IU Football Chooses Sportexe for Indoor Practice Facility

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Aug. 1, 2007--When Indiana University made the decision to install the latest synthetic turf system technology inside its state-of-the-art indoor football practice facility, the Hoosiers looked no further than Sportexe to cover John Mellencamp Pavilion and help bring new enthusiasm to IU's once prominent athletic program.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, is now underfoot of not one but two Hoosiers sports programs. Indiana also chose Sportexe synthetic turf for its brand new field hockey facility as Sportexe has a synthetic turf system specifically designed for the unique criteria of each individual sport.

Dedicated April 12, 1996, the Mellencamp Pavilion, named for singer/songwriter John Mellencamp, who provided the lead gift for the $6 million project. A resident of Bloomington, Mellencamp has long been a fan of the Indiana University athletic program.

"From a safety standpoint, we think it's going to be really helpful to us," said Jack Garrett, IU associate athletic director for facility management. "It's something we've needed."

Mellencamp Pavilion is over 100,000 square feet and provides a premier year-round training space for almost every varsity sport. The Sportexe synthetic turf system ensures safe footing for the practice of field hockey in addition to soccer, football, baseball, softball and other varsity sports. The playing surface is a regulation football field with ample room on the sidelines to accommodate virtually every other sport. The pavilion's ceiling height accommodates kicking, as well as batting and golf practices.

"The commitment that the administration has shown to the football program is amazing, especially starting with the facilities," said new IU head coach Bill Lynch, who succeeds Terry Hoeppner who lost his battle with cancer in June. "Recruits are coming on campus right now and seeing the Mellencamp Pavilion complete with the new (Sportexe) surface – that is really big to kids."

The Hoosiers football program looks to improve on a 5-7 record from last year and open the 2007 season at home against Indiana State on Sept. 1.

Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Alabama, Southern Mississippi and Pittsburgh. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the AFL, af2, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League.

Sportexe Awards Sea Devils Coach Top Honor

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 18, 2007--Sportexe® is proud to announce Vince Martino, head coach of the Hamburg Sea Devils, as the winner of the 2007 Sportexe Coach of the Year award for his efforts in NFL Europa, formerly NFL Europe, this season. Martino joins previous Sportexe Coach of the Year winners such as the NFL's John Fox and Sean Payton, CFL's Tom Higgins and Wally Buono and NFL Europa's Doug Graber.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, has become synonymous with excellence and the Sportexe Coach of the Year award has become a respected symbol that recognizes football coaching talent from all over the world that demonstrates the same quality, integrity and performance that has become synonymous with the Sportexe brand.

"This is a tremendous honor from Sportexe," said Martino. "It is a reflection of the fine job conducted by the entire Hamburg organization, from the front office to the support staff to the coaches and players."

Martino, in his first year as head coach after spending two seasons as Hamburg's offensive coordinator under legendary coach Jack Bicknell, led the Sea Devils to its first World Bowl appearance in franchise history and captured the league title with 37-28 victory against the host Frankfurt Galaxy in front of 48,125 fans.

Martino, had joined the now defunct-Barcelona Dragons in 1991 as an offensive coach during the league's inception as the World League of American Football, which consisted of 10 teams located throughout North America and Europe. He coached in four World Bowls with the Dragons, the most recent being World Bowl IX in 2001. Martino won a World Bowl ring in 1997.

"Coach Martino coached for me for 30 years while I was head coach at the University of Maine, Boston College and with NFL Europe, so I know him quite well," said Bicknell, now retired. "I am so excited for all the success Coach Martino has enjoyed this season with the World Bowl, and especially with his acknowledgement from Sportexe as the outstanding football coach I have always known him to be."

On July 2, the NFL decided to discontinue the operation of NFL Europa, a six-team, all-European venture.

"The era of NFL Europe has ended," said Aaron S. Lee, football coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson. "But not the legacy it leaves behind. Men like Coach Martino and Coach Graber not only embody the true spirit of Sportexe, but also the truest spirit of football.

"Sportexe is proud to call Coach Martino the 2007 Sportexe Coach of the Year in NFL Europa. We look forward to what should be continued success throughout Coach Martino's career no matter what league he may call home."

