New Indoor Football League (SIFL)

[Gusher]

SIFL ANNOUNCES CHARTER FRANCHISE
LAKE CHARLES, La. (November 18, 2008)

Coupling a first-class, family-oriented sports experience with a sound business plan that encourages financial success, the Southern Indoor Football League announced its charter roster of franchises on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at O'Charley's Restaurant in Lake Charles, La.

Louisiana Swashbucklers owner Thom Hager, who will also serve as SIFL President, released that thirteen ownership groups have submitted the proper paperwork and have agreed to the financial responsibilities.

``I’m wearing my sunglasses because the future is so bright,’’ Hager said. "I’m not going to blow this out of proportion by saying today is the greatest day in the history of indoor football, but it is so satisfying to have assembled a group of solid businessmen who appreciate a solid business model and are committed to offering a quality football product both on the field and in the community.’’

The SIFL will kick off a 12-game schedule in April 2009 in the following cities:
1) Austin Texas. [Albert Martinez, owner]
2) Houma , Louisiana [Franklin Thomas, owner]
3) Houston , Texas [Andrew Watkins, owner]
4) Lafayette , Louisiana [Bentley Turner, owner]
5) Lake Charles , Louisiana . (Louisiana Swashbucklers, owned by Hager and playing in the Lake Charles Civic Center .
6) Pasadena , Texas [Gary Howard-led ownership group]

Commitments for 2010 have been secured for Beaumont , Tex. ; Galveston , Tex , Lakeland , Fla , Pensacola , Fla , ; Tallahassee, Fla., Tampa , Fla , and Waco , Tex. with four more ownership groups showing strong interest..

"We’re still receiving calls from around our region as if a light bulb tuned on and ownership groups finally found the perfect business model for this great sport," Hager said. ``The size of the league will be finalized at our league meetings in Lake Charles December 1-2 at the premier Pinnacle property, L’Auberge du Lac. "While we wish all competing leagues good fortune and success, I believe this bold new endeavor is the result of my thirteen years in sports management."

Hager’s Swashbucklers have been recognized as one of the sport’s premier teams, winning back-to-back Intense Football League championships, the latter in 2008 with a perfect 16-0 record. Off the field, the Swashbuckler staff garnered virtually every award given to league front office staffs.

Now it’s time to take that business model from team to league levels.

`I’ve seen too many fans lose their home teams due to poor business models and inexperienced management, Hager said. "A business is only as good as its people, coupled with proven systems and a strong product.

"What good is a business model that fails to generate positive cash flow and forces teams to close their doors after one or two seasons? This league is designed to satisfy the team owners, players, and the fans," Hager concluded.

Fans may visit the SIFL temporary web site at You are not allowed to view links.
Register or Login

www.southernifl.com

which introduces an experienced league staff with invaluable professional experience.

For more information, contact the SIFL at (866) 948-SIFL (7435) or e-mail the Director of Communications @ dryan@southernifl.com.

[NedDog]

Very interesting!  It looks like I will have to be a Swashbuckler's fan till 2010 rolls around, haha.   

[Gusher]

Our very own Sportznut is making us proud.

SIFL NAMES LEAGUE STAFF
LAKE CHARLES, La. (November 18, 2008)

Southern Indoor Football League President Thom Hager announced the appointment of four experienced indoor football executives to launch the operations of the start-up football league today at a media event O'Charley's Restaurant here in Lake Charles, La.

Dan J. Blum will serve as Commissioner for the league, Scott Blanchard as Director of Creative Services, Dan Ryan as Director of Communications and Robert Winfrey Director of Operations. All four will operate out of virtual offices to reduce expenditures while providing invaluable professional experience needed to successfully launch a professional football league, Hager said.

``In order to birth a successful league, we looked for experience, not a lot of hype and ego. We looked for those dedicated to this great sport, not those who are only interested in building their resumes. I’m thrilled to have these four talented and dedicated professionals on board,’’ Hager continued. ``All four have proven track records." Blum, who served as commissioner for the Intense Football League in 2008, brings 44 years of experience in football officiating to the SIFL.

