FIFA 2-Star, Superdome, Coach of the Year, Insured Warranty

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Dec. 29, 2006 - Once limited to only professional and elite collegiate sports programs, synthetic turf's numerous advantages have spurred exponential growth throughout the entire sports industry.

The national trend towards synthetic grass has catapulted Sportexe into the forefront as a global leader in the synthetic turf industry. The 17-year-old, technology-focused company with world headquarters in Ontario, U.S. headquarters in Texas and both Sportexe University and research and development in Georgia, is currently thriving in a rapidly growing market. Small colleges, high schools and local municipalities are taking advantage of benefits once only utilized by larger profiled clients from the NFL and major universities.

Consumers are flocking toward synthetic turf to save money on maintenance, provide safer playing conditions and allow multipurpose facilities unlimited use, community pride and additional revenue streams through field rental.

"The industry is experiencing exponential growth within scholastic and municipal field installations," said Sportexe President and CEO Mark Nicholls. "Every facet of a program's athletic and extra curricular activities can benefit from a synthetic turf system. The system can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

During the past four months Sportexe, which is partially owned by longtime NFL owner Art Modell, has enjoyed tremendous success. Sportexe made international headlines with its state-of-the-art turf installation at Ottawa, Ontario's Frank Clair Stadium, which received the first FIFA RECOMMENDED 2-Star rating in North America, giving it World Cup soccer-hosting capability. It also made national headlines with its role in the restoration efforts in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans with its installation at the Superdome. In fact, since the resurface the Saints are enjoying arguably its best season in the franchise's 40-year existence.

The Saints home-opening win over rival Atlanta in front of ESPN's largest television audience in station history marked the first home game in New Orleans in more than 21 months, and also the arrival of hope for a city still struggling towards recovery. Sportexe has also created national buzz recently with the release of its inaugural coach of the year awards showcasing the nation's top professional, collegiate and high school football coaches sharing the same commitment to quality, performance and integrity as the Sportexe brand.

"It's nice when you get an award from your peers, but it is even better when an outside source comes in and recognizes what we are trying to accomplish here," said University of Houston head coach Art Briles, winner of the Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year award. "It is very rewarding to know that people are taking notice."

"This is such a great honor to receive for not only myself, but also for my entire coaching staff," added Oaks Christian head coach Bill Redell, Sportexe's National High School Coach of the Year and leader of the Westlake Village squad which finished the season with a USA TODAY No. 6 national ranking.

Other winners include: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints (NFL); Dave Bennett, Coastal Carolina (NCAA Division I-AA); Bill O'Boyle, Chadron State (NCAA Division II); Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee (NCAA Division III); Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (Tenn.) (NAIA); and Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Junior College).

Perhaps the most compelling example of Sportexe's separation from other turf providers over the past year is the industry-first insured warranty that has positioned the company as the safest surface to purchase - both on and off the field.

Sportexe, which finished tops out of 20 other synthetic turfs in overall performance, quality and safety in an 2002 independent study conducted by the Human Performance Laboratory of the University of Calgary, offers a warranty that specifically allows for reimbursement directly to the client in the event of bankruptcy, and also provides for complete coverage for the entire synthetic turf system field.

The Sportexe insured warranty, which is underwritten by an A.M. Best "Excellent" rated company, is prepaid for eight years and provides 100-percent coverage on a client's investment from completion of installation throughout the warranty period.

"Insured warranties are important," said Nicholls. "Make sure you check the insurance providers A.M. Best rating, which is determined by insurance providers financial strength and ability to pay claims, and make sure the policy covers the entire turf system, not simply the turf. But perhaps most importantly, make sure you are buying the best synthetic turf system to start with, because not all systems are created equally."

According to Nicholls, the recent success surrounding the Sportexe brand is no reason to become complacent.

"We are certainly moving in the right direction," he said. "I am proud of the job we are doing and the benefit that comes with hard work .but now is the time to keep moving forward and to continue to strive for quality, integrity and professionalism . we feel the future is bright for both our industry and for Sportexe."

