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Post by Drew Galyardt on Jan 30, 2017 9:00:29 GMT -8
SCtoC Media Contact: Drew Galyardt d.galyardt17@yahoo.com 1/30/17 --
LOVELAND, CO - With the 2016 season long gone, the Crush head into 2017 with a change in ownership, a new head coach, and a feeling of excitement.
Jose Jefferson, 46, became the third head coach in franchise history, the second during the Crush era. Receiving the position after winning more than 70% of the fan vote back in October, Coach Jefferson brings 11 years of coaching experience in indoor football, 10 years of college experience, and brings 5 years playing experience in the Arena Football League. With an impressive 83-52 coaching record, Jefferson is ready and feels more than prepared to put a competitive team on the field.
Bringing in so much experience, there obviously is a lot of pressure on the new coach to bring the Crush to new heights, but he isn't concerned about that pressure quite yet. "Everyone wants to be number one, but nobody wants to be first. We just have to fight the battles in front of us, leave the past seasons behind us." When asked about returning players from the old ownership era and how it is affecting the team so far, Coach Jefferson says he isn't worried. "There were changes that were made, but it has injected energy into the players, we have made changes, and it's very exciting to begin a new era of Crush football."
Colorado is looking to improve on a dismal 4-12 season in 2016, finishing 4th in the Intense conference, and finishing with a 2-5 home record. The Crush only got outscored 849-914 though last season, behind the second highest passer in the league last year, Damien Fleming, and the wide receiver with the most yards per game, Demarius Washington. Coach Jefferson said going into training camp: “We are going to be as competitive as any other team. I'm feeling comfortable with the players so far, but I only have one fear, and that's to cut guys that could go somewhere and hurt us.”
When asked about his biggest fear, Coach laughed and played it cool. “I’m trying not to throw up leading to the home opener.” *laughs* “It’s nerve racking, but we just can’t make it bigger than it is. We have to prepare for success to make sure that we don’t lose, not just the physical game, but the mental game over the course of the season. That carries over into the next week and we can’t afford to let it affect the current game we are playing. We have to focus on one game at a time.”
When asked about the mentality he is bringing to Colorado, Coach Jefferson responded "There will be a lot of excitement, hits, and we will always come for a fight. But the thing I can promise you is we will never be out-hit, out-played, or out hustled.”
This is the Crush’s 10th anniversary being in existence, their 9th in the Indoor Football League.
- DG
EDIT: Quarterback Damien Fleming will not return to the Crush this season. Fleming, a Jacksonville, FL native, signed with the Jacksonville Sharks in December. With the Crush last season, Fleming played 14 regular season games, and completed 241 passes for 2,745 yards and 57 touchdowns.
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Post by Nevadanut on Jan 30, 2017 18:50:56 GMT -8
I think he has a lot of enthusiasm. He definitely expects big things from his team, as a head coach should. I believe we're in for something special this season from the Crush. I can definitely see them in the playoffs this season.
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Post by Kasey on Jan 31, 2017 6:38:19 GMT -8
it will help Coach Jefferson that he's had some time to get ready for this season rather than being thrown into the fire late. he was hired quickly after Project FANchise purchased the team. that should really help as they have been preparing for the season.
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Post by afrats on Feb 3, 2017 13:26:44 GMT -8
This is going to be a very fun season. Coach Jefferson has put together a very strong team from the other coaches all the way down through the players. That have been having great practices and this team is going to be fun to watch. New ownership...new uniforms...new coaching staff...and pretty much a whole new team to come and watch. I know I am ready for that first game on 26 February...can't get here fast enough!!!
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Post by Nevadanut on Feb 6, 2017 11:38:53 GMT -8
This is going to be a very fun season. Coach Jefferson has put together a very strong team from the other coaches all the way down through the players. That have been having great practices and this team is going to be fun to watch. New ownership...new uniforms...new coaching staff...and pretty much a whole new team to come and watch. I know I am ready for that first game on 26 February...can't get here fast enough!!! I'm looking forward to the season too. It seems like the Crush and Screaming Eagles were active with player recruiting from the get go. The Empire got out of the gate early. There is plenty of excitement league-wide. |
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Post by afrats on Feb 6, 2017 19:16:33 GMT -8
And just imagine if the Crush hadn't been so far behind because of their ownerless time. They are going to be exciting to watch and I can't wait to be involved with the organization. The coaching staff and the owners are all great guys. EVERYTHING is new...they even announced their new uniforms today. Orange helmets and they all look fantastic!!!
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Post by David on Feb 6, 2017 19:31:20 GMT -8
And just imagine if the Crush hadn't been so far behind because of their ownerless time. They are going to be exciting to watch and I can't wait to be involved with the organization. The coaching staff and the owners are all great guys. EVERYTHING is new...they even announced their new uniforms today. Orange helmets and they all look fantastic!!! And, according to the IFL, the Crush will be the only team rocking Orange helmets this season - unless the Empire come up with an alternate helmet! I do like the new uniforms. Did the team stick with Nike or did they go to a different uniform supplier? |
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Post by afrats on Feb 7, 2017 7:01:54 GMT -8
Yeah the orange helmets look real good...especially with the dark facemask. I am not sure if they are Nike or what they might be. I will see them this weekend, so I will report after that.
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Post by Kasey on Feb 7, 2017 11:18:23 GMT -8
the helmets look good. It's not a cheesy orange, but a bold orange.
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