Pitbulls get a new name and a new look
After hinting at forthcoming changes with the local media for months, today the organization caught everyone off guard with a surprise press conference to introduce the teams new look for 2006 and beyond. After operating in the inaugural season of SACD as the
Buffalo Pitbulls, the team today prsented a new look, new name, and new colors. The organization has adopted the name of their sister organization in the Frenzy, and will now be known as the
Parkwood Predators. However, while the organizations will share names, they will have distinct looks. SACD's version of the Preds will sport new colors of
Navy Blue and Gold.
"We wanted a look that would distinguish the SACD organization from our sister organization in the Frenzy, but incorporate some of the fear and respect that our sister organization commands. The new look represents the individuality, strength, power and dominance of the organization. I feel we've come up with a design which accomplishes all of the above without having to fall back on trendy fadish colors such as Black and Red. Instead we sought colors that would harken to the strength and tradition of Buffalo sports. The historicle Blue and Gold of the Buffalo Sabres, and of my alma-mater the Canisius Golden Griffins certainly played an important role in our decision making. We wanted a link to Buffalo's past with an agressive look towards our bright future." stated Predators GM & Owner Mike SantaLucia.
The teams new logo differs from the Frenzy organization's stalking Cougar. Instead, the new look presents the head of an aggressive, snarling Cougar.
SantaLucia also used todays press conference to reflect on his thoughts for the upcoming future of the organization. "Last year we were competitve, but we knew deep down it would be a 2 year process to build the core of this organization for a sustained run of excellence in SACD. We've been aggressive in trades, Restricted Free Agency, and the draft, and truly feel we have created the team to beat."
On the offensive side of the ball the team has been completely rebuilt with the additions of stars Jake Delhomme, Shaun Alexander, Reuben Droughns, Terrell Owens, Rod Smith and projected rookie TE sensation Vernon Davis, whom the team regarded highly enough to move up and select 3rd overall!
They'll join established veterans Aaron Brooks, Chester Taylor, Anquan Boldin, Eddie Kennison, Derrick Mason, Randy McMichael and Adam Vinatieri for perhaps the most potent offense in SACD. But they didn't stop there.
On the defensive side of the ball, the team used the draft secure both depth and quality new starters. The organization selected 5 highly regarded IDP's (1 DL, and 4 DB's). New to the organization are 3 of the NFL's top 19 picks in DL Mario Williams and DB's Donte Whitner and Mr. Irrelevant himself, Antonio Cromartie, who is exceptionally talented and potentially a huge value as the 90th and final player taken in the 2006 SACD Rookie Draft. This years crop will join an already talented young crop of IDP's lead by LB's Kirk Morrison, Odell Thurman, Barrett Ruud, and DB Nick Collins.
Others new to the team in 2006 include 2nd rd RB Jerome Harrison, who will provide depth behind Reuben Droughns and William Green, as well as 4th & 5th rd selections, DB's Bernie Pollard and Daniel Bullock. The organization also looked to the future at QB with the selection of developmental prospect QB Ingle Martin, whi will spend a couple years learning the ropes on the teams Practice Squad.