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.

Kevin Porter Earns Sportexe Arena Football Coach of the Year Honor

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 23, 2007-- Sportexe is proud to announce Kevin Porter, head coach of the Kansas City Brigade, as the winner of the 2007 Sportexe Arena Football Coach of the Year award. Porter joins previous Sportexe Coach of the Year winners such as the NFL's John Fox and Sean Payton, CFL's Tom Higgins and Wally Buono and the AFL's Todd Shell and Kevin Guy.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, has become synonymous with excellence and the Sportexe Coach of the Year award has become a respected symbol that showcases coaching talent demonstrating the same quality, integrity and performance as the Sportexe brand.

Porter, a former NFL defensive back with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, led the second-year team to a 10-6 record after a 3-13 inaugural year, becoming one of only four teams in the AFL's 21-year history to make a seven-game turnaround. The Brigade played for the Central Division title in the final week of the season and hosted a home playoff game as one of just 26 second-year franchises to reach the postseason among 62 franchises in the league's history.

"It's really an honor to receive this with all of the talented and successful coaches in our league," said Porter, once the winningest coach in arenafootball2 history with a 45-27 record. "This award represents a lot of hard work by our coaches, players, and staff. The season wouldn't have been such a success without their commitment.

"Thank you to Sportexe for this recognition and their continued support of Arena Football," he added.

What makes Porter's accomplishment more significant is the fact that Kansas City was picked to finish the season last among the AFL's 19 teams.

"One cannot help but admire the fine job Coach Porter and the entire franchise did this season," said Aaron S. Lee, football coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson. "Coach Porter has always enjoyed tremendous success during his illustrious career, but no one expected the Brigade to accomplish such lofty goals in just its second year."

"Coach Porter is definitely deserving of this award after a successful season," said Neil Smith, co-owner and Porter's former teammate with the Chiefs. Thanks to him, the Brigade will contend for the ArenaBowl every year. We're proud to have a great teacher and leader as head coach."

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as it is an official or exclusive turf provider for not only the AFL and af2, but also the Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama and Southern Miss.

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 19, 2007--Only days after being promoted to full-time Chief Sales Officer with Sportexe, Marc Belloumini, who had been serving as the company's National Sales Director since 2005, has already made an immediate impact for the synthetic turf industry leader by forming a strategic alliance with Texas-based Vibra-Whirl to serve as a general contractor for Sportexe projects in The Lone Star State.

"We are very excited about our new relationship with Vibra-Whirl which is exclusive in the State of Texas," said Belluomini. "They are obviously an experienced company with a solid track record which should fit in nicely with Sportexe. We look forward to many successful installations."

In 1966, Vibra-Whirl, located in Panhandle, Texas, entered into the sports surfacing side of athletics designing, installing and surfacing running tracks, and has a robust 30 years experience within the industry.

"This is a perfect fit," said Mike Allen, Vice President of Sales for Vibra-Whirl. "We will be able to offer a sound product with a sound installation and at a sound price. Sportexe provides a big name and Vibra-Whirl provides big experience." "This is huge," added former college football coach and current Sportexe sales representative Ken Dabbs. "It gives us an opportunity to provide one-stop shopping for our clients and really opens the door for us here in Texas."

Sportexe has enjoyed recent success in Texas with heralded installations at the University of North Texas and Stephen. F. Austin, along with multiple-field installs at Pflugerville ISD, Brazosport ISD and Dallas ISD.

Sportexe can also be found underfoot of many of the nation's top athletes, including those associated with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama, Pitt and Southern Miss. Sportexe is also the official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.

ROUND ROCK, Texas. June 15, 2007--It only took a few months to turn Rent One Park from a 31-acre mud crater in Marion, Ill., into the Frontier League's premiere minor league baseball facility and home to the expansion Southern Illinois Miners, which proudly features Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry.

Installation crews, engineers and architects worked around the clock to meet the unrelenting time frame given for stadium completion before its home opener. The last-minute hustle included 70-80 hour work schedules to ready Rent One Park for a sold-out crowd at the 4,000-seat stadium with 14 enclosed suites, a picnic area and open concourses.

