National Football Coaching Insider to Present af2's top coaching honor at ArenaCup8

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 23, 2007--After spending the past two years removed from his home state following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Northwest Louisiana native and national football-coaching insider Aaron S. Lee returns to both football and the Ark-La-Tex to present the Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award during halftime of ArenaCup8, presented by Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, which will be played Saturday, Aug. 25 at 8pm ET at Bossier City's CenturyTel Center and televised nationally on Comcast for the second year in a row.

Lee, a graduate of Minden High School 30 miles east of Shreveport now resides in Austin after joining the public relations department at Sportexe, one of the global leaders in the synthetic turf industry, in November 2006. Lee, a 12-year sports writing veteran and football-coaching insider immediately made an impact with the launch of the Sportexe Football Coach of the Year award, which has been adopted by arenafootball2 as an official league award.

"We're very pleased to have Aaron Lee here on behalf of Sportexe to present Rich Ingold with the 2007 af2 Coach of the Year Award," said af2 President Jerry Kurz. "Ingold has proved himself to be a cut above the rest among his peers this year and is truly deserving of this honor."

The Sportexe Football Coach of the Year award honors the top head football coaches from high school, collegiate and professional ranks for both outdoor and indoor leagues throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

"I am extremely proud of being named the Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year," said University of Houston head coach Art Briles upon receiving the award following the 2006 season. "Aaron is one of the reasons this award is so special because I know his dedication and involvement in our industry, and I know that he keeps a close tab on who's doing what in our profession."

Lee, a former managing editor for American Football Monthly, the nation's top football-coaching publication, has served as a sports writer and editor over the past decade with publications like the Palm Beach Post, Marshall News Messenger (Texas) and Torrington Telegram (Wyoming) and a past contributor for the Times Picayune, Shreveport Times, Austin American-Statesman, Dave Campbell's Texas Football, ESPN and the now-defunct Football Digest.

"Aaron did an outstanding job for American Football Monthly," said LSU assistant coach Doug Mallory, son of legendary Indiana head coach Bill Mallory and brother to Mike and Curt, assistant coaches at Kansas and Illinois respectively. "My family and I have worked closely with Aaron on different occasions and feel he's one of the top journalists in the sports profession."

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (17-2), led by 2007 Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year Rich Ingold, captured the American Conference crown and advanced to ArenaCup8 after defeating the Green Bay Blizzard 46-43 in front of the Pioneers' home crowd at Wachovia Arena. The Pioneers face the National Conference-champion Tulsa Talons (17-2), a 67-47 winner over Bossier-Shreveport.

Ingold earned the league's top coaching honor for his efforts this season en route to seizing the top slot on the af2's all time win list (59) and leading his team to ArenaCup8. He was selected by a vote of his fellow league head coaches and media members.

Ingold 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 and Vince Martino and Arena Football's Kevin Guy.

"This season is a perfect example of the fine job Coach Ingold has executed during his tenure in af2," said Lee "It is only fitting that Coach Ingold earn the industry's top award during a season where he has captured the league's most career wins, a conference championship and possible league title. I am very proud to present Coach Ingold this award and to return home amongst the finest football fans anywhere."

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 associated with the Sportexe brand.

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. All four league championship games, including ArenaCup8 have featured Sportexe playing surfaces.

Other Sportexe clients include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's LSU, Tulane, Cal-Berkeley, Indiana, Pitt, Alabama and Southern Miss.

CenturyTel Center in Bossier City to Host af2 Championship Game

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 21, 2007--For the second time in the past three seasons, the CenturyTel Center, home to arenafootball2's Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings will host the af2's league championship game. ArenaCup8, presented by Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, will be played on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 8pm ET in Bossier City, La., and televised nationally on Comcast for the second year in a row.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (17-2), led by Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year Rich Ingold, captured the American Conference crown and advanced to ArenaCup8 after defeating the Green Bay Blizzard 46-43 in front of the Pioneers' home crowd at Wachovia Arena. The Pioneers face the National Conference-champion Tulsa Talons (17-2), a 67-47 winner over Bossier-Shreveport.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, is proud to announce its involvement as the official playing surface of ArenaCup8. The CenturyTel Center, an SMG managed facility and former host of ArenaCup6 in 2005, is a 270,000 square-foot facility featuring Sportexe synthetic turf systems and accommodates up to 14,000 patrons for a variety of entertainment experiences.

