Thunder's League Hires Commissioner
August 9, 2006 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
ROME, Ga. - The World Indoor Football League (WIFL) has named Gary Tufford its Commissioner/Executive Director, it was announced today.
A former player in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as well as a coach and team executive at every level of the sport, Tufford will focus on the management aspects of the League along with national sponsorships, strategic planning, media partnerships and growth of the upstart league.
"Being associated with the kind of Owners and League Officials we have in the WIFL makes it all worth it," Tufford said. "Building something from the ground up takes a huge amount of strength, character and determination. We have all of those in the group that is assembled in this league. I am proud to be associated with them and am looking forward to the challenges and rewards that lay ahead for the WIFL." Tufford comes to the WIFL after a stint with the American Indoor Football League, where as Executive Director, he directed its growth and forged working relationships with many of the franchises now in the league.
"We are very excited to have Gary joining our league as Commissioner," said Harry Pierce, co-owner of the Rome Renegades and the Raleigh Rebels. "Gary has very extensive expertise in football, both on and off the field. As in every successful business, you must surround yourself with great people and then give them the tools to do their job. This is what we have done in bringing Gary on board and we will ensure that he has the tools to run one of the top leagues in our industry."
Tufford played four years in the CFL, with the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. As a rookie, "Tuff" led the Argonauts in receiving yards per catch. After his playing days, Tufford served as a personnel director for the CFL's South East Region.
Tufford was the Head Coach and General Manager of the Erie Invaders, guiding that team to a playoff berth in the Indoor Football League. He followed that up as Head
Coach and Executive Vice-President for the af2's Greensboro Prowlers. Tufford also held positions as the President of GPS Sports and GT Sports Group, a marketing and management consortium.
He will begin operations immediately as the league prepares for its inaugural season in 2007.
Committed to raising indoor football to a new level of professionalism both on and off the field, the WIFL consists of a bold group of owners that have created a league owned and operated by them.
A temporary splash page has been created at www.wifl.us with links to the team's respective web sites. As the league properly develops a state-of-the art internet communications program, fans are invited to visit the respective team's web sites.
The World Indoor Football League will hold its first owners and coaches meeting August 15-16 in Rome, Ga. Representatives from each of the seven teams will be present as operational procedures and rules will be discussed.
"In one sense, it's historic, but in reality, it's going to be a bunch of guys sitting around talking football,'' said Pierce. "We have a lot to go over and it's important that we take the time and get it right. A lot is at stake." A media opportunity will take place upon conclusion of the meetings on August 16.
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World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from August 9, 2006
- Thunder's League Hires Commissioner - Daytona Beach Thunder
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