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Dec. 20, 2006 - Sportexe® is proud to announce the winners of its North American Football Coach of the Year award for 2006. This year's winners join past winners such as NFL's John Fox, CFL's Tom Higgins, NFL Europe's Doug Graber and Arena's Kevin Guy. As one of the global leaders in the synthetic turf system industry, Sportexe thoroughly reviewed candidates nationwide to find coaches from high school, collegiate and professional levels that demonstrate the same quality, integrity and performance that has become synonymous with the Sportexe brand.

Dedicated to providing proven, technology-rich synthetic field systems worldwide, Sportexe has developed a reputation for unsurpassed quality - from start to finish. Since its incorporation in 1989, Sportexe has been perfecting the finest details that go into making better, safer, and higher performing athletic surfaces.

This dedication to quality has led Sportexe to where is today - underfoot of many of the most prestigious teams and sports facilities from around the globe. Sportexe clients include the Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, LSU, University of Alabama, University of California at Berkeley, University of Southern Mississippi and De la Salle High School.

This year's winners include:

• NFL: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
• Canadian Football League: Wally Buono, B.C. Lions
• NCAA Division I-A: Art Briles, University of Houston
• NCAA Division I-AA: David Bennett, Coastal Carolina Univ. (Conway, S.C.)
• NCAA Division II: Billy O'Boyle, Chadron State College (Neb.)
• NCAA Division III: Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee University (Va.)
• Canadian Interuniversity Sports: Denis Piche, University of Ottawa
• NAIA: Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (Tenn.)
• Junior College: Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Brenham, Texas)
• High School: Bill Redell, Westlake Village Oaks Christian (Calif.)
• Canadian High School: Todd Bernett, Vancouver College

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Dec. 4, 2006 -Two facilities with Sportexe synthetic turf systems received 1-Star recommendations on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from world soccer governing body FIFA. CEGEP Stadium in Sept-Iles and the Dalbe Viau Secondary School in Lachine, both in Quebec, Canada, installed the innovative PowerBlade® synthetic turf system from Sportexe.

PowerBlade® is a monofilament synthetic turf system that delivers safety, durability, and maximum performance. Since there is no post fibrillation, of the fibers, your field will maintain its appearance and performance characteristics for years to come. PowerBlade is the premier choice for every level of competition.

According to the FIFA web site, FIFA 1 Star RECOMMENDED systems are designed for recreational, community and municipal use, and along with the higher rated 2-Star recommendation, both go through a series of stringent laboratory and field tests before the highly respected FIFA certificate is issued.

"This is another proud moment for the Sportexe family," said Sportexe president and CEO Mark Nicholls. "This is an example of our company's dedication to developing the most innovative synthetic turf systems in the world, and we are always excited to be involved with the sport of soccer and to receive quality and performance recognition from an outstanding organization such as FIFA."

FIFA 2 Star RECOMMENDED systems are designed to meet the specific playing characteristics of professional soccer. FIFA final round competitions and top UEFA competitions mention the FIFA 2 Star RECOMMENDED systems in their respective competition regulations.

Frank Clair Stadium at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, recently became the first FIFA 2-Star Recommended facility in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) with its BladeMaster® synthetic turf system, by Sportexe.

By Ken MurraySun reporterOriginally published December 3, 2006 in the Baltimore Sun

Art Modell doesn't make road trips anymore. He no longer endures marathon work weeks, either. As for major decisions around the Ravens, let's just say it's a choice between baked chicken and prime rib at the team's cafeteria.

Modell's reign as majority owner might have ended in 2004 with the sale of the Ravens to Steve Bisciotti, but his attachment to the team and its lifestyle did not.

On any given Wednesday or Thursday, he can be seen motoring around the team's Owings Mills practice facility in a golf cart - often with his wife, Pat - lunching with friends or chatting up former employees.

It's a less demanding routine that suits his unofficial position as owner emeritus with the Ravens. His 1 percent interest in the team is a lifeline that keeps him coming back for more.

"It's part of my existence," he said recently. "You can't take this ballclub out of me. It's been my life."

Once one of the league's most powerful owners, Modell is revered in Baltimore for bringing back the NFL. At the same time, he is reviled in Cleveland for moving the Browns' franchise.

These days, he navigates the Ravens' cavernous training facility in a wheelchair because his balance isn't quite what it used to be before a 2002 stroke. At 81, he shows the wear from 46 eventful - and sometimes turbulent - years in the NFL.

