Wave Acquires A-League Team
January 23, 2003 - A-League (A-League)
Milwaukee Wave United News Release
The Milwaukee Wave, a member of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) has announced that it has acquired an A-League (outdoor) franchise in the United Soccer League (USL) to begin play during the upcoming 2003 A-League season. The team, which will be known as Milwaukee Wave United, replaces the former A-League team known as the Milwaukee Rampage. The Wave also announced that Wave United will play its home games at Uihlein Soccer Park, the former home of the Rampage from 1995-2000. Milwaukee's A-League opener is scheduled for Friday, May 16th at 7pm, when Wave United will host the Minnesota Thunder.
Wave Assistant Coach Art Kramer has also been named Head Coach of Wave United. Kramer, now in his sixth season as assistant to Wave Head Coach/Vice-President of Soccer Operations Keith Tozer brings a wealth of experience to the position. A former star player both indoors and outdoors, Kramer previous coaching experience includes one season with the NPSL's Toronto Shooting Stars (1996-97), as well as nine seasons at University School Milwaukee where he led the Wildcats to three WISAA Division II State Championships. Joining Kramer on the Wave United coaching staff is Bob Spielmann, the head coach at Milwaukee's Marquette University High School. Spielmann led the Hilltoppers to nine consecutive titles, including the last three WIAA Division I championships.
"This is an exciting day for both the Wave and the Wisconsin Soccer Community," said Wave President/CEO Tim Krause. "We're looking forward to maintaining the fine traditions of both indoor and outdoor soccer here in Southeastern Wisconsin. We're especially excited to be bringing A-League soccer back to Uihlein Soccer Park, which has always been an outstanding venue for soccer."
Said Keith Tozer, "I'm very excited about our organization expanding into the outdoor game which should be beneficial in attracting quality players for both the indoor and outdoor teams. This is a major step in the unification of the indoor and outdoor games under one umbrella."
The USL is thrilled to be adding a long-standing professional organization like the Milwaukee Wave to the A-League," said A-League Director of Operations Tim Holt. "The Wave have set the standard for providing Milwaukee area fans with entertaining professional soccer. We look forward to Milwaukee Wave United's participation this season and for many seasons thereafter."
For more information regarding Milwaukee Wave United, including tickets, game schedule or any other information concerning Wisconsin's latest addition to the pro sports landscape call the Milwaukee Wave office at 414.224.WAVE (9283).
(pictured above) Milwaukee Wave President/CEO Tim Krause and Wave Head Coach/Vice-President of Soccer Operations Keith Tozer shake hands moments after Krause signs the Milwaukee Wave United's contract with the USL and the A-League.
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A-League Stories from January 23, 2003
- USL releases 2003 A-League schedule - A-League
- Blast Announces 2003 Schedule and Ticket Information - Indiana Blast
- Riverhawks announce 2003 schedule - Cincinnati Riverhawks
- Wave Acquires A-League Team - Milwaukee Wave United
- Wave United Join A-League - A-League
- Riverhawks set to play Crew in exhibition game - Cincinnati Riverhawks
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