``Dan has ties at every level of football from college to the NFL", said Hager. ``He’s extremely well respected in the football community nationwide.

’’ Blanchard formerly served as the Louisiana Swashbucklers’ General Manager in 2006 and has an extensive background in collegiate sports.

Ryan brings over 20 years of communications experience to the SIFL, having served as the Director of Communications for the defunct World Indoor Football League and on the team level with three different teams in three different leagues. His bylines have appeared in the sports sections of the Dallas Morning, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Orlando Sentinel and USA Today. He has also done game-day production work for NBC and ESPN.

``Indoor football is a sport that goes around in circles. Fortunately, I’m from Daytona Beach where you learn to make a living off other people doing that,’ Ryan said. ``I’m thankful that the SIFL has given me another chance to work my communications model and at the same time, be close to my family.’’

Winfrey handled both operations and communications for the Intense Football League in 2008 after being involved with various teams’ game-day operations the five previous years.

``It feels good to be involved with a quality organization that treats everyone fairly and with respect,’’ Winfrey. ``I’m looking forward to continuing my professional working relations with many of the coaches and staffs.’’
Fans may visit the SIFL temporary web site at You are not allowed to view links.
Register or Login

www.southernifl.com

for more information or contact the SIFL at (866) 948-SIFL (7435) or e-mail the Director of Communications at dryan@southernifl.com.

[HoopInsider_Cooper]

Dan Blum?

Wow....

[NedDog]

Dan Blum?

Wow....

Yep, the infamous "Daytona Dan", hahaha!!

[Sportznut]

Daytona Dan is Dan Ryan

Dan Blum Ex NFL Ref

[NedDog]

Daytona Dan is Dan Ryan

Dan Blum Ex NFL Ref

Oops!  My bad!   

[QB]

Texas Hurricanes tryout:
Nov. 15th Sunday 8am. - 1pm.
$40 if you pre-register on site or $50 day of tryout
Beaumont Athletic Complex
950 Langham Road   corner of College & Langham
Beaumont, TX 77707
You are not allowed to view links.
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www.texashurricanesfootball.com

troy@texashurricanesfootball.com

The Hurricanes are looking for talented players to be added to this years roster. Coaches will be testing them on the 40 yard dash, 20 yard shuttle, offense and defensive position skills and agilities.

[Gusher]

BEAUMONT, Tex. (November 4, 2009) - Texas Hurricanes owner Terry Williams announced today (November 4, 2009) that he intends to move his Southern Indoor Football League team to Beaumont, Texas, and has begun discussions with city officials to begin procedures for play in 2010.
"Beaumont is a great area for football with a proven track record,'' Williams said. "I'm very aware of the history - both good and not-so-good of the sport in the city and I'm promising this: The Hurricanes will be a team the city of Beaumont can be proud of on the field and one that the city will want to get involved with off the field.''

The Hurricanes relocation will mark a homecoming for head coach Troy Esprit, whose lengthy playing and coaching resume includes stints in his hometown of Beaumont.

"Troy is very excited about coaching his hometown team and I'm excited for him,'' Williams said "What more incentive for a coach than to be in his hometown? "This is why I got into the sport - -to provide opportunities like this,'' Williams added. "Also, our fans can enjoy six homes games in Beaumont and also can follow the Hurricanes to nearby Lake Charles, Lafayette and Houma for road games. I can't wait for 2010 to kick off."

Williams continues to finalize the Hurricanes' venues. Updates will be presented as the situation warrants.

The SIFL will kick off its second season in the spring of 2010.


OK looks like I may have to change my alter ego name.

[Gusher]

QB
Is there a planned press conf. or meet and greet anytime soon?

[NedDog]

That is awesome news!  I missed indoor football in Beaumont in 2009.  I am already getting excited about having the Hurricanes here!

[QB]

We are currently working on a press conference to announce Coaching and Front Office staff to the Golden Triangle. Stay tuned....

[NedDog]

I can't wait!  Be sure to let us know here on the SETX Forums!