Previous Story
CFL gears up for inaugural season
|
Posted on Feb 20 2001
Are you ready for some football?
The all-new Commonwealth Football League – CFL – officially launched its first season last week with a special dinner meeting to introduce the league. At a function held at Pacific Gardenia Hotel, the CFL recognized its founders, inducted new board members for the 2001 season, and introduced coaches and sponsors.
The league will be sponsored by PowerAde, a product of Coca-Cola Company. Despite the struggling economy, Coca-Cola Beverage Co.(Micronesia), Inc. decided to sponsor the League to affirm its support of the sport in particular and service to the CNMI athletic community in general.
Representing Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan, Ramon DLG Diaz presented an appreciation plaque to the leagues founders and swore in the new board of directors. He noted the importance of the forthcoming Commonwealth Football League when he said, “The sport of football helps foster character, leadership, fitness, and teamwork.”
Comprised of adult players, the CFL will offer a new athletic activity to Saipan, Tinian and Rota. “We want to encourage and grow the sport of football in the CNMI,” said Jeff Boyer, Chairman of the CFL, noting that basketball and baseball are already well established in the islands.
“Professionalism is the goal, on and off the field,” commented League commissioner Jesse Stein.
“To that end, the players and coaches have put in a lot of time to get ready for the season.”
The CFL board for the 2001 season includes: Saipan Congressman David Apatang, Charles Cepeda, Joe Chiles, John Cramer, Claudine Dela Cruz, George Fleming, Jr., Mariano Fajardo, Patrick Guerrero, Anthony Guerrero, and MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio.
CFL league officials announced there will be a mini-camp for all teams and players on Saturday, February 24 at Hopwood Jr. High. The public is invited to attend while players go through drills and practice for the upcoming season.
League play kicks off on Saturday, April 21. Four teams – the Barbarians, Predators, Typhoons, and the Blaze – will play each other twice in a round-robin regular season. Two games will be played each Saturday at Hopwood Jr. High.
