ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 23, 2007--Company officials from FieldTurf-Tarkett announced today that FieldTurf Chief Executive Officer John Gilman died Monday morning, July 23. Exact cause of death has not been released.

According to FieldTurf.com, he had officially acted as CEO of FieldTurf since June 1995. Prior to officially joining FieldTurf, Gilman had been an active figure in the sports community. He was currently one of FieldTurf's primary shareholders.

"The synthetic turf industry lost a giant," said Sportexe CEO Mark Nicholls. "John Gilman was a pioneer, and Sportexe mourns his passing. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire FieldTurf organization."

Funeral arrangements have been set for noon on Wednesday, July 25 at Paperman & Sons in Montréal, Quebec, Gilman's hometown.

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.

Sportexe Turf System Underfoot at AFL Championship Game

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 17, 2007--The stage is now set for ArenaBowl XXI for Sunday, July 29 at the New Orleans Arena featuring Sportexe synthetic turf as the San Jose SaberCats square off against the Columbus Destroyers.

The SaberCats were crowned the American Conference champions on Saturday after defeating the defending Arena Football League champion Chicago Rush 61-49. This will be San Jose's third trip to the ArenaBowl in six years.

The SaberCats led by head coach Darren Arbet, have been dominant defensively all season due in large part to former Sportexe arenafootball2 Coach of the Year and current defensive coordinator Kevin Guy. Guy captured the Sportexe award in 2003 while serving as head coach of the Tennessee Valley Vipers.

The sixth-seeded Destroyers won the National Conference crown and their fourth straight road game in a 66-56 shootout over the heavily-favored Georgia Force. Columbus advances to the ArenaBowl for the first time in franchise history.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry and exclusive turf provider for the Arena Football League, is the official playing surface of ArenaBowl XXI to be televised nationally on ESPN. Like the New Orleans Superdome which installed Sportexe turf for the return of the New Orleans Saints in 2006 following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Arena, home to the AFL's New Orleans VooDoo, also features a Sportexe synthetic turf system.

"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.

Sportexe is also the official turf system for ArenaCup8, the championship game for the AFL's developmental league, af2.

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.

Synthetic Turf Giant Promotes National Sales Director to CSO

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 11, 2007--Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, announces the appointment of Marc Belluomini as its new Chief Sales Officer. Belluomini has served as National Sales Director responsible for the full portfolio of Sportexe synthetic turf systems in the U.S. since 2005.

Prior to his promotion, Belluomini served as Domestic Sales Manager after joining Sportexe in February 2004 as Western Regional Manager.

"Everyone who interacts with Marc Belluomini knows the professionalism, work ethic and passion that Marc brings to work each and every day," said Sportexe CEO Mark Nicholls. "We are pleased to make this appointment as it is well deserved."

Belluomini's previous experience includes prior executive and General Manager positions with other major sports surfacing and construction companies in both the Midwest and West regions. Belluomini, who resides in Clovis, Calif., with his wife Nicole and two children, Nicholas and Julia, is a 1995 graduate of Northern Michigan University with a B.S. in Construction Technology, with a minor in business management.

"I am proud to be named Sportexe CSO," said Belluomini. "Successful sales can only be nurtured by a comprehensive vision. I look forward to maximizing our potential with an endless commitment to lasting quality and complete satisfaction to our consumers."

Since 1989, Sportexe has been bringing the quality to the surface in sports facilities throughout North America and around the world. With an elite roster of clients that span a wide variety of facilities and sporting leagues, including the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Southern Miss, LSU, Alabama and Pitt. Sportexe is also the exclusive turf system for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.

Sportexe Remembers Coach Terry Hoeppner, Sends Condolences to Hoosier FamilyROUND ROCK, Texas. June 20, 2007--Indiana University head football coach Terry Hoeppner lost his battle with brain cancer on Tuesday in Bloomington, Ind., at age 59. Coach Hoeppner, who had become the savior of the Hoosiers' football program after a 19-year career at Miami (Ohio), had taken three medical leaves since doctors removed a tumor from his right temple in December 2005. Hired in December 2004 after a successful six-year run as head coach of the RedHawks which included back-to-back bowl games, the Indiana native brought new enthusiasm to Indiana University's once prominent athletic program. Hoeppner served as a catalyst for many school improvements from rebuilding relationships to refurbishing facilities. "Coach Hoeppner was indeed a great man," said football coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "I had the opportunity to visit with Coach Hoeppner on many occasions and was always amazed at his generosity and availability. He simply had a way of always making you feel welcome." Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, is currently working diligently with Indiana University on two synthetic turf installations, including the football practice facility inside John Mellencamp Pavilion. "Our deepest condolences go out to the Hoeppners and the entire Hoosier family during this time of loss," said Lee. "Both Sportexe and I are extremely proud of the relationships we have forged with Indiana University and its staff, and I can assure you that Coach Hoeppner will be missed by all." Hoeppner is survived by his wife - Jane, three children -- Amy, Allison and Drew -- and four grandchildren -- Tucker, Spencer, Tate and Quinn.

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.

Blue Jays use Sportexe Turf to Capture NCAA Championship

ROUND ROCK, Texas. May 30, 2007--Johns Hopkins claimed its ninth NCAA men's lacrosse title Monday, with a 12-11 victory over powerhouse Duke in front of a record-setting crowd of 48,443 fans for the championship final at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The NCAA Men's Championship returned to M&T Bank Stadium and its Sportexe synthetic turf system on Memorial Day Weekend after hosting the event in both 2003 and 2004. A record 52,004 attended the Division I semifinals on Saturday.

Johns Hopkins not only captured its title on Sportexe, but the Blue Jays also played its entire 2007 home schedule at Homewood Field, which also features Sportexe turf. In fact Sportexe has been good to the Blue Jays (13-4) this season as they went 8-3 on Sportexe turf.

"We feel very fortunate to have won the national championship on Monday," said Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse coach Dave Pietramala. "Our familiarity with M&T Bank Stadium and the Sportexe system in place there was no small factor in our success. We are thrilled with the Sportexe surface we had installed at Homewood Field. It is not only a state-of-the-art playing surface, it has significantly enhanced the look of our facility."

Johns Hopkins was one of four Sportexe clients, including Loyola College (Maryland), University of Albany and University of Maryland-Baltimore County, to reach the NCAA Division I 16-team postseason bracket in 2007. The Blue Jays, which also co-hosted the NCAA Championship, entered the semifinals on Saturday along with Cornell, Delaware and Duke.

The Blue Jays defeated Delaware 8-3 in semifinal action on Saturday, as Duke defeated previously unbeaten Cornell 12-11 to advance to the finals that afternoon.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.

"We had a great crowd on hand for some great lacrosse action this weekend," said NCAA tournament director Marty Schwartz. "The City of Baltimore, M&T Bank Stadium and the Sportexe turf system showed why this location should be a regular site to host this event."

"Obviously Sportexe is extremely proud of Johns Hopkins for its success this season and we are thrilled to be underfoot of a championship program," said Sportexe Director of Lacrosse John Burke. "But Sportexe is also extremely proud of the entire sport of lacrosse for continuing its unparalleled growth and success. Sportexe is genuinely excited to play such a vital role in this year's lacrosse championship series and will continue to make huge strides in providing the best synthetic turf systems available for lacrosse and all other sports."

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.

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.

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."