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High Country Grizzlies To Join the Arena Developmental League After Folding of AIFL

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Coach Moore, High Country Grizzlies Head Coach Josh Resignalo and majority owner Donald Thompson at a press conference last week announcing the formation of the AIFL team.

The High Country Grizzlies professional arena football team will hold a press conference on Thursday, July 21 at 9:30 a.m. EDT to confirm its affiliation with the Arena Developmental League (ADL). The Grizzlies were among the first teams invited to join the new league after an announcement that the Arena Indoor Football League (AIFL) would cease operations.

The press conference will be held at the Grizzlies’ offices, located at 206 South Gate Drive, Suite 21B in Boone.

“Excellence is demonstrated by creating a winning culture that succeeds in a highly competitive arena,” majority owner Donald Thompson said. “We believe the ADL provides the best platform for us to live up to our potential as an organization.”

Among the teams from the AIFL responsible for the formation of the new league are defending champions Columbus (Georgia) Lions and the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks.  Columbus owner Skip Seda said that the organization will create a first class league structure aimed at securing professional football opportunities for players and coaches.

“This affiliation will give our players an opportunity to chase their dreams and gain exposure on a broader scale,” noted William Thompson, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.

ADL commissioner John Gregory said the league will focus on proficiency and simplicity as it strives to achieve successboth on and off the field.

The ADL’s mission is “to consistently provide reasonably priced, family entertainment by vetted Arena/Indoor football teams and do so with honor and integrity towards our sponsors, fans, and supporters in the communities in which we serve.”

Appalachian State University’s George Holmes Convocation Center will house the High Country Grizzlies for its inaugural season beginning March 2017.  More information about the Grizzlies can be found at www.highcountrygrizzlies.com.