Concord - Carolina Speed, the new AIFA indoor football team based at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center opens against the Tallahassee Titans on Monday, February 12th with a kick-off at 7:05 PM.
“The AIFA (American Indoor Football Association) can be compared to AAA minor league clubs in baseball as their players often progress to receiving major league contracts. In the past, teams in this league have moved 39 players up to the NFL, CFL and AFL and look to move more players this season”, says Coach Mink. “This game is similar to AFL, but we have two men in motion versus only one in motion with the AFL. Also there are no nets so the return game is fun and exciting.”
The team includes a nice blend of Division 1 players, players from both Carolinas and local talent from the Cabarrus County area. Among them are Fred Staton, formerly with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jeff Aaron from University of Alabama Birmingham is Quarterback, bookend defensive ends from South Carolina are De’Adrian Coley and Charles Silas. Local standout “Big Jake” Jake Helms stands 6’7” and weighs in at 340 lbs. is offensive tackle and All-Americans Corey Ready and Jamal Jackson are the wide receiver and defensive back respectively.
Team owners include John Morris a businessman from Baltimore, Maryland and Mike Mink a businessman from Tampa, Florida. Mink will also serve as the Head Coach and Morris as the Quarterback Coach. Other Coaches include Bernie Kuebler, Reggie Smith, Larry Kennedy and Charlie Newman. Team Physician is Dr. Kevin Burroughs and the team trainer is Scott Barringer.
The Charlotte based band “Charity Case”, which features Ace from 95.1 FM “Ace & TJ Show” will perform the National Anthem and again during a 35 minute halftime show. According to their website, all proceeds from “Charity Case” appearances help support Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids Foundation. A foundation designed to enhance the lives of children who are terminally ill and chronically handicapped and are located within their listening area.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 24th and will be available at all Ticketmaster Outlets, at Ticketmaster.com and at the Cabarrus Arena Box office. For more information about Carolina Speed, visit CarolinaSpeedProFootball.com or CabarrusArena.com.