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WIFL continues forward, thanks Harry Pierce for contributions

October 16, 2006 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2) News Release


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Preparations continue for the World Indoor Football League's inaugural 2007 season despite the announcement by Harry Pierce that his two teams, the Rome Renegades and the Carolina Bombers, will not play.

"First and foremost, we want to thank Harry, his partners, and organizations for their contributions to the sport of indoor football over the past two and a half years,'' said Daytona Beach Thunder CEO and WIFL Co-Owner Zack McDonald. "He did things professionally, he was committed to excellence and he set an example for our profession that should be applauded.

"Harry and his group continually put the players, teams, and league before themselves," McDonald added. "The sacrifices that these people made for us all will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. Harry shares a vision to build a league that has values and principles that are far too often compromised or lost in today's struggle for success. Harry will continue to assist us in moving the WIFL forward.

"The bottom line is that Harry had to make an extremely tough business decision, and we support him in that decision. It is time to give Harry and his group the same considerations that they have given all of us." McDonald added.

Rome's arena situation was not viable for professional sports, while local owners could not be secured in Raleigh, N.C.

"These are two critical elements of our business plan," McDonald said. "It's imperative that we follow that plan because we need this venture to be economically feasible for each and every new team that we decide to partner with."

The departure leaves the WIFL with four teams - the Augusta (Ga.) Spartans, the Columbus (Ga.) Lions, Daytona Beach and Osceola (Kissimmee, Fla.) Ghostriders. Two expansion groups are being finalized for 2008.

When asked about a four-team league, McDonald replied "This is the start of the standard. If we were to put two or three or even four more teams into the mix we would be not be doing anything that hasn't already been done.

"The fact is that changes in this industry must be made and you must hold your ground on what you know to be good sound business principles. Coupled with solid ethics, morals, and values, all four team are very content with the decision to move forward. Our standard is tough and there are not many organizations that can fit the model."

The WIFL 2007 schedule will be published by the first week of November.

"This is our opportunity to build on a rock. Starting with four teams gives us an opportunity to fine tune our processes establishing the foundation for a successful future," McDonald concluded. Contact McDonald at (386) 423-0560 or e-mail zmcdonald@dbthunder.net for more info.

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World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from October 16, 2006


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.


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