"The field looks and performs exactly how we want it to and we have had no complaints," said Miners' General Manager Tim Arseneau. "We are enjoying the league's highest attendance average and are looking forward to long, successful run in the Frontier League and Rent One Park with Sportexe."

In addition to Frontier League baseball, Rent One Park with its Sportexe turf will host high school and college baseball, football, soccer, little league tournaments, concerts and many other community events.

The Frontier League, based in Troy, Illinois, is a professional, independent baseball organization formed in 1993 and located in the Midwestern United States and Western Pennsylvania.

"The completion of Rent One Park is very exciting," said Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "The hard work and dedication by all involved has certainly paid off as the ballpark has truly set a new standard in minor league baseball facilities. Both Southern Illinois and Rent One Park wanted quality, professionalism and integrity to fill every square inch and they looked no further than Sportexe."

Sportexe can be found underfoot of many of the nation's top athletes, including those associated with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama, Pitt and Southern Miss. Sportexe is also the official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.

ROUND ROCK, Texas. June 18, 2007--When UC Davis broke ground on its new stadium in the summer of 2005, the Aggies entered its final stages of becoming a major player in the world of college athletics and looked no further than Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, to install its state-of-the-art turf system as the centerpiece of UC Davis athletic competition.

Aggie Stadium, which will hold 10,000-plus seats once the berm area is completed, is the home to both women's lacrosse and football. Other regional athletics events, including high school football will also be featured.

"We're very excited about Aggie Stadium," said Bob Bullis, UC Davis Associate Athletics Director. "It is a wonderful facility and a major part of some exciting changes here at UC Davis. It has exceeded our expectations and everyone that has toured it has marveled how beautiful it is."

Although the facility is still undergoing final touches, the new Sportexe turf system has already seen its share of action. The Aggies women's lacrosse team hosted Saint Mary's College on April 1, the first of three regular-season games for UC Davis at the stadium. The Aggies also hosted the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships from May 4-6 which was won by Stanford.

The UC Davis football team practiced on its new Sportexe turf on Nov. 23, 2006, its only practice in the new facility last season. It was provided as an opportunity for the team's seniors to use the stadium. UC Davis held several practices at Aggie Stadium during its spring practice season, including playing its annual Spring Game there on May 5.

"The Sportexe turf gives us a first-class playing surface and has received rave reviews from the teams that have had the opportunity to play on it," said Bullis. "Because of its durability, we'll be able to host countless events in any kind of weather."

The Aggies will play its first official game on Sept. 1 hosting Western Washington, and stadium dedication will commence on Oct. 13 with UC Davis hosting Cal Poly.

"UC Davis has been making huge strides in developing an exceptional athletic program," said Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "The addition of Aggie Stadium will become the cornerstone of its athletics program and a source of pride for all involved with the school, including Sportexe.

"The Sportexe commitment to quality and professionalism is what sets us apart," said Lee. "Aggie Stadium will serve as yet another fine example of that commitment."

Sportexe can currently be found underfoot of many of the nation's top athletes, including those with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama, Pitt and Southern Miss. Sportexe is also an official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.

The University of Pittsburgh Football Team Set to Practice on Sportexe Turf

ROUND ROCK, Texas. May 17, 2007–The University of Pittsburgh's football practice facility at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex will be fitted with Sportexe synthetic turf in June. Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, can be found underfoot of many of the nation's elite programs, such as the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama and Southern Miss.

The UPMC Sports Performance Complex is a state-of-the-art facility that houses training rooms, team meeting and film-viewing rooms, weight rooms and dining facilities. It additionally houses coaching and administrative staff offices as well as the Panthers' academic support personnel.

The complex also features a 35,000-square-foot clinical, teaching and research facility and a 100,000-square-foot indoor center for patient rehabilitation.

"The installation of an artificial surface on one of our outdoor fields will be a major benefit for our year-round practice regimens," said Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt. "It will give us the opportunity to maximize our team's training throughout fall training camp, in-season practices, offseason workouts and spring drills." "We are extremely appreciative that UPMC is assisting us with the installation of an outdoor artificial practice surface for our football team," said Pitt athletic director Jeff Long. "We have world-class teammates in UPMC and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Our association with these tremendous organizations has been incredibly beneficial and allows us to have the best practice facilities in the country."

