THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604040478
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
The Hampton Roads Sharks minor league football team has purchased the archrival Peninsula Poseidons and is looking for a new head coach, owner T.J. Morgan announced Wednesday.
The Sharks purchased the Peninsula Poseidons in what Morgan called a consolidation of the teams.
Although Peninsula players are invited to try out for the Sharks, no real union of the two teams seems apparent. Morgan isn't sure if any of the Peninsula coaches would be asked to remain and Sharks home games will not be played on the Peninsula.
``We considered playing (some games) at Todd Stadium and the opportunity may be there,'' Morgan said. ``But all indicators are that the facility will not be available for any games during the regular season.
``But if we can play any scrimmages over there, we would welcome that.''
Morgan also announced that head coach Red Stickney has been advised by his doctor to retire and has been named the director of football operations - leaving the team searching for a head coach.
``It's very unfortunate for the Sharks,'' Morgan said, adding that the organization is accepting applications.
Moreover, the Mason-Dixon Football League has expanded from eight to 10 teams despite the exit of three teams from last season. Two other teams were voted out by league owners.
The Sharks have also moved all five home games from the Center for Effective Learning Stadium to Kempsville High School, Morgan's alma mater.
``And if we have the need in the future, we have talked to officials at Norfolk State University to play there in 1997,'' Morgan said.
Hampton Roads will also begin on May 18 three weeks of NFL-type combine drills to select players for this year's squad, which has been expanded to keep 45 players as well as 15 taxi squad members. MEMO: Anyone interested in the Sharks coaching position can contact Morgan at
463-6741. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
'96 SCHEDULE
[For complete graphic, please see microfilm]
by CNB