Cedar Rapids, IA-- (September 26, 2009)
The OIFL Decided to take control of the turmoil in California after the heartbreaking announcement of the health issues for Bulls owner Jermome Johnson, and thus several players on the Bulls roster were put on the trading block and owners in the OIFL were given an equal opportunity to make offers for the players they were interested in. In a deal that was finalized Yesterday by OIFL Commissioner Josh Stein the Cedar Valley Phantoms acquired three veterans from the Bulls. In a six player trade the Phantoms sent WRLB Gary Krass, WRDB Ronald Cabell, OLDL Devin McElroy and their 2010 E3 to California in exchange for WRDB Michael Djordjevic, WRDB Kenney Hopkins, and OLDL Sam Walters, all veterans, and all players who will have an impact for the Phantoms in the 2009 season.
The new Phantoms will have an opportunity to make that impact right away as all three will see limited action this week as Cedar Valley travels to Evansville Sunday for each team's third straight Midwest Division Contest. With a win the Phantoms will improve their record on the season to 1-2 on the season, a loss will drop the Phantoms to 0-3 and a seemingly insermountable hole in the Division to start the season. Cedar Valley Head Coach Adam Shackleford knows how important this weeks game is to his team "We have a solid but young ball club, we almost pulled out a win in Week 1 but fell short. If we hope to be successful the rest of the season and accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the year we are going to have to start winning games, especially divisional games on the road," stated Shackleford, he finished;"I think we have the ability to go into Evansville this week and cause some problems for them on both sides of the ball. If we can keep our turnovers to a minimum, play solid defense, and force them to committ some mistakes then we can win the ball game this week."
Some critics are saying the Phantoms may have hurt their long term future by trading away three young guys, in the start of their careers, for three veterans who are nearing the end of their careers, but that remains to be seen. If Djordjevic, Hopkins and Walters can live up to the expectations of the Phantom Staff, and help the Phantoms to a playoff run this year or in 2010, then the deal will be looked at as a key component to that, however if the team continues to struggle to find victories many will continue to criticize Patten for making these moves. For more information on the Cedar Valley Phantoms check out their website at http://cedarvalleyphantoms.webs.com/.
As is customary after every game Cedar Valley Phantoms Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Adam Shackleford spoke to the media after Sunday Night's heartbreaking 45-42 loss to the St. Louis Rush Sunday Night at the General Mills Center.
"Tonight we got outplayed, that's what It comes down to. We worked hard all week in practice, and I really thought we were going to win this game, but it just didn't happen. I thought offensively we played well, Sean (Spoelstra) managed the game well and RoYo (Roland Young) had a great game rushing the football, but in the end it wasn't enough. Obviously we have some more work to do and we'll get back after this this week in practice." Said Schackleford to open the press conference. "With that said I'll open it up to questions."
Reporter 1: You guys came into the game as underdogs and were able to keep it close. What positives can you take away from this game and build on next week?
Shackleford: Well first off, we'll be underdogs in nearly every game we play this year, that's just the way it is when you're an expansion team. As far as positives we can take away, of course there are positives, as I said before Roland (Young) had a great game so that's a positive, but I'm more worried about my team improving and the defense being able to shut down our opposition in the future. Next week isn't going to be any easier than it was this week, Kansas City is another great team and we are going to have to play well in order to beat them.
Reporter 2: Coach after the game veteran lineman Wilky Bazile made a pretty bold statement when he garunteed 10 wins for your ball club this year. Have you had the chance to Talk to Wilky about this and what are your thoughts on his comments.
Shackleford: I have not had the chance to talk to Wilky about this yet but you know I'm not worried about it. Wilky is a competator and a leader on this team and he wants to win as much as the rest of us. Ten wins is a lofty goal, we have the tallent to do that, it's going to be tough, but with the guys on this roster I'm confident that we can get there.