The Panthers open the 2007 season hosting Eastern Michigan on Sept. 1. "Sportexe is extremely excited to be chosen by the University of Pittsburgh as a daily training tool to help Coach Wannstedt return the Panthers to national prominence," said football insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "Practice makes perfect, and with Sportexe synthetic turf Pitt is well on its way."

Lacrosse Championship Returns to M&T Bank Stadium

ROUND ROCK, Texas-- The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships are returning to M&T Bank Stadium and its state-of-the-art Sportexe synthetic turf system in Baltimore on Memorial Day Weekend May 26-28, after a record setting attendance run in 2003 and 2004.

The championship hosts are Johns Hopkins University; Loyola College (Maryland); the University of Maryland-Baltimore County; and Towson University. This is the only NCAA team sport that holds the championships of all three divisions at a common site.

Sportexe client Johns Hopkins is one of four teams, including Cornell, Duke and Delaware, remaining from a 16-team bracket competing for the NCAA Division I title. Other Sportexe clients receiving postseason play included UMBC, and quarterfinalists Loyola and University of Albany. Johns Hopkins captured the title in 2005 and has won the event eight times. Johns Hopkins is the only team to have made the championship bracket every year except 1971 – 36 times.

"The growth of this event is mirroring the growth of lacrosse," said NCAA tournament director Marty Schwartz. "M&T Bank Stadium and its Sportexe turf make this a premiere sporting weekend. Rain or shine this field is always up to the task and we are excited to once again call it home to the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships."

In March, M&T Bank Stadium hosted the inaugural Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Classic on Sportexe turf to kick off the college lacrosse season with Sportexe also presenting the player of the game awards for the doubleheader event. Four elite college teams, including Johns Hopkins, met in the inaugural Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Classic over the weekend that drew the largest crowd to watch a regular-season match when 20,180 attended.

"The eyes of the entire lacrosse community will be focused on the field at M&T Bank Stadium throughout Memorial Day weekend," said Andy Bilello, Director of Business Development for Inside Lacrosse. "The national championship will be decided on a Sportexe surface and just as we found during the Face-Off Classic in early March - there's no better stage for lacrosse. The players, coaches, and fans will find that the experience is a memorable one, with Sportexe playing a big part in making those memories."

Sportexe turf systems, the exclusive surface of the NLL, are designed to enhance performance and meet the rigorous requirements for the sport of lacrosse. Sportexe is also the lacrosse turf system at Boys' Latin School of Maryland, which has spent the past two seasons ranked No. 1 nationally in prep lacrosse.

"NCAA lacrosse is quickly becoming mainstream due to events like the NCAA Championship and the Face-Off Classic," said Sportexe Director of Lacrosse John Burke. "Sportexe is very excited to be involved with this growth and be underfoot of this year's top lacrosse athletes. Sportexe makes a commitment to quality and performance in every synthetic turf system it manufactures and installs."

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 413.261.RAVE or visiting LAX4Baltimore.org.

Sportexe Turf Underfoot at AFL Championship Game

ROUND ROCK, Texas. May 18, 2007--For the first time since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, a world championship will be played in New Orleans, a city with a long history of hosting title games with nine Super Bowls, four Final Fours and numerous Sugar Bowls, New Orleans Bowls and Bayou Classics.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry and exclusive turf provider for the Arena Football League, is proud to announce that it will be featured as the official playing surface of ArenaBowl XXI to be televised nationally on ESPN from the New Orleans Arena on Sunday, July 29 at 2 p.m. CST. The New Orleans Arena is home to the AFL's New Orleans VooDoo and features Sportexe synthetic turf. This announcement comes just one week since Sportexe announced it will be the official turf system used for ArenaCup8, the championship game for the AFL's developmental league, arenafootball2.

"We are extremely excited to be underfoot of the AFL's finest athletes at ArenaBowl XXI," said Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "The New Orleans Arena is the perfect venue to host the AFL's championship game. This event which combines the longevity and growth of one of the country's great pro sports leagues with the history and resilience of one of the world's great cities is something Sportexe can hang its hat on with pride. This is indeed a special season for all involved."

