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IFL Indoor Football League

Wisconsin team signs letter of intent to join IFL

August 6, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


Richmond, VA: The Indoor Football League announced today that they have signed a letter of intent to add a team in La Crosse, Wisconsin to begin play in 2010. The La Crosse Spartans, which they will be known as, are currently in lease negotiations that will have them playing in the La Crosse Center for next season. "We are extremely excited to bring Professional Indoor Football back to the city of La Crosse," said Chris Kokalis, Spartans Co-Owner and General Manager. "This is a great sports town and we look forward to becoming active members of the community. We are committed to building a long-term relationship with the city of La Crosse, local businesses, the Indoor Football League and football fans. We took a close look at several options regarding available leagues and were extremely impressed by the professionalism and stability of the IFL."

Kokalis and Co-Owner Bob Sullivan have already established a website (www.lacrossespartans.com) and hired its first ever Head Coach. Gilbert Brown, former Green Bay Packer Defensive Lineman and Super Bowl Champion, now begins the quest of bringing an IFL Championship back to the area. "Having the opportunity to become a part of a great community like La Crosse is an honor for me," said Brown. "I have always enjoyed my visits to La Crosse because it has some of the best football fans in the state. We have a lot of work to do to make sure that we put the best quality product on the field and bring a winning team to the community, but I am up to the challenge."

La Crosse County, with its population of over 120,000 people, is home to three regional colleges and universities and is located on the western boarder of the state. Regionally, adding a team in Wisconsin makes a lot of sense for the Indoor Football League. "Adding the La Crosse Spartans to the league will benefit each of our current franchises individually" stated IFL Commissioner Tommy Benizio. "Not only will this assist in budgeting travel costs, but will also create a whole slew of new local rivalries."

The team's membership in the league will be up for vote by the leagues Directors upon completion and submission of their application.

The IFL has already announced plans for teams in Wasilla, Alaska and Richmond, Virginia for next season. Additional expansion announcements are expected over the coming weeks and months. The Indoor Football League was created in 2008 out of the merger between the Intense Football League and the United Indoor Football Association. Currently, it consists of 19 teams spanning from Fairbanks, Alaska to Washington DC with the season being played from March through August.



Indoor Football League Stories from August 6, 2009


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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