Indoor Football League Press Release (Jul. 15, 2009)
Richmond, VA: The Wichita Wild were announced today as the Indoor Football Leagues 2009 Franchise of the Year. Though all teams operate at a high level of professionalism, the Wild have stood out amongst the crowd, going above and beyond in areas such as game day operations, media relations, and on-field performance. On the field, Wichita clinched their first playoff berth in franchise history by finishing 8-6 in the tough Central Division. They are set for a first round game against Bloomington this Saturday. Wild players have continually won IFL Player of the Week honors while maintaining a constant presence in the community with multiple events benefitting a variety of charities. They have taken Indoor Football and raised the bar for other teams in terms of overall performance. And for that reason they were voted amongst their peers for this award.

Fairbanks Grizzlies Owner Ricky Bertz was also named the 2009 IFL Executive of the Year today. Bertz easily has overcome the most adversity this season while still putting a good product on the field each week. Working alongside his wife Teresa and the rest of the Grizzly front office, Bertz has been able to solve all the logistics and travel issues that come along with having a team placed in the frozen tundra of Alaska. Even with the small population in Fairbanks, Bertz has been able to continually fill the seats of the Carlson Center. He has also understood that success isnt just made on the field. The Grizzlies are one of the leagues most active teams within their community having participated in events such as Relay for Life and hosting charity golf tournaments, at his urging. Bertz is well respected in the state of Alaska, and admired just the same as a member of the Indoor Football League family.

The IFL continued to announce team awards today. The following teams were honored for their performance this season:

Best Treatment by Host Team: Colorado Ice

Best Mascot: Omaha Beef

Best Game Operations: Sioux City Bandits

Best Dance Team: Omaha Beef

Best Media Relations: Odessa Roughnecks

Most Improved Franchise: Colorado Ice

Best Team Website: Omaha Beef

Best Commentators: Sioux City Bandits

Best New Franchise: El Paso Generals



Reminder to fans that the first ever IFL playoffs start this Saturday with San Angelo traveling to Abilene and Wichita heading to Bloomington. Both are set for 7 PM kickoffs. Follow all the action at www.goifl.com and on the B2 broadcasts www.b2livetv.com of each game all season long.

For more information on these or any league topics, visit www.GoIFL.com or contact the IFL league office @ 804-643-PASS (7277).

Back to List