Kent, Washington, December 17 — Today Kent Predators‘ director of operations Jim Granacker held a “meet and greet” session at ShoWare Center to talk to members of the community and to explain who the Kent Predators are and hope to become. The new team is one of 26 in the Indoor Football League (IFL), along with newbie team the Green Bay Blizzard.
“Indoor football is fast-paced tackle football,” Granacker explained at the meeting.
Kent was one of three top choices for the fledgling team (Everett, WA and Wasilla, AK were the other two options), but Kent prevailed because the ShoWare Center seemed an ideal venue for the IFL. Tryouts for the team begin this weekend in Tacoma. From there, team organizers will travel to various locations around the country until 45 potential players are identified. Those 45 will go to training camp and eventually be whittled down to a group of 30 players, including the practice team.
Players must be at least 18 years old to participate, but there is no age maximum. The average player ranges from 21 to 27 years of age, according to Granacker who previously worked with the LaCrosse Spartans, an IFL team in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
The team’s season will kick off on March 12 at ShoWare Center with seven games played at home. Team members will receive compensation of $225 per week, plus a $25 “win bonus” per game. In addition, most will work part-time jobs in the Kent area to support themselves.
Granacker said the Kent Predators are not just a football team; they plan to become community partners as well, hosting fundraisers and getting involved in local nonprofits. To date, the team has identified three key causes to partner with including Pediatric Interim Care Center, Dynamic Family Services and Kent Youth and Family Services.
“We want to find the balance between winning football games and community outreach,” Granacker said.
The team’s community support will include working with local high schools, perhaps sharing the proceeds of game-night 50/50 raffles.
For more information about Kent Predators, visit their website or contact Granacker at 253-239-3254. For ticket information, send an email to the ticket office.
