Post by Canton Cougar Fan on Sept 19, 2007 18:30:52 GMT -5
www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20070919-9999-1s19shock.html
Shockwave still could play in '09
By Glae Thien
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
September 19, 2007
First, last year's playoffs were canceled for the Shockwave, and now next season has been, too.
So San Diego will be without an indoor pro football team for the second time in three years, since the Shockwave's abeyance after one season follows the collapse of the Riptide of arenafootball2 in 2005 at the end of a four-year run.
The Shockwave sought to find a home in a new league after last season's ill-fated venture with the National Indoor Football League, which started last year with 25 teams but was down to 10 viable ones by midseason. However, it was decided that no other league had enough nearby teams next season to keep travel costs down.
“We'd love to play next year,” said Shockwave General Manager Jeff Sprowls. “It has nothing to do with our finances, but there's nobody (close) to play.”
Sprowls vowed the club would play in 2009, provided there's western expansion in the United Indoor Football League, which last season had 11 teams in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain areas.
As it did from the start, the Shockwave again elected not to join af2, an offshoot of the Arena Football League, even though officials from the league courted San Diego for membership next season.
“It's a great league, but it's very hard to make money there,” said Sprowls, who pegged the Riptide's overall losses at $2.2 million.
The Shockwave typically had estimated crowds of 2,500 for its home games at Cox Arena, less than the average of 3,435 per game for the final season of the Riptide at the Sports Arena. In its first season, the Riptide reported an average attendance of 6,899.
Just two af2 teams will be playing in California next season, according to Sprowls, who said that Bakersfield is folding. Only the Shockwave remains viable from a five-team, in-state division in the NIFL last season.
Sprowls and his father, Robert, who jointly own the Shockwave, have been seeking to purchase an existing UIF team and operate it next season in its current city as a way to become active in league matters.
The NIFL playoffs were called off this year despite efforts to save them after the Shockwave went 10-1 in the regular season with three road games canceled.
“To play football again was a blast and a pleasure,” said Shockwave quarterback Matt Pound, who is currently on the football staff at Mission Hills High. “To go 10-1 was exciting. Also, I made some great friends.”
Shockwave coach Bob Bees left with the club's permission while the NIFL playoff picture was unclear to return as an assistant coach with Billings, Mont., for the UIF postseason. When the Shockwave players were called back for practice in the event of a playoff game, assistant coach Eric Van Tassel directed the team in Bees' absence.
Bees didn't return calls seeking comment on the Shockwave and his future, but Sprowls said Bees may coach the other team that the Shockwave ownership is seeking to acquire.
Shockwave still could play in '09
By Glae Thien
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
September 19, 2007
First, last year's playoffs were canceled for the Shockwave, and now next season has been, too.
So San Diego will be without an indoor pro football team for the second time in three years, since the Shockwave's abeyance after one season follows the collapse of the Riptide of arenafootball2 in 2005 at the end of a four-year run.
The Shockwave sought to find a home in a new league after last season's ill-fated venture with the National Indoor Football League, which started last year with 25 teams but was down to 10 viable ones by midseason. However, it was decided that no other league had enough nearby teams next season to keep travel costs down.
“We'd love to play next year,” said Shockwave General Manager Jeff Sprowls. “It has nothing to do with our finances, but there's nobody (close) to play.”
Sprowls vowed the club would play in 2009, provided there's western expansion in the United Indoor Football League, which last season had 11 teams in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain areas.
As it did from the start, the Shockwave again elected not to join af2, an offshoot of the Arena Football League, even though officials from the league courted San Diego for membership next season.
“It's a great league, but it's very hard to make money there,” said Sprowls, who pegged the Riptide's overall losses at $2.2 million.
The Shockwave typically had estimated crowds of 2,500 for its home games at Cox Arena, less than the average of 3,435 per game for the final season of the Riptide at the Sports Arena. In its first season, the Riptide reported an average attendance of 6,899.
Just two af2 teams will be playing in California next season, according to Sprowls, who said that Bakersfield is folding. Only the Shockwave remains viable from a five-team, in-state division in the NIFL last season.
Sprowls and his father, Robert, who jointly own the Shockwave, have been seeking to purchase an existing UIF team and operate it next season in its current city as a way to become active in league matters.
The NIFL playoffs were called off this year despite efforts to save them after the Shockwave went 10-1 in the regular season with three road games canceled.
“To play football again was a blast and a pleasure,” said Shockwave quarterback Matt Pound, who is currently on the football staff at Mission Hills High. “To go 10-1 was exciting. Also, I made some great friends.”
Shockwave coach Bob Bees left with the club's permission while the NIFL playoff picture was unclear to return as an assistant coach with Billings, Mont., for the UIF postseason. When the Shockwave players were called back for practice in the event of a playoff game, assistant coach Eric Van Tassel directed the team in Bees' absence.
Bees didn't return calls seeking comment on the Shockwave and his future, but Sprowls said Bees may coach the other team that the Shockwave ownership is seeking to acquire.