The Mission has Begun
Published on February 21, 2012 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Lakeland Raiders News Release
LAKELAND,FL- The weekend weather was overcast and humid for the most part as the Raiders began their 2012 Championship Mission. February 18, 2012, Bonny Park was the host for the Raiders opening days of training camp. There are 40 men who are vying for a spot to make the roster for the 2012 Lakeland Raiders Arena Football Team and many of these men have been preparing for months for this chance.
Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Michael Mink and his coaching staff, these men were put through conditioning drills, team drills, and a variety on in game scenarios to see where physically and mentally these athletes were in comparison to others. These men came from various experiences ranging from playing college football to some having already played professional football. Florida State, Iowa, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, South Florida, North Dakota State, Missouri Valley College and many others are a few of the Colleges some of these aspiring athletes previously attended. Many players are also local Polk County products, as well as Hillsborough County, Dade County, and Orange County. The team is a true Florida based team with 90% of the players either playing High School football or College football in Florida. Each of these men want one thing, the opportunity to prove that they have the ability to play in higher leagues. These men are the "Future Stars in Football" You may see them in the NFL, CFL and AFL. Each of them just want an opportunity and the Raiders are that opportunity. The team will continue to practice and only 23 men will make the final roster and only 18 will suit up for the March 10th opening game.
The Raiders plan to put the best team on the field to win and represent Lakeland, Polk County and Central Florida. The team will continue to practice 4 times per week in preparation to the opening night against the Rome Rampage. The Raiders season and individual game tickets are currently on sale through the box office at 863-834-7511or by contacting the team at 1-855-RAIDER1. The fan shop is also available for fans to purchase their Raider Battalion gear. The Raiders appreciate all the support and all of the great people who are making it possible to be playing.
For more information about the Lakeland Raiders visit the team website at www.lakelandraiders.com or call 863-834-7511. The Raiders will be playing home games at The Lakeland Center. The Lakeland Center offers a full variety of sporting events, concerts and shows. The Lakeland Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm and can be reached at 863-834-8111.
The Lakeland Raiders were founded by Michael Mink and co-owned by Michael Mink and Robert Tannenbaum. The Lakeland Raiders are a Professional Indoor/Arena Football Team in the United Indoor Football League(www.uiflfootball.com). The Lakeland Raiders organization is a community based team that supports affordable family fun and entertainment. The original Marine Raiders were a honored group of warriors and sons from America. The lost Marine Raider Battalions completed their mission in real war and were the pride of World War II. One Team. One Mission. The Invasion begins in 2012!
Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from February 21, 2012
- The Mission has Begun - Lakeland Raiders
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.
