Fort Wayne FireHawks
The Fort Wayne FireHawks were a professional indoor football team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The team joined the Continental Indoor Football League as an expansion team during the 2010 season. The FireHawks were the fourth attempt at indoor football in Fort Wayne after the original Fort Wayne Freedom (NIFL & UIF, 2003–06), Fort Wayne Fusion (af2, 2007), and the second Fort Wayne Freedom (CIFL, 2008–09). The Owner of the FireHawks was Championship Sports Enterprises LLC. The FireHawks played their home games at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
| Fort Wayne FireHawks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Established 2009 Folded 2011 Played in Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana | ||
| ||
| League/conference affiliations | ||
| Continental Indoor Football League (2010) | ||
| Team colors | Black, red, white | |
| Cheerleaders | Lady Hawks | |
| Personnel | ||
| Owner(s) | Championship Sports Enterprises, LLC | |
| President | J. Michael Loomis | |
| General manager | J. Michael Loomis | |
| Head coach | Willie Davis Jr. | |
| Team history | ||
| ||
| Championships | ||
| League championships (0) | ||
| Conference championships (0) | ||
| Division championships (0) | ||
| Playoff appearances (1) | ||
| Home arena(s) | ||
The team saw financial problems before the season had started, when Co-Owner and General Manager, John Christner, was unable to stay with the team. As a result, J. Michael Loomis became the sole owner and only principal of Championship Sports Enterprises, and attempted to filed an LLC. With Christner's departure, Loomis became general manager, handling day-to-day operations of the team. Following the 2010 season, Loomis attempted to find additional investors or buyers of the team, without success. The team sat out the 2011 season. Before the 2011 season ended, Loomis sought to reorganize the CIFL, but when those negotiations broke down, Loomis decided against rejoining the CIFL. There were media reports that the FireHawks, along with several members of the CIFL, were going to form the Stadius Football Association (SFA), to be based in Indianapolis. The new league did not materialize after two teams, Marion and Cincinnati, joined the United Indoor Football League almost as quickly as the press release was floated. Thereafter, the FireHawks did not attempt to re-join the CIFL, nor did it join another league.
Franchise history
2010
In November, 2009, the FireHawks were announced as the succession team to the Freedom.[1] Owners J. Michael Loomis and John Christner purchased the assets left from the Fort Wayne Freedom franchise who had played the two seasons before the FireHawks were announced.[1] Christner's first action as General Manager was naming former Freedom Head Coach, Willie Davis head coach.[2] On December 9, 2009, it was confirmed that Loomis and Christner would take over the entities that used to run the Freedom.[3] Before the season started, the team announced they had signed Katie Hnida as the team's placekicker. Hnida is best known for becoming the first woman to score a point in an NCAA football game and speaking out during the recruiting scandal at her first school, the University of Colorado.[4]
The FireHawks suffered a loss in their first game as a franchise April 2, 2010, a 55–27 loss to the Cincinnati Commandos.[5] During the game, the FireHawks also lost their quarterback, Adam Gibson, during the game, leaving the FireHawks searching for another quarterback before the next week.[6] The FireHawks earned their first victory April 10, 2010, 44–28 against the Miami Valley Silverbacks, as new quarterback, Kota Carone-Colors, paced the team with seven touchdown passes.[7] Throughout the season the team experienced many ups and downs, none lower than a 0–49 defeat at the hands of the Wisconsin Wolfpack.[8] Three weeks into the season, the FireHawks received a blow, when co-owner and general manager John Christner left the organization. Loomis became the sole owner and general manager.[9] The FireHawks' showed no effects from the front office problems, as the following week the team came out and defeated the Chicago Cardinals 69–45, but the team played without Hnida, as a blood clot on her foot put her out for the season.[10] The FireHawks got a quick chance at revenge against the Wolfpack, but they failed losing 32–33 as they couldn't score from the 1-yard line with seconds left, as backup quarterback, Mike Whitaker's pass sailed over the hands of Jermaine Woolfolk.[11] The FireHawks would win their next game against Miami Valley, 26–8.[12] During the week before the team's first game at the Marion Mayhem, Loomis stated that the team would continue to play despite its mounting financial struggles.[13] The Mayhem, who were having financial problems of their own, forced the FireHawks next game back to June 12.[14] The FireHawks would continue their season the following week against the undefeated Commandos, losing 49–46 after leading by 12 with 4:12 left in the game.[15] The team was scheduled to play the Mayhem the next week, but the franchise folded.[16] The folding of Marion credited the FireHawks with two forfeit wins.[17] Several Marion players were signed by Fort Wayne for the FireHawks' playoff run.[18] The FireHawks shutout the Chicago Cardinals 48–0.[19] The FireHawks finished 6–4 during the 2010 Continental Indoor Football League season, earning a third-seed in the playoffs.[20] In the only playoff game in team history, the FireHawks lost to the second-seeded Wisconsin 25–24.[21] According to The Journal Gazette, former players say they are still owed from the 2010 season. Team owner Mike Loomis did not confirm or deny the reports in that article.[22] The team drew about 2,000 fans per game, according to CIFL stats. After the season, Loomis tried to sell the team,[23] but the chance of the team being sold was doubtful.[24]
2011
Loomis failed to find investors for the team after the 2010 season. In December 2010, owner J. Michael Loomis issued a statement saying that the team would not play in 2011, stopping short of suspending operations. Loomis did say he would try to regroup for 2012.[25][26] On June 30, 2011, press reports stated the FireHawks would be returning, in the newly formed Stadius Football Association.[27][28] The SFA never materialized and the teams named to the league have since joined other leagues.
