Venom set to kick off first season

WENATCHEE — The new professional indoor football team, the Wenatchee Venom, begin American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) play in their opener against the Yakima Valley Warriors on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the Toyota Center.

Their 14-game regular season runs through July 3 against teams from Casper, WY, Ogden, UT, San Jose, CA, Wasilla, AK, and Yakima.

The 30-man roster has been confirmed for the opener, with 20 of the players to suit up for the contest against the Warriors.

The roster includes Phil Goodman (wide receiver, Temple) who was designated the Venom’s franchise player,  quarterback Ronnie Simpson (New Mexico Highlands and 2007 AIFA Rookie of the Year), and  defensive backs Kofi Amoah (Delaware State) and Ruschard Dodd-Masters (UNLV).

Seven players with local and state ties are also on the roster including, rookie offensive lineman Matt Martinez (University of Idaho and Wenatchee High School), rookie defensive end Kolt Thompson (Eastmont High School), rookie quarterback David Mott (Western Washington University and Wenatchee High School), defensive back/wide receiver Dewayne Patterson (WSU), defensive back and running back Ian Bell (WSU), linebacker Michael Graise (WSU), and defensive lineman Anthony Atkins (Washington).

“This is just huge for the valley,” Venom head coach Keith Evans said. “It’s a football community. I remember when they had 5,000 people at the Apple Bowl back in the day at the junior college. The team’s reception has been full of excitement since this is the only pro team here and it has been very positive.”

The expansion Venom reside in AIFA’s West Division of the American Indoor Football Association (www.aifaprofootball.com), now in its fourth season.

“I have talent here to make a run for the championship,” Evans said. “Our goal is to make the playoffs. There are two spots for the Western playoffs and we plan on being in one of them.”

Prior to the game, the organization will host the “Venom Experience” pre-game tailgate party from 3:30-6 p.m. in the Town Toyota Center parking lot. The party will include the “Womp the Warriors Car Demolition” sponsored by Wenatchee Body & Fender with all proceeds donated to “Make-A-Wish Foundation”.  This smash for cash event along with an inflatable bouncy house for kids and concessions is open to the whole family.

Individual game tickets range from $15-35.

For more information on the Venom, including the various ticket packages, visit www.wenatcheevenom.com. or call (509) 667-7847.