Return of the Kats
Charliy Nash
Monday August 2, 2004
And the banner on the wall made the news even sweeter: 2005 Nashville Kats season tickets are now available.
The Kats are back!
Titans` owner K. S. "Bud" Adams explained that for him this brought things full circle. "Forty five years ago we had a meeting where we started the AFL, the American Football League. Today, I`m pleased to announce that the Nashville Kats are back."
Adams then turned the podium over to the man he had the foresight to hire three years ago "because he`s the best I`ve seen at recognizing talent," head coach Pat Sperduto.
Sperduto explained that his time with the Tennessee Titans, learning all he could from Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Floyd Reese, has been very valuable. "I got my Masters degree from two great professors," he revealed. "Coach Fisher teaches patience, and that`s one thing that stuck in my mind. If anyone here doubts that I have been patient, then you have issues!"
A new face in Nashville, but no stranger to Arena Football, was General Manager Bob Flynn. He brings 14 years of AFL experience to his position, having also worked for the Orlando Predators and the Los Angeles Avengers. Flynn has hit the ground running and is completely focused on selling tickets (available now at 615-565-4700 or katstickets@titans.nfl.com).
There was one little touch, one moment after the actual press conference was over that brought home both how real it was and how special the Arena Football League really is. As I approached Commissioner Baker he gave me a wave of recognition, then shook my hand and said the words Nashville has been waiting to hear.
"Welcome back!"
Charliy Nash has covered both incarnations of the Nashville Kats, and now has make the 2 hour drive to Huntsville for an Arena Football fix. He also covers the Tennessee Titans as a blogger for nfl.com and still hopes this will eventually lead to a paying gig.
