EVERETT – T.P. Brown is no P.T. Barnum.
Rather than barking up a storm, the Everett Hawks’ vice president of sales and operations – and interim general manager – has taken a more methodical approach to his duties as the front office makes preparations for the upcoming 2007 season.
Brown, who previously worked for the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA, joined the Everett staff last fall and was elevated to the interim GM post in late November.
Brown said he is cognizant of the problems the second-year af2 team has faced, but he’s not dwelling on the past.
“It’s imperative to move positively into the future,” said Brown.
“First and foremost we had to implement the structural organization required in professional sports.”
The team’s marketing efforts with both the business community and fans has been promising.
“We’re in the process of re-branding our name,” Brown said. “People are coming back onboard.”
Brown declined to provide precise numbers, but said season ticket sales are ahead of last year’s pace.
The team has set a goal of 3,000 season ticket sales and 1,000 group ticket sales.
“That’s what we’re shooting for and it’s obtainable,” Brown said.
Brown said he enjoys the full support of team owner Sam Adams in his efforts to ensure the team’s long-term success.
“Everything we do is within Sam’s vision,” Brown said. “Everything we do comes straight from the top.”
Everett opens its season at Tulsa on March 31st. The home opener is May 6 against Central Valley.
Hawks hold open tryout: Everett will conduct an open tryout from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, under the watchful eye of first-year head coach Cedric Walker. The tryout will be held at Velocity Sports, 12407 Mukilteo Speedway, Lynnwood. The cost is $60. Top prospects will be invited to an additional Saturday tryout from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Snohomish Soccer Dome, 511 Maple Avenue, Snohomish.
Former Hawks Baker, Brockman, Thomas sign elsewhere: As expected several former Hawks, including quarterback Brian Baker and WR/LB Hassan Brockman have signed with the expansion Cincinnati Jungle Kats who are coached by former Everett assistant coach Tony Missick. Adams and Ken Griffey Jr. are two of the team’s owners.
Baker, a two-year veteran from Austin Peay, started the final nine games for Everett last season completing 172 of 289 passes for 2,250 yards with 51 TDs and eight interceptions.
In 2006 Brockman – an original member of the franchise who also starred for Everett in the 2005 NIFL season – led Everett in receptions (80), TD catches (17), kickoff return yardage (586), all-purpose yards (1,483) and was No. 2 in receiving yardage (789).
Cincinnati also signed former Hawks wide receivers Deontrae Johnson and LeJuan Edwards.
Wide Receiver J.R. Thomas, who had 908 all-purpose yards and caught 12 TD passes for Everett in five games last season, signed with the expansion Tri-Cities Fever, who are coached by former Hawks coach Tony Wells.
Put on your (video) game face: EA Sports will release its “AFL: Road to Glory,” game on February 27. More than 40 teams from the AFL and af2 including Everett will be represented in the game. Players will be able to compete for the af2 title. They can also promote their players to the AFL and compete for that title.
“It’s exciting when you can be your own hometown team,” Brown said.
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