"Sportexe and af2 have enjoyed a special relationship since the league's inception eight years ago," said national football-coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "To see this league grow to 30 teams and continue to offer one of the best professional sporting experiences in the U.S. is a true testament to fine people that represent af2."

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's LSU, Cal, Alabama, Tulane and Southern Miss.

"We're fortunate to be playing our championship event again on Sportexe synthetic turf at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier-Shreveport, La.," af2 President Jerry Kurz said. "I feel confident that the field will be in immaculate shape for our season-ending, showcase event."

This year Sportexe takes its relationship with af2 one step further as it proudly serves as the league's official coach of the year award. Sportexe will recognize the top head coach for the 2007 season at the af2 championship game.

"Sportexe is proud to be underfoot of the league's two best teams at ArenaCup8 and displayed nationally over eight Comcast channels in front of 34 million viewers ," said Lee. "And equally excited to acknowledge the league's top coach with the Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award."

This will be the third straight season the af2 has held a neutral-site ArenaCup championship game and tickets for the 2007 ArenaCup can be purchased by calling 888-277-5526.

All-Time Winningest af2 Coach Wins League's Top Coaching Honor

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 18, 2007--Sportexe® is proud to announce Rich Ingold, head coach of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers, as the winner of the 2007 Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award for his efforts this season en route to capturing the top slot on the league's all time win list (59) and leading his team to ArenaCup8. Ingold was selected by a vote of his fellow arenafootball2 head coaches and media members.

Ingold, in his second season at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, guided the Pioneers to a 14-2 regular season record and an East Division title in 2007. He has also led the team to two playoff victories and an appearance in the American Conference Championship game, which will take place later on today.

Earlier this season Ingold became only the fourth head coach in af2 history to collect 50 wins in his career. In addition to his current job in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Ingold spent 2002-2004 as the head coach of the Quad City Steamwheelers.

"I feel extremely honored to win this award. This is the best group of guys I've been around in all my years of coaching," stated Ingold upon hearing the announcement.. "I also want to give many thanks to Big Win Ventures, Cosmo and Janet DeNicola, Dave Berryman, and my assistant coaches. When things got tough they stood in the fire with me."

Ingold 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 and Vince Martino and Arena Football's Kevin Guy.

"We're excited about this new addition to our already existing relationship with Sportexe," af2 President Jerry Kurz said. "We're very fortunate to now have a top-notch, year-end award to recognize our league's best of the best."

"This season is a perfect example of the fine job Coach Ingold has done during his tenure in af2," said Aaron S. Lee, football coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson. "It is only fitting that Coach Ingold capture the industry's top award during a season where he has captured the most career wins, conference championship and possible league title. Sportexe is very proud of the hard work given by both Coach Ingold and af2 this season."

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.

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Indiana, Pitt , LSU , Alabama and Southern Miss.

U.S. Field Hockey Star Added to Sportexe Sales Team

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 17, 2007--Sportexe®, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, has announced that U.S. field hockey star Keli Smith will serve on staff as its field hockey consultant. Smith, a 2001 graduate of the University of Maryland, was a three time All-American field hockey player and a vital member of the Terrapins 1999 national championship squad.

Upon her departure from the collegiate ranks, Smith immediately became an integral part of the USA women's field hockey team. In 2004, she served as assistant coach at Georgetown University and volunteer coach at American University in 2005. Recently, Keli was a starter for the USA team in the World Cup held in Madrid, Spain and Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"We are very pleased with the addition of Keli Smith to the Sportexe family," said Jay Crider, Director of Eastern U.S. Sales for Sportexe. "Keli is the only individual in the industry with ‘real' experience playing world-class field hockey on synthetic turf. Keli's involvement shows the quality of the Sportexe product and its commitment to the sport of field hockey."

Sportexe has been highly involved in the international field hockey market, and offers multiple state-of-the-art turf systems specifically designed for field hockey. These systems can be found at many of the nation's top NCAA Division I programs, such as the University of Vermont, University of Iowa, Indiana University, Keene State and Providence College. Sportexe is also the featured surface at the Bermuda National Sports Center, home to the 2007 men's Pan Am qualifier and future home to the 2009 women's Pan Am Cup.

Sportexe has partnerships with distinguished field hockey establishments like the International Field Hockey Federation (FIH) and National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).

"I have been all around the world and played on a variety of synthetic turfs," said Smith. "Yet, Sportexe is – without question – the best product on the market. I am impressed with the Sportexe commitment of insuring quality from start to finish, and I am excited to help continue the Sportexe charge in field hockey."

Sportexe incorporates the finest technology in its industry-leading, high-performance synthetic turf systems. Sportexe turf is a superior surface designed to maximize performance and safety.Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Indiana, Alabama, Southern Miss and Pitt. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League.

Sportexe Installs Second Turf System at IU

ROUND ROCK, Texas. Aug. 3, 2007--Just days after announcing its latest turf installation inside Indiana University's Mellencamp Pavilion, Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, proudly announces the completion of yet another turf install for the Hoosiers athletic program.

Over the past decade IU field hockey team was one of many Hoosiers squads forced to split field time inside the 100,000-square foot Mellencamp Pavilion, so named after benefactor and singer/songwriter John Mellencamp, a Bloomington, Ind., native.

However, in June 2007 during the midst of a multi-million dollar facilities expansion and facelift, the Hoosiers field hockey program now has its own field to call home. Currently called the IU Field Hockey Field, the brand new facility is utilizing the latest Sportexe turf system specifically designed for field hockey as Sportexe has a turf system uniquely engineered to meet the stringent criteria of each individual sport.

"We are thrilled about the quality and the high performance standard of our newly installed Sportexe field hockey field," said IU field hockey head coach Amy Robertson. "Aside from how well the field plays at the high performance level it also holds the water very well and is not as slippery as new fields that I have been on in the past."

The Hoosiers will have ten home contests at the brand new facility. The season begins with a scrimmage at Ball State on August 18 and is followed by a road trip to Cal-Berkeley. The Hoosiers will open the regular season against Pacific in Berkeley on August 25 and follow that up the next day against Cal.

The Hoosiers will return home for their next five games starting on August 31 against Albany. "We are extremely excited about the addition of the new field hockey field," added IU Associate Athletic Director Janet Kittell. "It is great facility that will be a tremendous asset to our field hockey program now and in the future."

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.

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 Synthetic Turf Hosts NFL's Big Hit

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 31, 2007--Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, joined the likes of New Orleans Saints' quarterback Drew Brees, Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis and a bevy of beautiful supermodels by being showcased on the cover of the latest edition of Sports Illustrated.

The SI cover story written by NFL insider Tim Layden featured the seven biggest hits last season in professional football, three of which took place on Sportexe synthetic turf systems, including the No. 1 overall selection – a vicious collision between Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown and Saints rookie running back – and former Heisman winner – Reggie Bush during an NFC divisional playoff game in the Louisiana Superdome last January.

The hit was so ferocious, even Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher had to stand up and shout after seeing the impact on television, "Those are the ones you dream about!"

THE BIG HIT…Players live for it, fans love it, media celebrate it -- and all bemoan its devastating consequences. The brutal collision of bodies is football's lifeblood, and the NFL's biggest concern

"Sportexe is extremely proud of the fierce competition currently being performed on our synthetic turf fields," said Sportexe spokesperson, Aaron S. Lee. "Perhaps this article shows that the level of competition is picked up a notch on games played on Sportexe turf."

The Ravens earned the No. 3 slot on the SI "Big Hit" countdown with Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott's second-quarter sack of Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Nov. 26. Roethlisberger called the hit the hardest he'd ever taken.

The Saints again made the list earning the final spot at No. 7. San Francisco tailback Frank Gore, the NFC's leading rusher, was left pained and windless after being nailed by Saints cornerback Jason Craft on Dec. 3.

"I'm not going to lie to you, man – it hurt," said Gore.

"It is nice to see that our product being used on a national stage by the some of the top teams in the sports industry, and to be shown on the cover of SI underfoot of Reggie Bush is a treat," Lee added. "Maybe next time Sportexe turf could be featured with Elle MacPherson."

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

Sportexe Client Mourns Passing of Legendary Football Coach

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 30, 2007--Sportexe would like to send condolences to all family, friends and colleagues of professional football coaching legend and NFL Hall-of-Famer Bill Walsh, who died at age 75 after a long battle with leukemia.

Coach Walsh was best known for guiding the San Francisco 49ers to three NFL Super Bowl championships and six NFC West division titles during his 10 years as head coach.

"Sportexe is deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Walsh," said football-coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson, Aaron S. Lee. "He was instrumental in developing the modern-era of offensive football known commonly as the West Coast offense. Coach Walsh is synonymous with Bay-area football after his run with the 49ers and two stints with Stanford University. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the entire San Francisco football community."

Sportexe is the synthetic turf system used at the San Francisco 49ers' Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Centre.

New Orleans Saints, Tulane Green Wave, State Farm Bayou Classic, High School State Championships, All-Star Game, R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and BCS National Title to be Decided on Sportexe Synthetic Turf this Fall

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 27, 2007--Less than one year after Sportexe installed 121,412 square feet of the SMG-managed Louisiana Superdome just in time to welcome home the NFL's New Orleans Saints after a year removed from the city following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the SMG has chosen Sportexe turf for the fourth consecutive year to serve as the host surface during what could be the most competitive football season the Superdome has ever scheduled.

"We've been pleased to showcase Sportexe turf on repeated national and statewide telecasts with millions watching," said Superdome Assistant General Manager, Danny Vincens. "We're happy with the product and the teams have responded similarly."

Both the Saints and Tulane University will play a combined 17 games in the Superdome in 2007, including two NFL preseason games and not counting any playoff games the Saints could qualify to host in January. Beginning with the annual State Farm Bayou Classic featuring Grambling State and Southern University on Thanksgiving Day, the Superdome will host three professional football games, five Louisiana high school state football championships, one high school all-star game, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the BCS championship game scheduled for Jan. 7.

"That's a lot of football, and a lot of use for big-time turf," said Vincens.

The Saints, coached by 2006 Sportexe NFL Coach of the Year Sean Payton, enjoyed its best season in franchise history on Sportexe finishing the year with a 10-6 record and an NFC South division title. The Superdome was re-opened with massive fanfare as the Saints upset the heavily favored Atlanta Falcons in front of a national television audience on ESPN's Monday Night Football to start the season.

"We are proud to be once again the field of choice for the Louisiana Superdome," said Mark Nicholls, CEO of Sportexe "The success of both the Saints and the City of New Orleans over the past year has been an inspiration to us all and Sportexe is fortunate to play a small role in the rebuilding efforts of this extremely proud culture."

Other Sportexe clients located in Louisiana include LSU and Tulane. Sportexe is also featured in the New Orleans Arena, home to the Arena Football League's New Orleans Voodoo and home to ArenaBowl XXI on July 29, and the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, home to the arenafootball2's Bossier City Battlewings and ArenaCup8 on Aug. 25.

Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Alabama, Southern Miss and Pitt. 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.