Wranglers kick off second season with "See Red" attitude, excitement and traditions
January 27, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 27, 2005) â Austin's professional football team, the Austin Wranglers, kicks off its second season on Sunday, January 30 by dedicating its season to the U.S. military and their families and introducing its "SEE RED" attitude in game activities and themes.
Fans will enjoy fast-paced, high-scoring Arena Football when the Austin Wranglers take on the Philadelphia Soul at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Frank Erwin Center. The team is born and raised in Texas, with 12 of its 24 players hailing from Texas colleges, universities and/or high schools.
Two prominent Central Texans will help the Wranglers start their season, with former University of Texas Coach Darrell Royal tossing the coin and Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson singing the National Anthem.
"We are honored that both Coach Royal and Ray Benson are participating in the Austin Wranglers season opener," says Doug MacGregor, team president. "Austin is the perfect community for Arena Football â we're young, active, and looking for fun, we are families who love to play together, and we love football. Our team brings action-packed football to Austin, with a promise of entertainment, music and excitement for all ages."
Fans can also expect to meet and get to know Austin Wranglers players and coaches, as well as the Lady Wranglers dancers â they will be available after all games to sign autographs.
"The beauty of Arena Football is that the fans are close to the action, the arena rocks, and if they catch a football, they get to keep it," says MacGregor. "The fan is a key part of the game, which is fitting since the fan is the star of our show."
Season Dedicated to U.S. Military
"We are deeply appreciative of the many sacrifices that the military and their families make for us day in and day out," MacGregor says. To express its gratitude, the entire Austin Wranglers organization is dedicating its second season to the U.S. military and their families. Each game will recognize and salute soldiers and their families from the various military units throughout Central Texas. For the first game, more than 200 soldiers and children from Fort Hood and more than 200 soldiers from Fort Sam Houston will be recognized.
"We can never fully repay the debt that so many have made on our behalf," MacGregor says. "We offer our heartfelt thanks, with words and action that pale next to their sacrifices."
SEE RED Attitude
The season also kicks off with a new theme of "SEE RED" that combines attitude with new game traditions and fan involvement. The "SEE RED" theme was launched in ads publicizing the season opener, where the Austin Wranglers reminded fans that "Bon Jovi (owner of the Philadelphia Soul) might be the soul man, but the Philadelphia Soul is going down in a blaze of glory."
"Wranglers Coach Skip Foster and the team have worked hard to build every competitive advantage possible on the field. We want to do our part and provide the attitude, noise and energy that will give the Wranglers the competitive advantage in the stands" says MacGregor. "Let's have some fun and let the other team learn why you âDon't Mess with Texas'."
Part of the game excitement includes fans putting on their "red eyes" glasses when the Wranglers are in the Red Zone. Also, at each game, the most avid, loud fans with face paint and Wranglers gear will be selected to sit in the Rowdy Wranglers section, immediately behind the opposing team's bench.
The Lady Wranglers will entertain fans during breaks and at half-time with sizzling dance performances to the latest music. Fans can enjoy the Lady Wranglers year-round with the 2005 Lady Wranglers Calendar, great for autographs.
Finally, to thank fans, the Austin Wranglers are also giving away "The RedEye Wrangler" Jeep, a 2005 Jeep Wrangler SE, courtesy of South Point Jeep and Star Customs. Between now and the last game, 32 "token" keys will be randomly awarded to participants who complete entry forms at the Austin Wranglers office, Austin Wranglers promotions around Central Texas, South Point Jeep, and www.austinwranglers.com. At the end of the season, the 32 tokens will be traded in for authentic keys and one lucky winner will hold the key that starts the Jeep.
For more information about the Austin Wranglers and its 2005 season, go to www.austinwranglers.com.
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