12/18/02 Warriors Press Release

West Valley (December 19, 2002) – Warriors are storming into Utah. However, these warriors do not throw spears, they throw spirals.

The Utah Warriors, the state’s newest professional indoor football team, will be holding the official news conference today, 3 pm at the E Center. If you plan on attending please contact the Warrior office at 801-973-7311. The Warriors will begin their inaugural season this March at the E Center. With a shorter field, more ways to score, and perhaps best of all, no punting, the Warriors will certainly light up the scoreboard.

Coaching the team will be longtime-Utah resident Lee Leslie, a former University of Utah assistant, Hillcrest High School head coach and current Tooele High School assistant coach. Having also played and coached in the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), Leslie is thrilled to return to indoor football and is confident fans will thoroughly enjoy the high-flying, fast-paced brand of football.

“Rarely is indoor football a defensive struggle,” said Leslie, “With only a 50-yard field, its run and gun, in-your-face action that fans of all ages will enjoy.”

As part of the NIFL, the Warriors will be playing in the Pacific West division against teams from Sioux Falls SD, Billings Mt, Casper Wy, Sioux City Ia, Rapid City Ia, Bismarck ND, Houma La, Beaumont Tx, and Austin Tx.   The team will play eight home games, including one preseason game, and seven away games.

“The people of Utah are in for a real treat,” said Carolyn Shiver, president of the NIFL. “We know Utah sports fans are passionate and knowledgeable about their football and are convinced the warriors will not disappoint.”

The NIFL does not have a draft, but the team will consist of both nationally-known players and top local talent. Some players may be those cut from the National Football League, with others being former college standouts. Open tryouts will be December 31, 2002 at 5 pm. The tryouts will be held at the E Center located in West Valley City UT.

The Utah Warriors are owned by Global Sports Marketing, a Utah-based sports company. The company selected the Salt Lake City area for the Warriors because of its large fan base and Olympic-quality venue.

Season and Group tickets can be purchased by calling the Warrior Office. Ticket prices range from $10-$15, and both are now on sale at discounted rates.  For more information about the Utah Warriors or to set up an interview with Coach Leslie contact Mike Berg, vice president of marketing communications at 801-973-7311.