Reporter 3: Coach we have heard rumors that you guys have had internal discussions about trading Offensive Specialist Kyle Farmington, can you shed any light on those rumors.
Shackelford: (Confused look on his face) We received a few phone calls about Kyle earlier this off season but we ulitmately decided that Kyle was too valuable of a commodity to get rid of him. Kyle isn't going anywhere, he's one of our best players both on and off the field and I expect him to be in a Phantoms Uniform for a very long time. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get going, I have family waiting for me.
The Phantoms have begun preparations for this week's game against the Kansas City Tigers, another Midwest Division team that made the playoffs last season. Cedar Valley attempts to avoid an 0-2 start Sunday at Applebee's Arena in K.C. with kickoff set for Noon cst.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - (August 4, 2009)
The Cedar Valley Phantoms have announced that they will have an extended spring training that will end with an Intrasquad Scrimmage game next Saturday August 15th at the General Mills Center in Cedar Rapids. The first ever "Green/White Game," as the Phantoms are referring to it is set for a 7:05 kick off with a pre-game party to start at 4pm. Fans are asked to bring a canned good or non perishable food Item as their cost of admission to the game. The donations will go directly to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
"We still have some work to do as far as implementing our system," said Phantoms Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Adam Shackleford "We feel as though the extra Training Camp will get our guys ready for the Manifest Destiny Cup as well as the long season ahead of us," Shackleford finished.
The Party will feature an Autograph and Picture session with members of the Cedar Valley Roster and Coaching staff, as well as activities for the entire family. The Event will be held in the General Mills Center Parking lot and will feature inflateable play areas for the kids along with the General Mills Cereal Mascots, a tailgate where fans can purchase a hot dog, brat or turkey fillet, chips and a pop for $5.00, as well as on site entertainment as several local bands will be on hand to perform during the Pre game Festivities. There will also be a short welcome speech by Phantoms Owner and General Manager Matt Patten.
"We want the scrimmage atmosphere to be much like that of a real game. That's why we're having the Pre game party, we are doing the same thing during the regular season and since we don't get to host any Pre Season games we figured now was as good a time as any to give them a sneak peek at what to expect," said Patten.
The Party and scrimmage will also give the fans thier first look at the newest additions to the Phantoms roster, as well as giving those players a chance to interact with their new fanbase. "I'm looking forward to the 15th so that I can get out there and meet the fans. Without them we wouldn't be here so that's a big deal to me. I've ran into some fans at the Gym and around town since I moved here and they have been nothing but supportive adng given me tons of encouragement for the season," said New Phantoms Defensive Specialist Hershcel Blessig.
In a training camp related note the Phantoms also announced the releases of OLDL Elliot Moore, RBDB Mark Stanislaus and DS Dillon Sheets. "Elliot, Mark and Dillon are all great atheletes but they did not have a place on this ball club so we had to let them go. I wish them the best in their future endeavors," said Patten in a telephone statement.
The Cedar Valley Phantoms have a solid team that looks to make some noise in a Midwest Division that boasts three playoff teams from last season as well as an OIT qualifier. The Phantoms have the tallent to make a run this year, but it remains to be seen if all the new faces can gel in time for the season to start. For more information on this story and everything Cedar Valley Phantoms visit their home on the world wide web at http://cedarvalleyphantoms.webs.com.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa-- (February 5, 2009)
The Cedar Valley Phantoms are happy to announce the signing of three free players in the first round of OIFL Free Agency. Running back/Linebacker Rod Moesly joins the Phantoms as another veteran that will bring toughness and experience to a roster that was lacking a viable running threat on offense. With the addition of Moesly to the already improved offense that includes Phantoms 2008 team MVP WRDB Marcus Klecker, WRDB Rod Gardner, Offensive Specialist Kyle Farmington and Quarterback Tom Clements, the Phantoms now have an offense that can compete.
