THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 29, 1995 TAG: 9509290640
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Dreams of greatness for the Hampton Roads Sharks are being realized considerably sooner than even those involved with the team ever imagined.
The first-year management team headed by Dr. T.J. Morgan wrote in its mission statement to have the Sharks organization recognized as one of the best in minor league football.
That goal became reality this week when the American Football Association - the governing body for the country's nearly 250 minor league teams - moved the Sharks up from No. 8 to No. 4 in the weekly top-20 national poll.
``We're very excited right now,'' said Morgan, who serves as the team's president and offensive coordinator. ``To be No. 4 in only our first year says a lot for our people in the organization. The opportunities are really starting to open up for us.''
Three of the top four teams lost last weekend, leaving the Kokomo, Ind., Mustangs as the new No. 1 team, followed by Dayton, Oh., Oregon, Wash., and Hampton Roads.
The Sharks (7-0) look to strengthen their position when they take on the Fredericksburg Generals Saturday at CEL Stadium.
If the Sharks can stay in the top five, there is a good chance the team will be invited to play in the AFA Super Bowl in Orlando, Fla. At the very least, the team could receive an invitation for one of several inaugural AFA regional bowl games.
According to AFA president Ron Real, the top five teams are considered for the title game and who goes depends on which two teams can afford the trip.
``Some just can't afford it,'' he said. ``The bowl games will work the same way. The top teams will get invited and the ones that can go will play.''
EUROPEAN (WORKING) VACATION: The Sharks have been invited to play in the Global All-American game May 18 at London's Crystal Palace against the London Olympians - a former runner-up in the World League of American Football.
That trip could cost the Sharks $80,000. The team's application to play must be in by Nov. 18.
``Right now, I'd say we're committed to coming up with the funds and making the trip,'' Morgan said. ``The reality is that everything comes down to dollars and cents. So many things are happening for us right now and it's all very exciting for us.'' by CNB