Post by 50yardfan on Nov 23, 2011 13:48:46 GMT -5
Continental Indoor Football League making much-needed changes
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20111123/SPORTS/111230314/Joseph-Hayes-Continental-Indoor-Football-League-making-much-needed-changes
The Continental Indoor Football League could look very different by the time Port Huron's newest indoor football team takes shape.
When the Port Huron Patriots open their inaugural season in February, the CIFL could have several new teams, Patriots owner Dave Kinsman said.
Kinsman said the Indianapolis Enforcers have found a home and will no longer be a travel team. In addition, the Saginaw Sting will return to the league.
Kinsman said teams also are taking shape in Flint and Kalamazoo, which would give Port Huron a new pair of rivals.
When all is said and done, Kinsman said the CIFL could be heavily slanted toward Michigan, with out-of-state teams from Dayton and Indianapolis.
"I'm very happy about (the changes)," Kinsman said. "There are six teams, and they have a couple more possibly joining.
"The league is looking at some options for building a merger with the (American Professional Football League) for 2013. I like the direction things are headed. It gives us the option for future expansion and having an Eastern and Western conference and play games like that."
Kinsman said the Cincinnati Commandoes and the Marion Blue Racers have left the league.
In Port Huron, Kinsman continues to prepare for the upcoming season. He said the team is closing in on purchasing its own turf and continues to build its roster.
At the heart of the matter is quarterback, and Kinsman hopes the team will find one in time for its last tryout, which will take place Dec. 10 at the Taylor Sportsplex.
"We're progressing well," Kinsman said. "We're taking some steps. That's kind of our plan. We don't want to jump out there too far in any one area. We want to build the team collectively. It's all about winning on the field and off the field."
In taking over the team, Kinsman knew he would be challenged by public perception. And just like he expected, it is taking time to win over the public.
"We're still struggling to get the community to believe we can make it," he said. "I knew it would be a challenge. We won't truly earn their trust until our third year. We want to build two solid seasons and roll into the third with the community believing in us."
"We have to make them believe. People supported the Pirates and Predators and the minor league hockey teams. Everyone is hoping it works out. It's nothing we didn't expect. It's something we knew upfront."
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20111123/SPORTS/111230314/Joseph-Hayes-Continental-Indoor-Football-League-making-much-needed-changes
The Continental Indoor Football League could look very different by the time Port Huron's newest indoor football team takes shape.
When the Port Huron Patriots open their inaugural season in February, the CIFL could have several new teams, Patriots owner Dave Kinsman said.
Kinsman said the Indianapolis Enforcers have found a home and will no longer be a travel team. In addition, the Saginaw Sting will return to the league.
Kinsman said teams also are taking shape in Flint and Kalamazoo, which would give Port Huron a new pair of rivals.
When all is said and done, Kinsman said the CIFL could be heavily slanted toward Michigan, with out-of-state teams from Dayton and Indianapolis.
"I'm very happy about (the changes)," Kinsman said. "There are six teams, and they have a couple more possibly joining.
"The league is looking at some options for building a merger with the (American Professional Football League) for 2013. I like the direction things are headed. It gives us the option for future expansion and having an Eastern and Western conference and play games like that."
Kinsman said the Cincinnati Commandoes and the Marion Blue Racers have left the league.
In Port Huron, Kinsman continues to prepare for the upcoming season. He said the team is closing in on purchasing its own turf and continues to build its roster.
At the heart of the matter is quarterback, and Kinsman hopes the team will find one in time for its last tryout, which will take place Dec. 10 at the Taylor Sportsplex.
"We're progressing well," Kinsman said. "We're taking some steps. That's kind of our plan. We don't want to jump out there too far in any one area. We want to build the team collectively. It's all about winning on the field and off the field."
In taking over the team, Kinsman knew he would be challenged by public perception. And just like he expected, it is taking time to win over the public.
"We're still struggling to get the community to believe we can make it," he said. "I knew it would be a challenge. We won't truly earn their trust until our third year. We want to build two solid seasons and roll into the third with the community believing in us."
"We have to make them believe. People supported the Pirates and Predators and the minor league hockey teams. Everyone is hoping it works out. It's nothing we didn't expect. It's something we knew upfront."