"We were ecstatic when we found out on Sunday that we had added Rod to our roster. He is a strong running back who brings a lot of experience, toughness, and ability to our roster. He's going to help this offense be successful this year. This signing filled one of our biggest offensive needs and now we have a viable running game for the forseeable future," said Phantoms Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Adam Shackleford.
Cedar Valley also added another key dimension to their defense with the signing of Defensive Specialist Adam Sandler. Sandler is also a seven year veteran of the OIFL as well as being a very tallented player on the defensive side of the ball. "Adam is a player that can rush the passer or drop back in coverage, he can pretty much do it all. He's Fast, Hits hard, and plays the game the right way. Adam is a great leader and will be a great role model for our young guys." Those comments from Phantoms Defensive coordinator Max Shockey.
The Final addition from Round 1 was Kicker Colin Blair a second year player with a lot of potential. Cedar Valley Special Teams Coordinator Frank Monaco had these comments about blair; "We expect Colin to come in and make an impact in our kicking game. He has the skills to be a successful kicker in the OIFL and with a little work has a chance to be one of the best kickers in the OIFL. I look forward to working with Colin once camp starts."
The Signing of Moesly, Sandler and Blair filled three needs that the Phantoms had going into the off season as they prepare for their first season of play in the OIFL in 2009, after being called up earlier this winter. With the changes made to the Cedar Valley roster already this off season and two more rounds of FAFFA as well as the draft many in the league are calling the Phantoms a Sleeper team with the ability to make a possible run at the playoffs. The Phantoms play in arguably the toughest division in the entire OIFL, so making the playoffs will be no easy feat.
Cedar Valley has a schedule that includes five teams that Played in the 2008 OIFL Cup Playoffs three of which; Evansville, Kansas City, and St. Louis the Phantoms will play twice as they are Midwest Division Rivals. The Phantoms also play San Antonio, another Playoff qualifier from 2008 and the 2007 OIFL Cup Champions. Rocky Mountain rounds out the 2008 Playoff qualifiers on the 2009 schedule for Cedar Valley. The Phantoms also face the 2008 OIF2 Champions Buffalo in the 2009 season. In state Rival Fort Dodge, Wisconsin, College Station (all three 2008 OIT Participants) D.C, and Baltimore round out a difficult 2009 OIFL schedule for the Cedar Valley Phantoms.
"We have a goal in mind this year when it comes to wins, with the team we have now we should have no problem meeting or surprassing that goal. With the addition of the right guys in the remainder of FAFFA we could have a playoff contending team, but we know it's not going to be easy considering the Division we play in and the schedule we have been given this year," said Owner/General Manager Matt Patten.
Cedar Rapids, IA-- (Jan. 20, 2009)
The Day after the Grand Opening of the General Mills Center the Cedar Valley Phantoms have announced another big move to help their roster. In a deal that has many people talking the Cedar Valley Phantoms sent their 2010 E2 to the Texas Terrors for OLDL Wilky Bazile a seven year veteran to anchor their offensive and defensive line. Bazile joins the Phantoms after stops in Cleveland, New Hampshire and Texas and is ranked seventh all time on the OIFL Sack List with 96 career sacks. Bazile will wear #72 for the Cedar Valley Phantoms.
"We are excstatic to acquire a player of Wilky's caliber to help us moving forward. Wilky is a veteran presense who will help lead the young guys on this team and will give us a new dimension on the line of scrimmage, not to mention a sure fire Hall of Famer on our roster." Said Owner/General Manager Matt Patten in a telephone interview.
"I am looking forward to going to Cedar Rapids and helping to build that franchise and becoming a leader on and off the field. I can't wait to meet my new coaches and teammates," stated Wilky Bazile about being traded to Cedar Valley.
Texas Terrors Owner and General Manager Bust Ratliff had these comments regarding Bazile; "Wilky Bazile's contributions to Texas are numerous. His leadership and hard work will be an instant impact to Cedar Valley. We wish him and the Phantoms all the best."
