Post by lionsroar on Mar 21, 2009 6:31:27 GMT -5
www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090321/SPORTS/903210308/1002/SPORTS
Greenville's new indoor football team debuts today
Tony Wells is part of the reason the Pittsburgh Pirates stopped having "bat day" for a while.
Wells was attending his first professional sporting event, and he made the Pirates regret arming a minor with a lethal weapon.
"I was clubbing so many people with those bats," Wells said with a laugh. "I think that's why they stopped having 'bat day' at the Pirates stadium. I had so much fun. Your first game, that's one of the memories that you'll never forget as a kid."
Now, as the General Manager of the South Carolina Force, Greenville's new professional indoor football team, Wells hopes to provide Greenville youth that same experience.
Fortunately, the Force will not be giving away any bats. The team has given away hundreds of tickets to local schools and youth organizations, hoping some child's first pro game could be the franchise's first game, to be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Bi-Lo Center.
"We were all kids once," Wells said. "We all wanted to go to a game. You never forget that experience. We want to bring that here.
"We plan on being here a long time. We are positive. We are really trying to cater this game to families."
Wells said the team's goal is to simply live up to its name, to become a force in the Greenville community and in the American Indoor Football Association.
The Force have attempted to accomplish both aims with one roster, by signing talented players who are already a part of the Greenville community.
The Force's roster is staffed by players from Clemson University, Furman University and the University of South Carolina, as well as products of local high schools.
With a contingent of local talent and a combined 30 years of indoor experience, this new squad expects to make a forceful debut tonight, hosting the Fayetteville Guard.
"I played in this league over the past two years," said Force receiver Isaac West, who holds the Furman school record for career receptions and receiving yards. "I played on a championship team and on a .500 team. I think we have more talent here, than on both of those teams. I think we are ready."
"We've been practicing for the last nine weeks together," said former Furman defensive end Roy Ravenell. "We've just put in the work. It's not for nothing. I think we have a great squad here. A lot of people have experience. We have the talent. We just have to perform on the field."
:smileyforce:
Greenville's new indoor football team debuts today
Tony Wells is part of the reason the Pittsburgh Pirates stopped having "bat day" for a while.
Wells was attending his first professional sporting event, and he made the Pirates regret arming a minor with a lethal weapon.
"I was clubbing so many people with those bats," Wells said with a laugh. "I think that's why they stopped having 'bat day' at the Pirates stadium. I had so much fun. Your first game, that's one of the memories that you'll never forget as a kid."
Now, as the General Manager of the South Carolina Force, Greenville's new professional indoor football team, Wells hopes to provide Greenville youth that same experience.
Fortunately, the Force will not be giving away any bats. The team has given away hundreds of tickets to local schools and youth organizations, hoping some child's first pro game could be the franchise's first game, to be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Bi-Lo Center.
"We were all kids once," Wells said. "We all wanted to go to a game. You never forget that experience. We want to bring that here.
"We plan on being here a long time. We are positive. We are really trying to cater this game to families."
Wells said the team's goal is to simply live up to its name, to become a force in the Greenville community and in the American Indoor Football Association.
The Force have attempted to accomplish both aims with one roster, by signing talented players who are already a part of the Greenville community.
The Force's roster is staffed by players from Clemson University, Furman University and the University of South Carolina, as well as products of local high schools.
With a contingent of local talent and a combined 30 years of indoor experience, this new squad expects to make a forceful debut tonight, hosting the Fayetteville Guard.
"I played in this league over the past two years," said Force receiver Isaac West, who holds the Furman school record for career receptions and receiving yards. "I played on a championship team and on a .500 team. I think we have more talent here, than on both of those teams. I think we are ready."
"We've been practicing for the last nine weeks together," said former Furman defensive end Roy Ravenell. "We've just put in the work. It's not for nothing. I think we have a great squad here. A lot of people have experience. We have the talent. We just have to perform on the field."
:smileyforce: