In response to the arena football coming back to Canton. Wow. We won a championship in 2006 for the city and community, with coaches, dance team, some front office ready to go. It is true the arena football current model does not work. Even Kosar, Bon Jovi, Elway and others took a year off. We have been in constant contact with the city, having our last discussion two weeks ago and have a good relationship with Mayor Healy. If fact we introduced the new soccer team to the mayors office. The city explained a new group has good financials and were looking to choose them for the 2011 season. I mentioned if they have the funds and we have turf, sideboards, pads and equipment, maybe we could get together and work out some type of an arrangement. Warren Price thought that would be a good idea. He was to set a meeting and get us together, but I read this in the paper like many others. I could not be reached for comment because my phone was on charge, not that we certainly did not care. Many partners, investors along with ourselves have put five years of our lives, time, effort and money into the Legends. Still waiting to hear back from the city.
We have not played since 2008, but have regrouped to form the Legends Foundation, a 501c3. The Foundation gets professional athletes (and planned to use some Legends players) to speak to schools, at risk groups and correctional facilities about 'After the Bell, making good 4:20 daily choices and their personal successes. If poor choices are made... gangs, drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancies and obesity can influence our youth. We have spoken at Faircrest Correction Facility with Malone College, a few schools, have Indian River scheduled for July 14 and have plans to help Mr. Keys with his football camp at the Southeast Community Center on July 17.
Many of us know this is a great sport and alot of work, but it is no wonder with the lack of support, communication, and home town reporter Todd Porter's snide comments... Indians become Aeros! Being a faith guy, I guess this may be closure to a very bumpy road and can only look ahead.
We have worked very hard trying to get the Legends back on the field, but due to a few complications, were unable to do so. As I mentioned the other day on WHBC, the city has allowed us to stay in position and play in 2011. This is a ways off and will keep you posted. The downturn in the ecomony is a slow come back, but certainly headed in the right direction.
A special thanx to Don Degasperis, Ted Rhodes, Dick Brahler, Dumonts Sporting Goods, Image Video, Dennis Lambes, Diamond Sports Complex, Dr. Roger Palutsis, Dr. Michael Thomas, Paul Cipar, Eddie Puskrich, coaches, players, front office staff, dance team, fans and many others who have worked closely with us. We are encouraged for the 2011 season.
We have switched gears for awhile and transitioned into the Legends Foundation. Many may know, Anthony Griggs, former Cleveland Browns linebacker with 13 years in the Steelers front office, with Malone University students (SIFE program) spoke at the Juvenile Correction Center and the Babe Stern Center in Canton to kids to encourage them to make good choices in life. This is an After the Bell, 4:20 Daily Choices. If you Google 420, you will find it is Hitler's birthday, Columbine tragedy, national pot smoking day and others. We want create awareness for kids to make good choices each day at this time. Studies show drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancies, unsupervised computer surfing, laziness, obesity and gangs unite at this time, making for poor choices, affecting 24,000,000 fatherless children, unemployment, job and family service needs and the quality of life of many. It is a simple message, but not easy to make good decisions each day.
Thanks Anthony, Tabitha, Heidi, Christina and Dr. Szendrey for your efforts and interest in our kids. Great job.
So if we can be of assistance to help advertise your business online, assist non profits organizations to help raise money. My cell is 330 322 8495. Check us out and make it a great day!
Joseph Hoffman, II 330.322.8495
President/GM
The Canton Legends www.CantonLegends.com
The DREAM Begins with the LEGENDS
and Ends at The HALL OF FAME
We have had several request for equipment and jerseys from fans, coaches and players. Gear actually worn by Legends players. While supply last, you can get helmets, jerseys, shoulder pads and some misc items from Dumonts Sporting Goods.