This move adds another veteran to a Phantoms Roster that is filled with young players. It is also another deal that shows Owner and General Manager Matt Patten's desire to field a competative team in the OIFL. For more news on the newest Addition to the Cedar Valley Phantoms Check out their website.
Cedar Rapids, IA-- (Jan. 20, 2009)
The Cedar Valley Phantoms had a historic day in their short history yesterday as they had the official ribbon cutting and Grand Opening of their new State of the Art Arena, the General Mills Center. In a day that saw many great things happen fans and citizens from the Cedar Valley were invited to join the festivities and take a tour of the new facilities. Several members of the Cedar Valley Front office and Coaching staff, as well as members of the Roster were on hand for the event.
"This place is awesome, It's going to be fun playing in an arena this nice. I knew Matt (Patten) was committed to making this organization one of the best in the business, but I had no Idea this is what he had in mind. I can't wait to get on the field and have all the fans cheering." Said Phantoms two way player Marcus Klecker after the players and personell only tour prior to the ribbon cutting.
The Ribbon Cutting made the General Mills Center an official member of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce but more importantly gave the Cedar Valley fans something to look forward to. The Fans were led on a tour through the facility by Phantoms Players, Coaches and Owner/General Manager Matt Patten. During the tours fans were also given the opportunity to see the Phantoms new locker room which features a 64 inch screen and movie theatre style seating where the players and coaches can watch film as a team, among other features. The General Mills Center was also set up for a game with turf down as wells the Goal posts and nets up as well. The new "Lucky Charms Land" children's play area was also open for kids to play in during the tours. "This place is going to be great to watch games in." Said Tim Johnson, a Phantoms Season Ticket Holder "I am very excited for the 2009 season to kick off. It is great that they put a place for kids to play if they get bored, and the nicest thing about that is I can still watch the game while my kids are playing. Seeing this new arena makes me think it's going to be a special year for the Phantoms in 2009," he finished.
Matt Patten had these comments about the Grand Opening; "I have heard many thank you's and much praise and excitement from not only the staff and players but from the fans as well today. We wanted to give this organization and these fans something they could be proud of and I think we did just that. The General Mills Center is a state of the art facility that will be the standard for new stadiums for years to come. It is going to be electric in here when the games start and I look forward to being a part of all of it."
With the Ribbon Cutting and the tours Cedar Valley Owner Matt Patten also announced some big events coming to the Arena in the coming months building up to the start of the 2009 OIFL Season in May. One Major event coming in February is UFC Fight Night Live, the Nationally Televized UFC show on Spike TV. In a related event the WWE has confirmed that it will be having both Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown at the General Mills Center in March. Metallica, Toby Keith, AC/DC and Nickelback are noteable musicians who have scheduled concerts in the General Mills Center as well. In a related note the Phantoms Store, which also opened yesterday, had a very successful day selling out of several itmes, including the most popular item the #11 Marcus Klecker Replica Jerseys.
The call up to the OIFL, off season trades to improve the roster, and the Grand opening of the General Mills Center has brought plenty of buzz to the Cedar Valley for the Phantoms 2009 Season. It remains to be seen what the team will look like when it hits the field for their first game but one thing is for sure, things are looking up for the Cedar Valley Phantoms.
Cedar Rapids, IA (Jan. 2, 2009) –
The Cedar Falls Phantoms held their first ever Phan Forum last night at 8pm in the U.S. Cellular Center Convention Hall, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In a night that was an opportunity for fans to express their thoughts and opinions on last season and ideas for the 2009 season, the highlight of the night was when Owner and General Manager Matt Patten and Head Coach Adam Shackleford introduced the fans in attendance to the newest members of the Phantoms Roster.