"The worst thing is not being able to get around himself," Pat said. "He's such a strong, sensitive man. It makes it very difficult. He has fits of depression."

Despite a spate of health issues the past few years, Modell still has a sharp mind and strong spirit. His presence permeates the team's complex, starting in the main lobby, where a life-size oil painting of a stoic Modell in a camel-hair coat greets visitors.

The painting and a second-floor office with a balcony overlooking the Ravens' practice fields are courtesy of Bisciotti, who purchased minority interest in the team in 2000 and took control in 2004.

"Art and I were partners for four years and I thought it was just a nice way to honor him," Bisciotti said of the portrait done by California artist Joe Liang. "He was leaving me in charge of something that he loved dearly for 40 years."

Except that Modell really hasn't left.

In addition to his practice excursions, he attends home games. Afterward, in his private suite, Modell reviews the day's events with coach Brian Billick.

During the week, he'll call general manager Ozzie Newsome two or three times, as well as old friends in the league, such as Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson.

At his home in Cockeysville (he and Pat have another in Vero Beach, Fla.), Modell enjoys visits from his four grandchildren, watches news shows and the Weather Channel with devotion, and gets daily exercise with the help of a therapist.

And when the question of retirement comes up during a 45-minute interview, Modell virtually bristles.Modell's stewardship in Baltimore has been distinguished by his participation in the community. He is a champion of charitable causes.

"I'm not retired," he said. "I'm not putting in the 80 hours a week I used to; those days are over. [But] I'm mentally active and I talk to my own people."

His "own people" include sons David, the former Ravens president, and John, who run Modell Ventures, a film production business. Modell said he also has controlling interest in Sportexe, a company that supplies artificial football surfaces (M&T Bank Stadium has a Sportexe surface).

Modell's stewardship in Baltimore has been distinguished by his participation in the community. He is a champion of charitable causes.

He currently chairs a $100 million fund drive that will help build a new cardiovascular tower on Orleans Street for the Heart Institute at Johns Hopkins. Sam Miller, executive assistant to Modell, said Art and Pat have contributed $10 million to the project themselves.

Miller said they also have made donations to Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Walters Art Galley, Baltimore Museum of Art, House of Ruth, Hospice of Baltimore, Ed Block Courage House at St. Vincent's and the recent restoration of the Basilica.

Cleveland's loss was Baltimore's charitable bonanza.

"Cleveland owes this gal, more than anybody else, tons and tons of gratitude for what she did for that city," Modell said, indignation rising, about his wife of 39 years. "And she's doing it now for Baltimore. I'm very proud of her."

Philanthropy has always been a hallmark of Modell's teams, said Ravens senior vice president Kevin Byrne.

"I think that's why it was more of a shock to Cleveland to lose the franchise than some of the other cities that have lost franchises," he said. "We continue that here and I think we've done it well."

Ten years after moving the Browns to Baltimore, and eight years after Cleveland got an expansion team, Modell remains persona non grata in Ohio. Even now, he is unable to set the controversy behind him.

"It's over for me," he said. "Just ask the [Cleveland] Plain Dealer if it's over."

Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end for the Browns who was director of pro personnel during their last year in Cleveland, remembers the financial spiral that led to the team's departure.

"I think his desire to win affected him in Cleveland," said Newsome, who became the NFL's first African-American general manager under Modell in 2002 and has since resisted overtures to leave Baltimore. "His not getting to a Super Bowl affected his running the franchise because that's what he wanted to do. He invested a lot of capital into the players to win a Super Bowl.

"I don't think anybody can describe how tough it was for him to have to leave Cleveland. I saw a man that was torn, but I saw a man that had no choice."

Bisciotti winces at the thought that Modell's contributions and leadership in the league may be overshadowed by the decision to relocate.

"I worry about that very much and I think that's why it's so important that he gets in the Hall of Fame," Bisciotti said.

"They ought to be thinking about picking him up and sending him to Canton [Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame] right now. To me, it's mind boggling that a couple of sportswriters that are angry that he moved their beloved Browns out of Cleveland could rally the other sportswriters into penalizing Art."

These days, the best therapy Modell can get comes at the Ravens' practice facility, where he carries on as he always has.

"He loves the game, he loves the people involved in the game," Byrne said. "It's why he got involved in the first place. He's a happy, happy person at practice."