Then and Now: A Bright Future Ahead
Published on January 25, 2013 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Lakeland Raiders News Release
The inaugural season of Lakeland's premier professional sports franchise was both productive and constructive, establishing a foundation to build upon for years to come. They went 6-1 against teams not from Ft. Myers last year. The 2012 Lakeland Raiders made the playoffs in their first season, which to many could be considered impressive. The Raiders boasted the UIFL's leading rusher and set a league record for margin of victory. In addition to the on-field success, Michael Mink and the Raiders launched an entirely new brand, bringing a form of high quality entertainment at an affordable price to Lakeland.
But, to quote Bachman-Turner Overdrive, "you ain't seen nothin' yet."
The Raiders experience promises to be even better in 2013. Not satisfied with last year's results at any level - on the field or off - Managing Director Michael Mink has revisited and improved upon nearly every facet of the organization - as a team, as a coaching staff, as a business, and as an entertainment spectacle. The team has added a new Mascot sponsored by Klatch Law to keep the party rolling, and boasts a new youth league offering a one of a kind experience for its participants. The Raiders 4 kids youth league will play on the actual Raiders game day field turf before home games. Teams are based out of Bartow, Auburndale, Lake Gibson, and Polk City. As an added promotion the Raiders will give any child free entry to the opening night game if they bring a stuffed animal to donate to the Children's Home Society (offer only valid with the purchase of an adult ticket of equal value). One dollar donated from the proceeds will be donated to both Polk Education and the Children's Home Society.
As a football team, the 2013 Raiders will be barely recognizable from the squad that took the field in 2012. Feddy Azofeifa, GM of Football Operations and Player Personnel, along with Head Coach Mink have dutifully calibrated a roster suited to bring home the glory. DL/LB Conor Reilly, DL Curtis "Baby Warren Sapp" Chance, and star QB BJ Hall headline the numerous upgrades made over the course of the offseason. Returning players and rookies will face off at training camp this February. A talented crop of newcomers will preform to make one of the final roster spots at nearly every position. With an expanded roster allowing the team to now dress 19 men on game days, the Raiders are aiming to fill every slot with skilled players dedicated to a higher purpose.
In order to bolster the defense, Head Coach Michael Mink turned to an old ally in BJ Jernigan to take the reigns as defensive coordinator Mink and Jernigan boast a 16-6 record as a coaching partners. He joins returning coaches George Terrell, Myqual Spann, and newly appointed Assistant Head Coach Jeff Bingle, along with Butch and Austin Lynes as Equipment Managers.
The Lakeland Raiders have partnered with Florida Southern College students to develop their career aspirations into the next generation of professional sports. After last year's success with intern David Del Col, now promoted to Director of Operations and Staff Personnel, the Raiders have recruited a large crop of student interns to work with the organization throughout the 2013 campaign. Students majoring in Sports Management, Human Movement and Performance, Broadcast Communications, Advertising, Business, and Graphic Design will all bring their passionate skills to the Raiders operations this year. The list of talented young stars includes Andrew Cisowski, Aaron Johnson, Alex Parsons, Allyson Hovda, Amanda Arnold, Charlotte Brereton, Mariah Cyphers, Pamela Paradis, Tanya Jette, Alex Charwin, Ryan Buckley, Natasha Bates, Michael Scott, Trevor Crawford, and Morganne Rogers.
These interns will have a chance to hone the skills they are learning in class while serving under the leadership of GM of Business and Game Day Operations Jim Preston. The veteran game day staff includes Candace Harmon, LC Jones, Roger Todd, Fran Grenda, Bryan Byrne, and Allison Gunter along with newcomers John Abel, Cory Sparks, Angie Myers, and Dalton Davis.
The Raiders' award-winning game day experience, combined with the best value you could find in town for your entertainment dollar, will be drastically enhanced for 2013 production. Concession prices will be lowered across the board. As an example: a bottle of water was $3.50 but is now $2.00. The team will buy your season parking pass when you purchase season tickets. An added outdoor party deck provides a new social environment for enjoying the games. The deck will be jammed packed with live music, food, drinks and tons of promotions. Special student pricing makes it affordable for college students even on a Ramen Noodle kind of budget. A brand new family section - far removed from the party deck area - will cater to families with young children. There is also a new VIP room presented by Spherion for all field box holders and preferred clientele.
The Raiders are also more active in the community this year, participating in everything from Pig Fest to the Annual Rodeo and sponsoring downtown Lakeland's First Friday celebration on February 1st, from 6pm to 9pm. On Saturday, February 9th, fans will have a chance to get up close and personal with the revamped rosters at the Raiders Fan Fest. The free event will include games, prizes, and an opportunity to get down on the field with the players and coaches.
More information about the pre-season events, season tickets, or single game tickets are available at www.lakelandraiders.com or by calling 1-855-RAIDER1. Season tickets are available starting at $35 for children and $55 for adults - that includes admission and parking to all six home games. Like and follow us on social media, just search Lakeland Raiders.
Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from January 25, 2013
- Then and Now: A Bright Future Ahead - 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.
