Post by fwp on Jul 7, 2009 15:18:44 GMT -5
www.elpasotimes.com/sports/ci_12766253
EL PASO -- The El Paso Generals will finish the season and head into the playoffs without general manager Dart Clark, who has left the team, owner Albert Smith said Monday.
"At this time he is not the general manager of the team," Smith said. "He has chosen to go elsewhere."
Clark, who is at home in Arizona, said he could not comment on the reasons why he no longer is with the Generals because he still is in communication with team officials for unspecified reasons.
Clark did say he enjoyed his time working in El Paso.
"It was absolutely a joy of my life. It's been a thrill," Clark said. "The team by far exceeded (expectations), and I know its going to be a very successful organization."
While he was "emotional" about leaving the team, Clark said he wants to continue to work within the unique sport.
"Football is my love and passion, and arena ball is something I want to continue working with," he said.
Smith did not say if Clark would pursue other interests, but said that "nothing is disrupted," with the team.
"He did a good job with the team and promoting," Smith said. "He had nothing to do with the football operations."
Smith said the team probably will begin its search for Clark's replacement after the season.
"He got the name out and established the brand," Smith said. "He was good with the media and was good for the team."
Paul Strelzin, who does the public address announcements for the Generals' home games said that Clark was an important part of the organization.
"Dart Clark did a good job, and I will miss him," Strelzin said. "But Albert Smith is a great owner, and we will move on."
With one game left in the team's first season in the Indoor Football League, the Generals (11-2) already have clinched the Lone Star Division title. El Paso is 8-2 and has earned a bye in the first-round of the IFL playoffs.
Smith said the organization is excited about its inaugural season.
"We have the resources and the staff here (to continue the season)," Smith said. "We love El Paso, and we will be here for a long time."
The team will finish up the regular season Saturday in San Angelo.
Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381.
EL PASO -- The El Paso Generals will finish the season and head into the playoffs without general manager Dart Clark, who has left the team, owner Albert Smith said Monday.
"At this time he is not the general manager of the team," Smith said. "He has chosen to go elsewhere."
Clark, who is at home in Arizona, said he could not comment on the reasons why he no longer is with the Generals because he still is in communication with team officials for unspecified reasons.
Clark did say he enjoyed his time working in El Paso.
"It was absolutely a joy of my life. It's been a thrill," Clark said. "The team by far exceeded (expectations), and I know its going to be a very successful organization."
While he was "emotional" about leaving the team, Clark said he wants to continue to work within the unique sport.
"Football is my love and passion, and arena ball is something I want to continue working with," he said.
Smith did not say if Clark would pursue other interests, but said that "nothing is disrupted," with the team.
"He did a good job with the team and promoting," Smith said. "He had nothing to do with the football operations."
Smith said the team probably will begin its search for Clark's replacement after the season.
"He got the name out and established the brand," Smith said. "He was good with the media and was good for the team."
Paul Strelzin, who does the public address announcements for the Generals' home games said that Clark was an important part of the organization.
"Dart Clark did a good job, and I will miss him," Strelzin said. "But Albert Smith is a great owner, and we will move on."
With one game left in the team's first season in the Indoor Football League, the Generals (11-2) already have clinched the Lone Star Division title. El Paso is 8-2 and has earned a bye in the first-round of the IFL playoffs.
Smith said the organization is excited about its inaugural season.
"We have the resources and the staff here (to continue the season)," Smith said. "We love El Paso, and we will be here for a long time."
The team will finish up the regular season Saturday in San Angelo.
Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381.