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Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks

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Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks
Team logo
Founded1991
Closed1991
Based inRaleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
Home fieldCarter–Finley Stadium
LeagueWorld League of American Football (NFL Europe)
ColorsRed, Kelly Green, Black, White
       
Franchise recordRegular Season: 0–10

The Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks were an American football team headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina that played for one season in 1991 in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The name was inspired by the Wright brothers' flights on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The three jet-trails and three planes in flight, as well as the triangle design in the logo, represented the three points of the Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill). The team's cheerleaders were known as the "Kittyhawks."

The name was chosen by Raleigh citizens, the choices being the Skyhawks, Daredevils, or Rogues as published in the News and Observer. The Skyhawks' home field was N.C. State's Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh. Then-Charlotte Hornets owner George Shinn owned the franchise, and the head coach was former NFL player and N.C. State alumnus Roman Gabriel.

The team had a 0–10 record in the 1991 season and averaged 12,066 spectators per game due in part to the lack of beer sales, which were not allowed at (technically) on-campus Carter–Finley Stadium. During the 1991 season, the three Europe-based teams dominated the franchises in North America. In mid season, the Skyhawks came close to beating the Frankfurt Galaxy in Germany, but lost 30-28 to a team that was coached by Jack Elway and finished the season 7-3, considered by some as the league's second best. The Skyhawks folded after their lone season of 1991. To replace them for the 1992 season, the WLAF established a new franchise in Columbus, Ohio, naming it the Ohio Glory. After a two year hiatus, the league resumed in 1995 with new focus as NFL Europe.

The Skyhawks' lack of success did not sour the NFL on the whole state, as in 1995, Charlotte welcomed the expansion Carolina Panthers franchise. Professional sports would return to the Triangle area eight years later when the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL moved there from Greensboro, North Carolina to play ice hockey in their newly constructed arena.

Season-by-season

Season League Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
1991 WLAF 0 10 0 .000 4th (North American East) – – — —
Total 0 10 0 .000 – – —

Personnel

Staff

1991 Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks staff
Front office
  • Owner – George Shinn
  • Vice President/Administration – Wayne Thompson
  • Director of Player Personnel – Ernie Driscoll

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs – Johnnie Walton
  • Receivers/Special Teams – Jim Popp
  • Offensive Line – Buck Fowler
 Defensive coaches


Roster

1991 Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks roster
Quarterbacks
  • 14 Mark Maye
  • 11 Bobby McAllister
  •  6 Joe Pizzo

Running Backs

  • 21 John Burch
  • 30 Bren Lowery
  • 20 Darryl McGill

Wide Receivers

  • 89 Andre Johnson
  • 82 Clarence Seay

Tight Ends

  • 81 Joe Meerten
  • 85 Kevin Sprinkles
 Offensive Linemen
  • 64 Terry Gray G
  • 72 Kelly John-Lewis T
  • 60 Jason Kuipers G
  • 51 Wood Myers T
  • 68 Ruffin Rodrigue G/T

Defensive Linemen

  • 73 David Ammons DE
  • 94 Anthony Butts NT
  • 95 Tony Gunn DE
  • 77 Erwin Grabisna DE
 Linebackers
  • 52 Ezekial Gadson
  • 61 Steve Glasson
  • 98 Rafe Wilkinson
  • 59 Shawn Woodson

Defensive Backs

  • 24 Chris Barber CB
  • 47 Ray Jackson S
  • 29 Gerald Mack CB
  • 23 Brian McPhatter S
  • 31 Peda Samuel CB
  • 41 Richard Smith S

Special Teams

  •  7 Troy Faunce P
  •  3 Wilson Hoyle K
 Operation Discovery
  • 22 Norway Nicolay Aslaksen RB
  •  1 Australia Peter Bush P
  • 55 Soviet Union Vladimir Gerogiev LB
  • 92 Soviet Union Oleg Sapego DL


Rookies in italics

Schedule

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 March 23 4:00 p.m. at Sacramento Surge L 3–9 0–1 Hughes Stadium 15,126
2 March 30 8:00 p.m. at Orlando Thunder L 20–58 0–2 Florida Citrus Bowl 20,811
3 April 6 8:00 p.m. Barcelona Dragons L 14–26 0–3 Carter–Finley Stadium 17,900
4 April 15 8:00 p.m. San Antonio Riders L 15–37 0–4 Carter–Finley Stadium 11,818
5 April 20 8:00 p.m. at Frankfurt Galaxy L 28–30 0–5 Waldstadion 21,065
6 April 28 6:00 p.m. at London Monarchs L 10–35 0–6 Wembley Stadium 33,997
7 May 5 1:00 p.m. New York/New Jersey Knights L 6–42 0–7 Carter–Finley Stadium 10,069
8 May 13 8:00 p.m. at Montreal Machine L 6–15 0–8 Olympic Stadium 20,123
9 May 20 8:00 p.m. Orlando Thunder L 14–20 0–9 Carter–Finley Stadium 4,207
10 May 25 3:00 p.m. Birmingham Fire L 7–28 0–10 Carter–Finley Stadium 16,335

References

  1. "Team Colors – WLAF". SSUR.org. Retrieved January 17, 2010.
  2. ^ The Official 1991 World League of American Football Media Guide.
  3. The Official 1992 World League Fact Book.

External links

World League of American Football / NFL Europe / NFL Europa
Teams
Seasons
See also
Categories: