Outlaws Set to Ride into Denver with Testa as Coach

[Sonny]

Outlaws Set to Ride into Denver with Testa as Coach

DENVER – Nov. 17, 2005 – INVESCO Field at Mile High will showcase Denver's newest professional sports team this summer as the Denver Outlaws are set to unleash a fast-paced, explosive brand of lacrosse upon Colorado. The Outlaws are part of Major League Lacrosse's (MLL) westward expansion, which also includes teams from Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Outlaws will play six homes games at INVESCO Field at Mile High from May through August. The team will feature a variety of seating options, from family-friendly priced seating to the "Corral" – a western-themed section on the east sideline where fans can experience the Outlaws hard-nosed approach to the game up-close, on the field.

MLL is no stranger to INVESCO Field at Mile High. There have been two special MLL events played at the stadium in the last two years with a combined average attendance of more than 10,000 – despite not having an official ‘home team.' The Baltimore Bayhawks battled the New Jersey Pride in 2004 in front of a crowd of 8,137, while 12,674 fans were in attendance to watch the top lacrosse players in the world face-off for the MLL All-Star Game in July of 2005.

Realizing the passion for lacrosse within the state, Denver Broncos and Edge Sports & Entertainment CEO and President Pat Bowlen has brought Major League Lacrosse to INVESCO Field at Mile High on a permanent basis. "Given the unbelievable community support we received for two games we've hosted at INVESCO Field, it was clear that Denver has embraced lacrosse," said Bowlen. "The MLL continues to grow and we're excited to be part of the 2006 western expansion here in Denver."

While lacrosse is America's oldest game, it may be the "freshest" sport in the nation as well. Its unique blend of fast-paced, high-scoring and hard-hitting action has made it the fastest growing team sport in the United States. Lacrosse is also exploding in Colorado as the number of youth players in the state (eighth grade and younger) has grown from 1,256 in 2000 to more than 4,400 in 2005, a 249 percent growth.

In lock step with this growth, MLL was founded by Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld with partners Dave Morrow and Tim Robertson to showcase the best professional lacrosse in the world. MLL commenced play in 2001 with teams in Baltimore, Boston, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Rochester. The "original six" will form the Eastern Conference beginning in 2006, while Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco will comprise the Western Conference.

True to the origins of the sport, MLL features outdoor or "field" lacrosse which allows for a wide-open, high-scoring style of play. The league has added some new dynamics to the traditional game of field lacrosse which will help thrust the sport into the next millennium – much like the National Hockey League has redefined its rules to promote the athleticism and talent of its players. MLL rules include a two-point goal line, a 60-second shot clock, a limit of three long-stick defensemen per team and the elimination of the restraining box.

"We plan on playing the fast-paced, high-energy style of lacrosse that MLL rules encourage," said Brian Reese, Denver Outlaws General Manager and former MLL All-Star defenseman. "We'll certainly have a team fans can be excited about."

Reese helped select the "Original 13" Outlaws during the MLL expansion draft on November 1. Seeking horsepower fit for the team's high-octane brand of lacrosse, Denver drafted seven players under the age of 24. The team also sought out local players or players with local ties who could help continue lacrosse's growth within the community, including front-range residents Brian Langtry (Parker) and Mike Howley (Denver) and University of Denver two-sport star Scott Davidson (lacrosse and soccer).

Leading the Outlaws' attack will be head coach and former MLL player Jarred Testa. Testa, a member of the 2002 MLL champion Baltimore Bayhawks, has collegiate coaching experience with the University of Maryland – Baltimore County and the Merchant Marine Academy. He also brings to Denver in-depth knowledge of MLL and its athletes from his days as a player and a former collegiate recruiter.

The Outlaws will represent Colorado's western heritage and ruggedness through the team's colors, combining Outlaw black and silver with orange, which has come to embody the "Mile High City" since the Broncos first hit the gridiron in 1960. "It's exciting to see the launch of the Outlaws in a city that has proven its love for the sport of lacrosse," said Daniel Price, president of Adrenalin, which collaborated on the design of the team's colors and logo. "The name and identity of the team represent the western heritage of Denver and the ruggedness of the sport. We look forward to opening day."

Season and group ticket deposits are now being accepted for the Denver Outlaws inaugural season at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Season tickets for the Outlaws six home games are affordably priced, starting at less than $90. Call 720-258-3600 for ticket information.

[Sonny]

Former Baltimore Bayhawks and Long Island Lizards midfielder Jarred Testa will be introduced Thursday as coach of the Denver Outlaws, a Major League Lacrosse expansion team that begins play in May 2006.

"He's a guy you want on your side," said Testa's former college teammate Blake Miller, a member of the Lizards who also plays for the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. "He brings a lot of intensity as a player. I can't see him not bringing that as a coach."

Denver Post Article:
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_3216537

[Sonny]

It's official... The Denver Outlaws have released their team logo and announced the head coach for the season. Check out http://www.denveroutlaws.com to find out more info on the Outlaws.

For those of you that don't already know, former Maryland All-American and Colorado Mammoth defenseman, Brian Reese, is the team's GM. Former Baltimore Bayhawks, Long Island Lizards and Hofstra midfielder, Jarred Testa, was announced Tuesday as the club's first head coach.

[Sonny]

Press Release From UMTerps.com:

Former Terp Tabbed To Lead Newest MLL Franchise

Brian Reese named general manager of the Denver Outlaws.

Nov. 18, 2005

College Park, Md. - INVESCO Field at Mile High will showcase Denver's newest professional sports team this summer as the Denver Outlaws are set to unleash a fast-paced, explosive brand of lacrosse upon Colorado. Leading the MLL's newest franchise will be former Maryland defender Brian Reese, who was named the general manager of the Outlaws.

"We plan on playing the fast-paced, high-energy style of lacrosse that MLL rules encourage," said Brian Reese, Denver Outlaws General Manager and former MLL All-Star defenseman. "We'll certainly have a team fans can be excited about."

Terp fans will remember Reese as a tough, hard-hitting defender who helped lead Maryland to back-to-back NCAA Championship game appearances in 1997 and 1998. He was an honorable mention All-American in 1998 and is still tied for sixth in career penalties at Maryland with 14 for 11:00.

Reese helped select the "Original 13" Outlaws during the MLL expansion draft on November 1, which included two former Terps - 2003 Schmeisser Memorial Cup winner Michael Howley and four-year letterwinner Mike LaMonica.

The Outlaws are part of Major League Lacrosse's (MLL) westward expansion, which also includes teams from Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.