Also on hand for the event were the rest of the Phantoms Coaching Staff Max Shockey, Bruce Nelson, Bryce Paup, Matthew Duncan, and Frank Monaco as well as several returning players including Wide Receiver/Defensive Back Marcus Klecker, Offensive Specialits Jeff Lee, Defensive Specialist Byron Tirico and Quarterback Clarence Jackson. Offensive Coordinator Hank Marshall was unable to attend due to a prior engagement.
In what proved to be a very successful night for the organization several hundred fans showed up to make their voices heard as it relates to their team. One of the key points of emphasis from last year was a lack of consistency on the field. One fan was quoted as saying “There were times last year when the offense was anemic and there were other times when it was running on all cylinders. What can we expect to see from the offense this year?”
Head Coach Adam Shackleford fielded this question: “First off thanks for the question and thanks for coming out tonight. We are in the process, as you can see by the new guys in attendance here tonight, of revamping the Phantoms for the 2009 season. We also have our eyes on a couple of other pieces via free agency to help this offense run smoothly on a consistent basis this year. Don’t get me wrong we also plan to improve the defense as well as we know that there were some issues with that as well at times during last season.”
Other topics discussed were more advertising in the Cedar Valley for the Phantoms, and an improved dance/cheer squad for the 2009 season. There were also discussions about how the poor economy in the US will affect the Phantoms. Cedar Valley GM Matt Patten ensured the fans that the Economic state of the U.S. will not have any bearing on the 2009 Phantoms. One thing that will change are ticket prices however. “We are going to be raising ticket prices, however, those price increases will not be dramatic. It costs us money as an organization to move up to the OIFL and of course to build the General Mills Center, but I can assure you we will still have some of, if not the, most affordable ticket prices in the league,” Said Patten.
When the night was over the the returning Phantoms players in attendance as well as the newest additions to the roster; Quarterback #12 Tom Clements, Offensive/Defensive Lineman # 73 Reese Williams, and Wide receiver/Defensive Back #26 Arnold Granger who all came over from the Evansville Fighting Squirrels. Offensive/Defensive Lineman # 98 Logan Rohtin, Wide receiver/Defensive back #27 Rod Gardner, and Offensive Specialist #2 Kyle Farmington, who the Phantoms acquired from Los Angeles, as well as Quarterback #19 Juan King, brought in from Corpus Christi, and the coaching staff were all available for fans to meet, take pictures with and get autographs from.
The Phantoms are in preparations for the 2009 OIFL Winter Meetings, which are to be held in the coming weeks, as well as the FAFFA Period and the 2009 OIFL Draft. Cedar Valley is looking forward to the challenge that the 2009 Midwest Division, which is home to three playoff teams from the 2008 season, will put in front of them. For more information on the Cedar Valley Phantoms, check out their home on the world wide web at http://cedarvalleyphantoms.webs.com.
Phantoms Improve Roster with big Moves
The Cedar Valley Phantoms have been extremely quiet during the 2008 offseason. After a disappointing loss to Western Division foe
In an attempt to bring in some veteran leadership and to improve the Phantoms roster Matt Patten has announced several trades he has completed in an attempt to field a team that the “Phans,” as the Phantoms fans are called, can be proud to support.
The first big move the Phantoms helped to improve their offensive and defensive line as well as well as their receiving corp and defensive back field as they acquired OLDL Logan Rohtin and WRDB Rod Gardner from the Los Angeles Predators in exchange for their 2009 E2 and E3 Compensatory picks. Rohtin is going into his third season in the OIFL and is slated to be a starter on both sides of the ball for
Rod
In what is the biggest move made by the Phantoms this off season, Cedar Valley was able to acquire veteran Quarterback Tom Clements, WRDB Arnold Granger and OLDL Reese Williams from Evansville as well as Offensive Specialist Kyle Farmington from the LA Predators. The Squirrels sent OS Adolfo Geddinger to
In three season as a starter for the Squirrels Clements had a 40 and 8 regular season OIFL record and a 4-3 post season OIFL record. Tom led the Squirrels to a 15-1 regular season in 2005 and an appearance in the OIF2 Cup game. Most recently Clements led the Squirrels to the second round of the 2008 OIFL Cup playoffs before the team suffered a season ending loss to
“Going into the off season we were unsure as a team what direction we wanted to go this off season. Once we got the word that we were being called up we knew we were going to have to do something to improve this roster drastically. These trades have done just that. We have added several pieces already and intend to add several more in the free agent free for all period to make this team competitive for our fans. There are some people who are going to criticize these moves, and I understand that, but we did what we felt was best for our franchise going forward and no one can blame me for doing that.” Those comments from Phantoms Owner/General Manager Matt Patten.
