Hi gang:
After taking the weekend off to celebrate the Jewish holiday, I noticed the area's minor league football team -- the Hudson Valley Saints -- was eliminated from playoff contention in the North American Football League.
On many levels I felt sorry for the team, because the face of the organization since the inception of the latest reincarnation for summer football three years ago -- head coach Jeff DeLisio -- is one of my personal favorite coaches to deal with.
Jeff's a likable fellow who, WIN OR LOSE, is easily accessible to the media -- a trait MANY area coaches don't display.
After two successful seasons on the field that resulted in playoff berths and national rankings, the Saints fell on hard times, struggling to finish with a .500 record. There were injuries, no-shows and a late ownership change.
Off the field, the Saints have struggled to find an audience, with home attendance at Dietz Stadium barely reaching triple digits at best.
In my dealings with the various summer football teams that have appeared and disappeared in the area -- from the Hudson Valley Vikings to the Kingston Panthers to the Hudson Valley Giants and now the Hudson Valley Saints, maintaining a fan base has seemingly always been a problem.
I've always contended football in the summer does not work around here because there are too many other things to do on a hot night than sit and watch a fall-time-of-the-year game. It has nothing to do with the caliber of play, which has been pretty good for the most part over the years. I just don't think sitting in Dietz watching football in August is something you circle on your calendar.
The new owner, Drew Murphy of Colonial Motorcars, is undoubtedly a savvy businessman. For their sake, I'm sure the Saints hope that savvy translates into increased attendance or it might not be too far down the road when there will be yet another void in minor league football in the area.
Until next time, take care and God bless.