By P.J. Harmer
Staff Writer
The New York Stallions have upgraded for Version 2.0.
The Oneonta-based adult football team announced Wednesday that it will play its four home games for the upcoming Empire Football League season at Hartwick College's Wright Stadium.
"We're definitely honored and privileged to be playing there," Stallions owner Del Anthony said. "We thank them for believing in what we're trying to do for the community. I'm proud of the direction everything has gone and how it's shaped itself."
The Stallions will play home games in the seven-team league July 17 (vs. Amsterdam), Aug. 14 (Vermont), Aug. 28 (Plattsburgh) and Sept. 18 (Broome County).
Kick off will be at 7:30 p.m. for each game.
The Stallions also will play five road games, including their season opener at the Broome County Dragons on July 10.
The EFL playoffs are Oct. 2 with the league championship slated for Oct. 9.
Wright Stadium is a long way from where the Stallions found themselves last season as they played on a makeshift field at Fortin Park in the Town of Oneonta. The Stallions, who played their inaugural season in the Regional American Football League, went 0-10 and were outscored, 529-18.
A tumultuous offseason followed as the Stallions left the RAFL for the EFL and several former players bolted to start their own RAFL team _ the Leatherstocking Indians.
"This group seems to be family-oriented and they want to bring something fun and different to town," Hartwick athletic director Debbie Warren said. "We talked a lot to them and they talked a lot to us. ... Hopefully this group of excited and passionate people will succeed. They seem to be well-sponsored and have a lot of people in their corner who want to see them succeed."
A year seemed to make a difference for Hartwick, which had been approached by the Stallions after Anthony took over the team in June of 2009. A month earlier, Stallions founder Don Stanton Sr. was arrested as a fugitive of justice and extradited to Harrison, Ark., to face two felony counts of theft of property.
"Last year, they were coming off an owner who was arrested," Warren said. "We partner with people who we feel are good partnerships and at the time, we didn't have the confidence they were serious, here to stay and family-oriented. They did a great job on a (public-relations) campaign and have been active in community service. They've developed relationships in the community that strengthens their image."
Stallions' operations manager Angela Eardley said the team started talking with Hartwick in September. The college made a verbal commitment in February, she said, and a contract was set soon after.
See STALLIONS on Page 13
Warren, Eardley and Anthony declined to reveal what it will cost the Stallions to use Wright Stadium. Warren said Hartwick wasn't out to gouge the team, but the Stallions had to cover costs for lights and custodial staff, among other things.
Warren also said the Stallions will control the gate and ticket prices. Concessions will be sold, she said, but the two sides are still negotiating who will run them.
Eardley said the team is still discussing ticket prices.
"Let's just say it will be very reasonable and affordable to go to a Stallions football game," Anthony said.
Warren said the Stallions will set up normal gameday personnel, such as security and EMTs. She added that the college has asked them to give Hartwick staffers the first shot at working the games, but if they weren't available, the Stallions could select people who would be trained by the college.
"There's an expectation that they'll take care of it like it's their home," Warren said.
Warren also said the contract covers usage of the field and facilities, which include locker rooms in Binder Hall and occasional practices.
Eardley said the Stallions have a verbal agreement with another place to practice in the area, but she declined to identify the venue.
Eardley and Anthony also said the Stallions' roster wasn't set as of Wednesday. Eardley said 30 players have signed contracts, and Anthony said a roster will be released within a month.
"We are still actively recruiting," Eardley said. "In a perfect world, it would be wonderful to have one team in the area. It's not the way it's working out, so we're moving forward and continuing to recruit. We'll eventually get the numbers we need. It certainly looks better than last year."
P.J. Harmer can be reached at pharmer@thedailystar.com or 607-432-1000, ext. 229.
