Axemen given praise from President
The Axemen would like to pass on the thanks to their Sponsors, Fans, The University of North Florida and all those who support the team in being able to operate at such a high level. “It is truly flattering and humbling to have the president of the USA Rugby League visit our team, our venue and our city and have such wonderful things to say”, said Axemen coach Spinner Howland. “But the truth is that his experience is only possible because of our great fans, our incredible sponsors, the wonderful people at UNF and everyone who supports our team. Without all those parts coming together around the Axemen brand, we would just be a bunch of guys playing a game on the weekend. Because of all the support, we are able to provide much more than that.”
Below is the full statement from Mr. Peter Illfield
“As Coach of the Philadelphia Fight, it’s an enormous challenge in preparing a team to take on the Axemen at any time, let alone in Jacksonville. To get on that plane Sunday morning for the return flight with that sunken feeling of defeat, once again, is hard to take. The challenge excite’s me, the flight home is heart wrenching.
As Chairman of the USARL, I’m ecstatic about the Rugby League experience I’ve just had in Jacksonville. The Axemen exhume professionalism, hospitality and operational expertise. Led by co-founders, Drew Slover and Daryl ‘Spinner’ Howland the ‘show’ they put on is second-to-none. It runs like clock-work and it has everything; for the players, for the fans and for the sponsors.
The facilities at the Axemen’s home ground, UNF’s Hodges Stadium, are excellent. Sponsors and fans are catered for in a variety of ways, from indoor hospitality and cheerleader entertainment to high profile guests. Not forgetting the “greatest game of all”, Rugby League, that’s being played.
I see fans and sponsors who are proud of their membership and association with the Axemen, and who are also respectful and welcoming of the opposition and their guests. The game-day atmosphere is electrifying for them, yet intimidating for the team who, just hours before, landed.
From the moment teams arrive at JAX to the hour of their departure, Spinner, Drew and their associates along with Dr Alex Moore and Sam Todd are there for them. Whether it be transportation, accommodation, pre-game preparation, game-time necessities, post-game provisions or after match function, they’re taking care of you, looking out for you and obliging you.
It is also most encouraging, from everyone’s perspective, to see the developments of the South Eastern Rugby League with clubs from Orlando & Daytona and the Jacksonville Hatchets competing in a local competition and playing as curtain-raiser to the main fixture.
CONGRATULATIONS to Drew, Spinner and all those associated with the Jacksonville Axemen on your efforts, commitment and presentation of Rugby League in the South East.
Can I look forward to my next flight to Jacksonville….. that’s a no…. and a YES!”
