CPIFL Announces “Front Office” Awards

The inaugural season of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League showcased numerous phenomenal performances on the field and nail biting finishes.  The CPIFL is also home to many great team operators and professionals that are committed to serving their cities and providing a great product for fans.  The CPIFL is honoring teams in five different categories of team operation.

Franchise of the Year: Wichita Wild
Wichita's steady performance in all aspects of team operation is one reason the Wild are playing in Champions Bowl on Saturday.  The Wild finished the regular season with a 10-2 record and consistently run their organization in a manner that is focused on media and public relations, sales, game operation, and on-field performance.
Honorable Mention: Salina Bombers and Sioux City Bandits

Team Executive of the Year: John Blazek, Wichita Wild
Blazek is in his third season as GM of the Wild and is serving as a valuable member of the league's Executive Committee.  Blazek has been committed to helping the new franchises in the league learn and grow their business. Blazek created the "Wildest Drumline in Kansas" contest which remains one of the most successful promotions in indoor football.
Honorable Mention: Bob Scott, Sioux City Bandits and Michael Reid,Salina Bombers

Best Gameday Operation:  Sioux City Bandits
From providing first class treatment of the visiting teams to an entertaining game atmosphere, the Bandits' gameday operation sets a standard for other teams to emulate.  The Bandits led the league in attendance by providing a show for fans that is unmatched in the CPIFL.
Honorable Mention: Salina Bombers and Wichita Wild

Best Media Relations/Social Media: Lincoln Haymakers and Wichita Wild
Both Lincoln and Wichita have focused on social media and making connections with traditional media outlets.  The teams are consistently doing innovative things via social media and work with local media to gain coverage for their franchises.
Honorable Mention: Bloomington Edge

CPIFL Community Service Award: Oklahoma Defenders
Every CPIFL franchise could have been recognized for their dedication to their communities, but the Oklahoma Defenders' commitment to the Tulsa area is a trademark of the franchise.  Defenders players, coaches and staff volunteer for countless projects including building a house for Habitat for Humanity, sponsoring the Little Lighthouse, and reading at schools to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday.  The Defenders also helped Big Brothers, Big Sisters with their 30 Men in 30 Days event and their Big for a Day project.  The Defenders have also been guest servers at the Hutcherson YMCA's annual Willie Fork Pancake Breakfast, volunteered as part of the NFL's Play 60 program, and participated in the Native American Coalition of Tulsa Head Start's Fatherhood Initiative.   Additionally, the Defenders organized a toy drive for Emergency Infant Services Tulsa and organized a variety of support projects recognizing military members and their families.

The CPIFL will announce player and coach awards on Thursday.  The Champions Bowl takes place on Saturday in Wichita and will feature the Wild and the Salina Bombers.

Press Release Courtesy of CPIFL.