I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that have sent requests for more information - we have tried to respond in a timely manner... If there is anyone that has not received a response, we apologize - simply visit the website at www.ohioknightsfootball.com and leave an email or a message on the message board ("Court" icon on front page). We have had a few updates, and more will be posted in the days to come (new partners, 1st Annual OHIO K"NIGHT" Out at Dave and Busters, etc...). However, I do believe that all have received responses up to this point and will continue to do so!
Robert is home right now... He was on the practice squad for the Eagles... However, he has recently signed on with the Atlanta Falcons and will be going back over to Europe (NFL Europe)... He asked to be put on the list in case he is home during that time so that he can play if he is available.
Who are the coaches and owners for the Knights? I went to the website and could find a list of players, but no coaches or ownership were listed? Are there coaches from the Lions?
Sean Huffman has assumed the Defensive Coordinator duties with the Knights. Tony Martin will be calling the offense (coached with the Lions last year). We are presently "finazlizing contractual details" with 2 other coaches (one will work with rb's and lb's and the other will work with wr's and db's):) - which should be wrapped up within the next week or so. All of the information will be made available on the website shortly so be sure to check back regularly!
Sorry, forgot to answer the owner question. The football decisions with the Knights are being made and will be made by the coaches. Some people didn't like this, but that is in our opinion the best way to do this. The non-football decisions are being made by a board of players/coaches/staff. For example- team colors, name, bank account, field of play, marketing ideas, etc. all go through the board of players/coaches/staff. Player personnel, playing time, schedule decisions are being made by the coaches. Issues have been and will be discussed both formally and informally between the coaches and the members of the board. This team is a reflection of ALL of its players, coaches, and staff. Thanks for the question. Feel free to register on our website at the "Court" icon -this is our team message board- if you would like to discuss any team issues.
What credentials do these individuals have? Many times in semi-pro it seems that your average Joe believes he/she can coach a team and call the shots. Not trying to cause trouble, just have never heard these names in the past. Am pretty familiar with the Lions and have never heard mention of a Tony Martin. I see in the info section below that you have the # 39 posted after your name. Are you also a player? Is Shawn new to the sport of semi-pro football?
Regarding credentials - Coach Martin played for a few years with the Lions and coached there for a year. He considers himself an "average Joe" if you will. What Tony brings to the table is a relentless work ethic, a desire to be the best he can be in his personal and professional life, and a genuine sense of devotion to all of his players (basketball and football). One thing that I noticed about Tony in the past is that he takes as much time (if not more)with players that some deem as "marginal" or "role players" if you will. We've heard him many times state his goals for this season and the seasons to come - to 1)have a great time together (speaking of EVERYONE involved with the team) and to 2)compete for a league title. It's very clear that he understands that surrounding himself with good people is key - thus complimenting his strengths with the strengths of others. It is also clear that he has been able to keep this whole thing we call semi-pro ball in perspective. "It's truly about having a good time with GOOD people. The reality is, our success is way more dependant upon the efforts of preparation on the part of our players and coaches than any other factor. People can always look to point out perceived shortcomings in an effort to poke holes in what we've put together. We can't be and won't be concerned with that sort of thing. Most people see right through that for what it is - an effort to salvage their own agendas. People that buy into what we're all about are welcome to not only be a part of it, but help build it and have a true sense of ownership."
Sean Huffman has coached at the high school level for the past 10 years. He has coached various facets of the game (OL, DL, LB's, as well as Def. Coord.). He has observed semi-pro ball for a couple of years. He chose to not return to high school ball this year so that he could spend more time with his family. Coach Huffman attends coaching clinics and coaches round-tables regularly and plans to continue this. Coach Huffman has an excellent relationship with many of the area high school coaches - this will in all likelyhood bode well with recruiting. "I'm truly excited. I've had a chance to watch film on and talk with some of the guys that will be playing with the Knights. Good guys. Guys that want to have fun and compete at a high level of football. I've known Tony for years and I know that he puts everything he has into what he's doing and the people that he's invlolved with. When I decided to take a break from coaching, I wasn't really sure about the whole semi-pro thing. He's definately re-energized me and a number of the players that I've talked to in the recent weeks. With him, it's just obviously about more than just football."
Info on additional coaches will be made available soon via the website (www.ohioknightsfootball.com). All future inquiries should be posted on the Ohio Knights message board (Court) or sent to info@ohioknightsfootball.com . Thanks for your genuine interest in the Ohio Knights Football Club!
Garrett Hoke
Ohio Knights Football PR
ghoke@ohioknightsfootball.com