The Phantoms were also in talks late last night with an undisclosed Western Division team and agreed to a preliminary deal for another veteran player. That trade has not been finalized and details cannot be released at this time.
The additions made to the
Phantoms to join OIFL in 2009
Cedar Rapids, IA (Nov. 23, 2008)--
There is excitement in the Cedar Valley as earlier this evening it was made official by OIFL Commissioner Josh Stien that the Cedar Valley Phantoms will be called up to the big leagues for the 2009 season. The Phantoms become the fifth team from the OIF2 to be called up for next season joining 2008 OIF2 Champions the Buffalo Wings, as well as the Eugene Knights, District of Columbia Conspiracy and the San Jose Thunder as the newest members of the OIFL.
"I recieved a call from OIFL Commissioner Mr. Stien earlier this evening and he informed me that we would be moving up to the OIFL for the 2009 season adn to say that I was ecstatic was an understatment. I was so happy I about fell out of my chair and my assistant came in to make sure I was ok I asked her to pinch me so that I knew I wasn't dreamin. When I took over ownership of this franchise our goal was obviously to turn this franchise into an OIFL franchise, and after the way this season ended I didn't expect it to happen. As a matter of fact I just sat down with Adam (Shackleford) and the rest of the coaching staff last week and we discussed what we had to do in order to take this team to the Championship in the OIF2 next season. When I got the call from Josh I knew something major was going on, but I didn't know exactly what. I am elated at the chance for this team to move up and compete in the OIFL next season and I look forward to getting started in our preparations for the 2009 season." That statement from Cedar Valley Owner and General Manager Matt Patten shortly after hearing the news that his team would be joining the OIFL.
Newly hired Phantoms Head Coach and current Corpus Christi Riptide Offensive Coordinator Adam Schackleford had these comments; "I had a message on my phone from Matt (patten) when I returned to the locker room after our tough loss tonight, I listened to it and he was was very hasty and just said call me as soon as you can so I did. When He told me the news that we were being called up next season I was schocked but at the same time very pleased. We have some work to do to improve the team for next season, but I know that we have a great foundation and the right guys in place to do just that."
The details on how the Phantoms were given the invite are unclear at this time, however
Phantoms Have Arena Agreement
The
A spokesman from General Mills gave us this statement; "We have a large stronghold in the
In an attempt to use the Cereal brands produced by General Mills the Phantoms have have also announced that they will have a Children's play area
The Arena will also feature two suites, the Patten and Newgard suites named for the last name of Cedar Valley Owner and General Manager Matt Patten and his Fiance and Director of Game Day Operations, Bonnie Newgard. Going along with the family theme the Playing Surface used by the Phantoms will be Donald N. Eades field, named after the late grandfather of Mr. Patten. The
The
To Find out more information about the new and improved
Cedar Rapids, IA-- (Oct. 21, 2008)
(The Press conference starts with Phantoms Owner and General Manager Matt Patten at the podium ready to speak.)
Patten: First off I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight. This is a big night in the history of the
(The Phantom fans in attendance go crazy as the camera pans to the right as Shackleford makes his way into the room and up onto the stage. Patten has a huge smile on his face and he reaches out and shakes Shackleford's hand and hands him a Phantoms Hat. Patten Sits down at a table next to the Shackleford puts on the hat and adjusts the mic as he begins to speak. The Fans get quiet in anticipation of his speech.)
