohio) Stampede. "Geographically, placing a team in Syracuse will help us bridge a gap into the Northeast," Haines said. "Football is probably the most popular sport in the United States, as far as professional (sports). We're taking a void when Syracuse (University) football is done, NFL football is done." The head coach for the Soldiers will be Kirby DarDar, a former Orange standout who played three seasons with the Miami Dolphins , one with the Kansas City Chiefs and one year with the now defunct XFL. During his Syracuse playing days, Dar Dar was a four-year letterman. "This is an awesome opportunity to bring more football to Syracuse," Dar Dar said. "The fanfare loves loves the game and I'm sure the area will appreciate the opportunity to come out and support us." The AIFL will own the team until a local owner is found. The Soldiers will begin play at home on the Oncenter March 6 against Miami Valley. "It will be a challenge to put together a quality team in a short time frame,'' Haines said. "But I am confident of Kirby's connections with the Syracuse community and his passion to put together a quality football team." Now in its second season, the AIFL has expanded from six to 16 teams located throughout the Eastern United States. Kickoff for year two is February 25, 2006 with the Richmond (Va.) Bandits looking to defend their inaugural season championship.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from January 23, 2006
- Soldiering Into Syracuse - Syracuse Soldiers
- Thunder pre-game to honor local residents - Daytona Beach Thunder
- Thunder to recognize "local legends" in 2006 - Daytona Beach Thunder
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