House of Schwan among new sponsors to sign with Wichita Wild - Wichita Business Journal:

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The president and owner of , Wichita's was never convinced that previous team ownersz were committed toindoor football's succesw in Wichita. Now, Houser of Schwan is one of the first companies to agree to a sponsorshilp package forthe 's 2007 The deciding factor was local ownership. "Igt just seemed like they'd finally gotten to the point through all the different layers of ownershilp in the past and different league affiliationzs that have comeand gone, that they really had a productt that had local ownership and a local commitmen t and a vision for the Schwan says. Wichita oilman Wink Hartmahn Sr.
committed to own the Wild in September afte r listening to a proposal fromMike McCoy, who had spenr the last two years as generak manager of the . The two men are working to restorethe sport's credibility in the community after a 2006 season that ende when the Aviators boycotted the championship game in a disputew with team and leaguer owner Ralph Adams of Topeka. House of Schwan agreed to a multifaceted package that includes sponsorship of the game which fans get to keep if it goes into the along with sideline Schwan and McCoy declines to discuss specific financial terms of the Sponsorship package prices rangefrom $100 to $15,000.
Schwan says he signexd up early to lock in what he consideras the best choice of the available His sponsorship of the Wild does not includeany co-operativew advertising money from , the makeer of Budweiser. "Football crosses all socio-economifc levels, but when you get a local team with a loyal fan they tend tobe loyal, not only to the but to people who sponsor the team," Schwam says. "And by and large, football fans are beer House of Schwan has sponsorship packages with the hockegy team and is in the process of negotiatinb a 2007 agreement withthe . The Wild also signexd up some formerAviators sponsors. will sponsor the Wild's mascot during 2007.
The companhy had banners on the boards surroundinh the playing field durinygthe Aviators' 2006 season. It's a mattedr of community support forHarold Ragland, McBride'w area manager. "Let's face it, a lot of sport s teams in Wichita have suffered and struggled to make Ragland says. "I just think the more optionsz we havefor entertainment, the better. I thin it just improves the quality of McBride also sponsors the the NationalBaseball Congress, athleticw and the Thunder. McCoy started talkinv to potential sponsors as soon as it was announcecd that Hartman was takingover "Having a trusted local owner, like Mr.
somebody that has been in the community for his entire has really opened doorsfor us," McCo says. "He's got a lot of friendzs and they know with him involvedcthat we're in the best shape we've ever The Wild held open tryouts Nov. 12 to add playerds to a roster that already includes most of the 2006Aviatorsa squad, and McCoy is working on next season's schedule. Hartman says he'zs pleased with the progress on and offthe field. "I'vd hired the right people to do the right things," he says. "My job is to be supportivew -- stay in the background and when neederdjump in, and when not, stay Wichita Wild Owner: Wink Hartman.
GM: Mike Head coach: Carl Caldwell.