Post by Tatonka on Mar 23, 2007 7:57:05 GMT -5
The Johnstown indoor-football franchise has been dangling on a precarious perch, even before the season began in February.
Unable to get a grasp on its past and present debts, the third-year franchise was in dire straits.
So last week, the organization sought assistance from the the American Indoor Football Association.
John Morris, a co-owner of the AIFA, visited Johnstown and after assessing the situation, decided that the league would step in and help the franchise.
“We got a call that they were struggling, financially,” Morris said from Baltimore. “Most of it was due to lack of sponsorships, and the ability to get sponsors. The league will support (Johnstown) as long as they’re putting 100 percent in, and they are. I know those guys are working hard.
“We went ahead and sent them some money so they could take care of some expenses. We don’t have an open checkbook, but we’re going to help support them and get them through this.
“Obviously, there have been some issues. At the same time, other than supporting this team, nothing’s really changed. We just basically have somewhat of a management agreement with Johnstown. That’s just to help the bills get paid and the players get paid.”
Riverhawks first-year coach Steven G. Folmar looked at it as a positive move for the future of the franchise.
“The league has come on to help out the organization,” Folmar said. “We were having some troubles. The league has now given us their vote of confidence, plus some backing. With the league on board, it makes everything a lot more secure.
“Now we can concentrate on football.”
The Riverhawks travel Saturday to Huntington to face the Heroes at 7 p.m.
Morris, who owns the AIFA with Mike Mink, said Riverhawks President Michael Dawson will remain, along with co-owner James Wallace, who also helps run day-to-day activities.
Wallace said there’s been ongoing doubt since July – and even as the season has progressed – about the organizations’ status.
“I’m ecstatic, to have the league come in and support the franchise. It eliminates doubt in the community,” Wallace said. “They were more than happy to come in and help. It shows the strength of the league.”
Morris, who is also a co-owner of the Montgomery Bears franchise of the AIFA, said he spoke with the Johnstown players on a return trip to the city, reassuring them that the league was behind the organization. And, Morris said, for the AIFA to stay strong and grow, the league needs franchises like Johnstown.
“I think Johnstown is a fantastic market,” Morris said. “As the Riverhawks continue to win; the fan participation is there. You can’t blame the community for wanting to see what’s going to happen. You have people there that purchased season tickets, that are expecting to be able to come and watch these games, and we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that happens.
“We’re going to stay, we’re not going anywhere. I think it’s a great community for football. We’re excited about the future.”
Folmar said the franchise is making strides paying off its bills.
“No matter what you might hear about debts and stuff, slowly we’re catching up,” Folmar said. “And that’s exactly what we needed to do.”
Unable to get a grasp on its past and present debts, the third-year franchise was in dire straits.
So last week, the organization sought assistance from the the American Indoor Football Association.
John Morris, a co-owner of the AIFA, visited Johnstown and after assessing the situation, decided that the league would step in and help the franchise.
“We got a call that they were struggling, financially,” Morris said from Baltimore. “Most of it was due to lack of sponsorships, and the ability to get sponsors. The league will support (Johnstown) as long as they’re putting 100 percent in, and they are. I know those guys are working hard.
“We went ahead and sent them some money so they could take care of some expenses. We don’t have an open checkbook, but we’re going to help support them and get them through this.
“Obviously, there have been some issues. At the same time, other than supporting this team, nothing’s really changed. We just basically have somewhat of a management agreement with Johnstown. That’s just to help the bills get paid and the players get paid.”
Riverhawks first-year coach Steven G. Folmar looked at it as a positive move for the future of the franchise.
“The league has come on to help out the organization,” Folmar said. “We were having some troubles. The league has now given us their vote of confidence, plus some backing. With the league on board, it makes everything a lot more secure.
“Now we can concentrate on football.”
The Riverhawks travel Saturday to Huntington to face the Heroes at 7 p.m.
Morris, who owns the AIFA with Mike Mink, said Riverhawks President Michael Dawson will remain, along with co-owner James Wallace, who also helps run day-to-day activities.
Wallace said there’s been ongoing doubt since July – and even as the season has progressed – about the organizations’ status.
“I’m ecstatic, to have the league come in and support the franchise. It eliminates doubt in the community,” Wallace said. “They were more than happy to come in and help. It shows the strength of the league.”
Morris, who is also a co-owner of the Montgomery Bears franchise of the AIFA, said he spoke with the Johnstown players on a return trip to the city, reassuring them that the league was behind the organization. And, Morris said, for the AIFA to stay strong and grow, the league needs franchises like Johnstown.
“I think Johnstown is a fantastic market,” Morris said. “As the Riverhawks continue to win; the fan participation is there. You can’t blame the community for wanting to see what’s going to happen. You have people there that purchased season tickets, that are expecting to be able to come and watch these games, and we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that happens.
“We’re going to stay, we’re not going anywhere. I think it’s a great community for football. We’re excited about the future.”
Folmar said the franchise is making strides paying off its bills.
“No matter what you might hear about debts and stuff, slowly we’re catching up,” Folmar said. “And that’s exactly what we needed to do.”