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as it is an official or exclusive turf provider for not only the AFL and af2, but also the Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama and Southern Miss.

"Whether it's indoor or outdoor, infilled or non-infilled, no other company knows synthetic turf like Sportexe," said Lee. "That is why Sportexe is the exclusive choice of many of the nation's top professional sports leagues and the premium choice among consumers who demand quality and performance."

"Sportexe has been our exclusive turf partner providing a tremendous product to the AFL since 1999," said AFL Chief Operating Officer Joe Vrankin. "They are the perfect supplier for our championship game field."

ArenaBowl weekend will be filled with interactive player and celebrity events, the annual ArenaBall Awards Show, a player combine, concerts, fan festivals and more. Significant community relations efforts will also be apart of the events leading up to the game. ArenaBowl XXI will mark the AFL's third consecutive neutral-site championship game, all of which featured Sportexe synthetic turf systems. ArenaBowl XIX and ArenaBowl XX were both played in Las Vegas.

Baltimore Ravens Select Heisman-Winner Troy Smith in 2007 NFL Draft

ROUND ROCK, Texas. May 2, 2007-With the 174th overall pick the Baltimore Ravens selected 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, quarterback from Ohio State, during the NFL Draft this past weekend. Smith, selected in the fifth round, is one of seven players selected by the Ravens.

Baltimore, which plays on Sportexe synthetic turf systems at M & T Bank Stadium, is one of four Sportexe clients in the NFL (including the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills) that enjoyed draft-day success during the two-day selection process of the top collegiate players in the nation.

Smith, who also earned the Davey O'Brien Award, Walter Camp National Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year and All-America first-team honors, connected on 203 of 311 passes (65.3 percent) for 2,542 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He finished seventh in the nation with a pass efficiency rating of 161.91 en route to a Big Ten championship and a berth in the national title game.

"Troy proved at the highest college level that he can play and win," said Ravens director of college scouting Eric DeCosta. "He has all the physical tools. He is an impressive person with outstanding leadership skills. His football intellect is tremendous."

Baltimore head coach Brian Billick also touts Smith: "His story is about overcoming odds, production and leadership. What's not to like?"

Overall, Smith played in 42 games with Ohio State, including 32 at quarterback in which he finished 25-3 as its starter. Smith tallied a 62.7 career completion percentage, 5,720 yards, 54 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions. He even ran for 1,168 yards on 293 carries and 14 touchdowns, 204 yards with one score during 2006, and gained 83 yards on kickoff returns.

Smith is the first Heisman Trophy winner the Ravens have ever drafted.

"There is no second-guessing the selection of Troy Smith," said football insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "Smith's resume is well documented, and without question he possesses a blue-chip pedigree. He is a phenomenal athlete that will only bolster the Ravens' already-solid talent roster."

The Ravens earned the 29th overall pick after capturing the AFC North Division title in 2006 and selected offensive guard Ben Grubbs from Auburn as its first round choice. Grubbs was the highest rated guard in the draft, and many experts predict he could start his rookie year and remain the starter well into the next decade.

Other Baltimore draft picks include: Yamon Figurs, WR, Kansas State (3rd round, 74th pick); Marshal Yanda, OL, Iowa (3rd round, 86th pick); Antwan Barnes, LB, Florida International (4th round, 134th pick); Le'Ron McClain, FB, Alabama (4th round, 137th); and Prescott Burgess, LB, Michigan (6th round, 207th pick).

"I think we'll look back on this draft in three or four years, and you'll be able to look at a lot of players that are going to be major contributors to a team that was coming off a 13-3 season," said Ravens general manager/executive vice president Ozzie Newsome. "Hopefully, with the draft and other things we've done this offseason, we've put ourselves in position to return to the playoffs."

"We are excited to see Troy and the other six selections with Baltimore," said Lee. "And we are even more excited to see them perform on Sportexe turf at M & T Bank Stadium in the future."

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, can be found underfoot of many of the nation's elite athletes from the NFL and NCAA, and is the exclusive turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League. Sportexe clients also include numerous high school and recreational fields across North America.