Members of the Hinesville Hurricanes semi-pro football team met on Saturday for orientation and to discuss the upcoming season.
The team plans to begin regular season play at the end of June or beginning of July. Coaches James Sharp, Michael “Ice” Jones and Albert Butler are preparing for a tough season. Their biggest rivalry is against the Savannah team.
“They are one of the toughest we play against,” Sharp said. “Savannah made it to the final championship game twice, but they have yet to take the title.”
The Hurricanes started seven years ago when Lamar and Sheri Hall created the non-profit organization to introduce adult football to the area. In 2004 James and Mary Jo Sharp took over the organization.
In addition to playing football the Hurricanes assist in community projects such as assisting Liberty County High School with the Special Olympics and working with Fort Stewart Youth services in the annual Punt, Pass and Kick youth competition.
“We are looking for more ways to get involved with the community, and have the community get involved and support us as well,” Sharp said.
The Hurricanes are part of the Southeast American Football League and players pay a registration fee to travel to play. The fees help pay the officiating crew but does not necessarily cover the cost of the equipment the players use.
“The players are responsible for getting their own equipment, we don’t have a sponsor in our area yet to help cover this expense,” Sharp said. “We hope that someone or some company would like to sponsor us so the players can get decent equipment that is within the standards of the league.”
In addition to community involvement, the Hurricanes also assist players in reaching the next level whether it is college play or a professional team. Former Hurricane player Will Pettis, a Bradwell Institute graduate, was recruited to play in the Arena Football League and is currently playing with the Dallas Desperados.
The opening game of the Hurrricane’s season will be against Atlanta and will be played at home. All games are played at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and the teams have around ten games scheduled this season.
The team plans to begin regular season play at the end of June or beginning of July. Coaches James Sharp, Michael “Ice” Jones and Albert Butler are preparing for a tough season. Their biggest rivalry is against the Savannah team.
“They are one of the toughest we play against,” Sharp said. “Savannah made it to the final championship game twice, but they have yet to take the title.”
The Hurricanes started seven years ago when Lamar and Sheri Hall created the non-profit organization to introduce adult football to the area. In 2004 James and Mary Jo Sharp took over the organization.
In addition to playing football the Hurricanes assist in community projects such as assisting Liberty County High School with the Special Olympics and working with Fort Stewart Youth services in the annual Punt, Pass and Kick youth competition.
“We are looking for more ways to get involved with the community, and have the community get involved and support us as well,” Sharp said.
The Hurricanes are part of the Southeast American Football League and players pay a registration fee to travel to play. The fees help pay the officiating crew but does not necessarily cover the cost of the equipment the players use.
“The players are responsible for getting their own equipment, we don’t have a sponsor in our area yet to help cover this expense,” Sharp said. “We hope that someone or some company would like to sponsor us so the players can get decent equipment that is within the standards of the league.”
In addition to community involvement, the Hurricanes also assist players in reaching the next level whether it is college play or a professional team. Former Hurricane player Will Pettis, a Bradwell Institute graduate, was recruited to play in the Arena Football League and is currently playing with the Dallas Desperados.
The opening game of the Hurrricane’s season will be against Atlanta and will be played at home. All games are played at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and the teams have around ten games scheduled this season.