Adam Shackleford: First off I would like to thank all of the Phantoms Fans here in attendance as well as all of the members of the media. I would also like to thank Matt(Patten) for the opportunity to coach this football team, and I really feel that I can help this team and organization win a championship. When Robert Cole (owner of the
(Shackleford pans the crowd of reporters and picks out a reporter.)
Shackleford: You, in the back, Purple shirt.
Reporter: What do you feel makes you the right fight as head coach of the Phantoms?
Shackleford: Well in my two year's as
(the Fans in attendance go crazy again as Shackleford pauses as Shackleford pans the crowd of reporters and picks another from the middle.)
Reporter: First off have you met with any of the coaches on staff and do you expect them to remain with the team, and second how do you see your agressive style of play calling fitting in with the Personell on this Phantoms team?
(Shackleford thinks for a minute then leans in and begins.)
Shackleford: First off, I have not had the opportunity to meet with any of the coaches that are currently on staff. From what I know they are great guys and I would love it if all of them would stay on staff and help to lead this team to the next level. AS far as my play calling style, I have spoken with Matt (patten) extensively about the off season and we agree that if we can find the Free Agents to bring in to mix with the core group of guys we already have then this team will definitely be a Championship contender next season. I have time for one more question.
(Schakleford pauses and then picks another reporter.)
Reporter: Will you be joining the Phantoms right away or will you be remaining with the Riptide for the rest of the OIFL season?
Shackleford: I will remain as Offensive Coordinator for the Riptide for the remainder of the 2008 OIFL season, how ever long that is. I will also be doing some things for the Phantoms as far as scouting players for the draft and free agency. I will be in constant contact with Matt and the other coaches on the staff and once my commitments with the Riptide are done then I'll be moving to
(Matt Patten rises from his seat and walks up to Adam Shackleford and shakes his hand as the two men pose for photos. The camera then fades to commercial.)
(The Scene opens at the Cedar Valley Phantoms Press Conference. President of Football Operations Ryan Chambers is at the Podium and is about to speak. Owner/General Manager Matt Patten and Director of Game Day Operations Bonnie Newgard are seated at the table to the right of the podium on the stage. Head Coach Mike Kirby is seated at to the table at the right of the podium, with his wife Elizabeth, and there is an empty seat for Mr. Chambers. Chambers begins to speak.)
Chambers: I would like to welcome all of you here for this historic day in
Chambers: As you can see by being here we are holding this press conference from the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids,
(Patten rises from his chair, and walks up to the podium. He shakes Ryan’s hand and Ryan makes his way to his chair. Patten adjusts the microphone and begins to speak.)
Matt Patten: I too would like to welcome you all to this press conference. It is with great excitement and sadness that I speak with you today. This season had many ups and downs, and in the end our team achieved one of their goals by qualifying for the OIF2 Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately we could not defeat our most fierce rival,
(Mike Kirby rises from his chair and walks up to the podium. He shakes hands with Patten as he turns to walk to his chair. Kirby reaches in his inside coat pocket and pulls out the speech he has prepared. He adjusts the mic and begins.)
Mike Kirby: I asked Matt (Patten) to call this press conference today in order for me to make the toughest announcement of my life, and that is I am stepping down as Head Coach of the
(Mike Kirby turns and looks at Matt Patten who walks up to him and gives him a hug. The two men Shake hands, and Patten can be seen saying "Thank You" as Coach Kirby walks off of the stage and out of the screen. Patten adjusts the mic and gets ready to close out the press conference.)
Patten: Obviously we have known of Mike’s decision since earlier in the week. We have interviewed several candidates in the past few days and we are finalizing the deal with the new head coach of the
(Matt, Ryan and Bonnie all make their way off of the stage as the reporters in attendance start to shout out questions. The Screen then fades to commercial.)