Wichita Set for Season Opener in Tulsa
Published on March 6, 2013 under Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild will travel to Tulsa on Saturday, March 9th to make their inaugural debut in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL) as they take on the Oklahoma Defenders in the first game of the season. Kick-off in the Tulsa Convention Center is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CST). This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams who are slated to play each other two times this season, both hosting a game.
The Oklahoma Defenders will be kicking off their second year of professional indoor football after beginning last season as a replacement for the Tulsa Talons franchise that relocated to San Antonio after the 2011 season. Playing in the American Professional Football League (APFL), the Defenders proved successful in their initial season, clinching a playoff berth with a 9-3 regular season record, while ultimately falling short with a loss in the first round of playoffs. With the return of 2012 team captains, quarterback Rico Watkins and defensive back Bobby Blackshire, the Defenders look to build momentum going into their debut campaign in the CPIFL. Watkins, a dual threat quarterback, was the key to Oklahoma's stellar play in 2012, completing 131 of 217 pass attempts for 1,684 yards and 40 touchdowns while also gaining 406 yards on the ground with 18 rushing touchdowns. Blackshire, a 2012 First Team All-League defensive back in the APFL, accumulated 98 tackles, eight interceptions and two touchdowns in 2012.
Wichita last found themselves on the field when they faced off against the Tri-Cities Fever in the IFL conference championship game. Although it was a hard fought game, the Fever pulled away with a 51-30 victory over the Wild in the final minutes. Coming off an 8-6 record in the 2012 Indoor Football League (IFL) regular season, the Wild looks build on that success as they transition into the CPIFL. Long-time indoor football standout quarterback Rocky Hinds joins the Wild this season along with key returning players, running back Tywon Hubbard, defensive back Kendrick Harper, and defensive end Matt Moss to form a solid foundation for a competitive team that could go far this season.
Player to Watch: Wild Quarterback Rocky Hinds
Rocky Hinds, a highly decorated indoor football quarterback, joins the Wild for the 2013 season after playing the 2012 season for the Nebraska Danger of the IFL and the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the Bloomington Extreme. In 2011, Hinds had a career year for Bloomington, throwing for 2,219 yards with 40 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, earning him a spot as a finalist for IFL MVP. With a big arm and quick feet at the quarterback position, expect Hinds to be a playmaker for the Wild.
The Wichita Wild join the CPIFL, the Champions Professional Indoor Football League, for the 2013 season, which is set to kick off March 9th when the Wild travel to Tulsa to take on the Oklahoma Defenders. The game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO in the Wichita area. The Wild will host their first home game of the season March 23rd against the Kansas Koyotes at 7:05 p.m. Both season tickets and single game tickets are now on sale, starting at $24 and $5 respectively and can be purchased by calling (316) 927-3999. For more news on the Wild, visit www.wichitawildfootball.com or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 6, 2013
- Wichita Set for Season Opener in Tulsa - Wichita Wild
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.