Season-by-season
| Season | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne FireHawks (CIFL) | |||||
| 2010 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 3rd | Lost Semifinals (Wisconsin Wolfpack) |
| Totals | 6 | 5 | 0 | (including playoffs) | |
Notable coaches
Head coaches
| Name | Term | Regular season | Playoffs | Awards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | Win% | W | L | |||
| Willie Davis Jr. | 2010 | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | 0 | 1 | |
Coaching staff
| Fort Wayne FireHawks staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coach
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
| |||||
Final roster
| Fort Wayne FireHawks roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
|
Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
|
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Kickers
|
Injured reserve
Inactive
Updated June 19, 2010 | |||
Franchise leaders
Passing
- Completions: Kota-Carone Colors (71)
- Attempts: Kota-Carone Colors (155)
- Touchdowns: Kota-Carone Colors (14)
- Interceptions: Kota-Carone Colors (9)
- Yards: Kota-Carone Colors (694)
- Completion Percentage: Kota-Carone Colors (45.8)
- QB Rating: Kota-Carone Colors (92.3)
- Average Yards per Game: Kota-Carone Colors (86.8)
Rushing
- Attempts: Kota-Carone Colors (42)
- Yards: Kota-Carone Colors (235)
- Average Yards per Carry: Justin Wynn (9.0)
- Touchdowns: Tramaine Billie (6)
- Long: Justin Wynn (33)
- Average Yards per Game: Victor Tolbert (36.5)
Receiving
- Receptions: Justin Wynn (25)
- Yards: Justin Wynn (358)
- Average Yards per Reception: Kota-Carone Colors (17.0)
- Touchdowns: Justin Wynn (8)
- Long: Justin Wynn (45)
- Average Yards per Game: Justin Wynn (44.8)
Defensive
- Interceptions: Paul Carter (5)
- Fumble Recoveries: Tramaine Billie (3)
- Total Tackles: Tramaine Billie (66.5)
- Sacks: Thomas McKenzie (7.5)
- Tackles For Loss: Andrew Schrock (9.5)
Special teams
- Field Goals Made: 3 Tied (0)
- Field Goals Attempted: Brian Clawson (5)
- Kickoff Returns: Brandon Walker-Roby (18)
- Kickoff Return Yards: Brandon Walker-Roby (320)
- Kickoff Return Touchdowns: Brandon Walker-Roby/Justin Wynn (1)
Scoring/Total Offense
- Total Touchdowns: Tramaine Billie (12)
- Total Points Scored: Tramaine Billie (74)
- Total Offense: Kota-Carone Colors (920)
- Total Offense per Game: Kota-Carone Colors (115)
- All Purpose Yards: Justin Wynn (663)
Passing
- Completions: Kota-Carone Colors (17) April 10, 2010
- Attempts: Kota-Carone Colors (32) April 16, 2010
- Touchdowns: Kota-Carone Colors (7) April 10, 2010
- Interceptions: Justin Wynn (4) April 2, 2010
- Yards: Kota-Carone Colors (200) April 10, 2010
- Long: Kota-Carone Colors (45) April 10, 2010
- Completion Percentage: Kota-Carone Colors (66%) May 9, 2010
Rushing
- Attempts: Victor Tolbert (13) June 19, 2010
- Yards: Justin Wynn (85) April 2, 2010
- Touchdowns: Tramaine Billie (4) May 22, 2010
- Long: Justin Wynn (33) April 2, 2010
Receiving
- Receptions: Justin Wynn/Brandon Walker-Roby (7) Both on April 10, 2010. Walker-Roby again on April 16, 2010
- Yards: Justin Wynn (114) April 10, 2010
- Touchdowns: Justin Wynn (4) April 10, 2010
- Long: Justin Wynn (45) April 10, 2010
Defensive
- Interceptions: Terry Moore/Paul Carter (2) Moore on June 5, 2010. Carter on April 10 and May 22, 2010
- Fumble Recoveries: Several Tied (1)
- Total Tackles: Tramaine Billie (15) April 24, 2010
- Sacks: Thomas McKenzie (5.5) June 5, 2010 (Also a CIFL single game record)
- Tackles For Loss: Thomas McKenzie (6) June 5, 2010
Special teams
- Field Goals Made: 3 Tied (0)
- Field Goals Attempted: Brian Clawson (4) May 22, 2010
- Kickoff Returns: Brandon Walker-Roby (7) April 16, 2010
- Kickoff Return Yards: Brandon Walker-Roby (137) April 24, 2010
- Kickoff Return Long: Justin Wynn (57) May 22, 2010
