Returning Division Champs OKC Lightning Start New Season
The 2003 Midwest Division Champion OKC Lightning women’s football team of the National Women’s Football Association open its 2004 season on Saturday, April 17th at home against the Austin Outlaws. All home games are played at Taft Stadium, located at NW 27th and May, and begin at 7:05 p.m.
The Lightning consists of 41 women dedicated to bringing an NWFA Championship to Oklahoma City. The team is lead by twenty-two returning players and 19 who are new to the roster.
A potent offense that averaged over 30 points a game features a bruising running attack lead by tailback Iliana Calderon and fullbacks Holly Seales and Sunshine Sass. However the passing game is just as effective under the direction of quarterbacks Kim Mitchell, Tammy Raiber and Christy Poage throwing to sure-handed wide receivers Lameshia Roland, Christen Lozano, Ashley Gothard and tight end Lacey Schulz. The offensive line is anchored by Rochelle Ware, Dana Combs, Kris Williams, Mary English and Tammy Bowden.
Leading a defense that surrendered points begrudgingly will be linebackers Shannon Ford, Bo Stefanik, and Brooke Newburn. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be defensive linemen Bendee Zuck, Shonna Jones, Deanna Jones and Mary Arbuckle. Lead by free safety Lisa Rorick, the defensive backfield makes up in speed what it lacks in size. Lisa is joined by speedsters Jessie Worthy, Erika Briseno, Kristie Smith, Tammy Raiber and Phoebe Thurman.
The OKC Lightning also boasts one of the premiere coaching staffs in the league. Head coaches, Coco Bulock and Mike Harris are joined on the sideline by position coaches Bo Dobson, Calvin Bishop, Les Worthen, and Jim Davis. All of these coaches bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to the game.
Last year, the Lightning averaged 375 fans per game. This year we want to put 1,000 fans in the stadium and there’s no reason we can’t do that. Ticket prices are affordable, and the entertainment this season will be nonstop. We will have cheerleaders, halftime contests and entertainment, music and top rate football. It’s the best deal in town.
The Lightning plays an exciting all-out brand of football and is intent on bringing a championship home to OKC. Jump on the bandwagon and go for an exciting ride.
And we still need volunteers to work the games. We are still signing up halftime and pre-game entertainment and we need businesses to become our partners in marketing. Anyone interested should contact Donna Morris at 642-9846 or visit our website. The league website is here.