Thunder dance team changes name
October 7, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Listening to the concerns of the dance team members, officials of the Daytona Beach Thunder football team announced they have renamed the dance squad from the "Thunderbirds" to the "Lightning."
The decision was made after the dance team's first tryout Saturday, which was attended by the Thunder ownership. "Thunderbirds" was the winning entry of vote on the team's website at http://www.daytonabeachthunder.com
"When you hear thunder, you see lightning," said team Coach Kelly Conway. "We want to be complementary to the power of the thunder, and this was an obvious choice." "Our dancers are going to be putting in a lot of hours and effort, and if they feel this will enhance their performance, then I'm all for it [the name change]," said Thunder CEO Zack McDonald. "At this stage, it's simply a matter of issuing a press release and registering another Internet domain. We'll continue on with assembling what will be standards for indoor football with our team, our dancers, and administration."
No one minds that the dance team shares the name of the defending Stanley Cup champions over in Tampa Bay.
"The hockey team is cool, but this dance team will be hot, very hot," McDonald said.
Conway selected several dancers for the team Saturday, and plans to have additional tryouts later this year.
Due to the name change, Sarah Whedbee of Palm Coast, FL, who suggested the name "Lightning", will receive a season ticket for the Thunder's 2006 regular season play in the Ocean Center. Crystal Dye of Deltona, FL will also receive a season ticket for her winning submission of the original name "Thunderbirds."
The Thunder, an expansion team in the second-year American Indoor Football League, begins play February 2006 in the Ocean Center. Locally owned and operated by Zack McDonald, Kevin McDonald and Jay Burton, the Thunder is committed to providing first-class, family-oriented sports entertainment while serving its community in a professional manner. For more information, contact (386) 423-0560 or visit www.daytonabeachthunder.com.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from October 7, 2005
- Thunder dance team changes name - Daytona Beach Thunder
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