- Kickoff Return Touchdowns: Brandon Walker-Roby/Justin Wynn (1) Walker-Roby on April 24, 2010. Wynn on May 22, 2010
- Missed Field Goal Return Long: Mike Tatum (41) June 5, 2010
Scoring/Total Offense
- Total Touchdowns: Justin Wynn/Tramaine Billie (4) Wynn on April 10, 2010. Billie on May 22, 2010
- Total Points Scored: Tramaine Billie (32) May 22, 2010
- Total Offense: Justin Wynn (118) April 10, 2010
- All Purpose: Brandon Walker-Roby (178) April 24, 2010
References
- Stacy Clardie (November 17, 2009). "Next up: Fort Wayne Firehawks". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
- "Ex-Freedom coach takes over FireHawks". The Journal Gazette. November 20, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "Judge advances steps to acquire FireHawks". The Journal Gazette. December 9, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Reggie Hayes (March 31, 2010). "FireHawks' new kicker rekindling her dream". The News-Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (April 3, 2010). "FireHawks lose QB, opener". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (April 10, 2010). "2 QBs to take snaps for FireHawks". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (April 11, 2010). "New QB produces in FireHawks 1st win". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (April 17, 2010). "FireHawks QBs endure difficult night". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks' Loomis now team's sole owner". The Journal Gazette. April 23, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks rebound, trounce Cardinals". The News-Sentinel. April 26, 2010.
- Stacy Clardie (May 2, 2010). "FireHawks lose by one at Wisconsin". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Greg Jones (May 10, 2010). "FireHawks move into tie for 3rd in CIFL". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (May 13, 2010). "Owner: FireHawks will play despite financial challenges". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (May 15, 2010). "FireHawk's game pushed to June 12". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks can't hold off final Commandos charge". The News-Sentinel. May 24, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (May 27, 2010). "FireHawks' final home game is off". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (May 28, 2010). "Folded franchise cost FireHawks". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (June 13, 2010). "'New' FireHawks prep for postseason". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks dominate Chicago in 48-0 rout". The Journal Gazette. June 6, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Reggie Hayes (June 18, 2010). "Tough playoffs for FireHawks". The News-Sentinel. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks' season ends on bitter note". The Journal Gazette. June 20, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "Indoor football could return to city". The Journal Gazette. July 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks Owner Confirms Team For Sale". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. June 14, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (June 22, 2010). "FireHawks vague on payrool, future". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "Firehawks won't play in 2011". The News-Sentinel. December 31, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Stacy Clardie (December 30, 2010). "No surprise: FireHawks won't play in 2011". The Journal Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- "FireHawks joining new league". www.wane.com. WANE. June 30, 2011. Archived from the original on March 20, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- Tom Davis (July 2, 2011). "Fire Wayne FireHawks to try again in new 2012 league". The News-Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2012.