Reading Express

Official Blog of Reading Express Indoor Football

2010-08-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

We're switching things up regarding our communication to our fans. This blog will now take a backseat to a more intentional effort in social networking platforms. For Reading Express news bytes, join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and be on the lookout for videos on YouTube. For all the information on the Express, visit us at http://www.expressindoorfootball.com/.

Now, for the big news of the year...

Switching Tracks: Reading Express Join Indoor Football League

Reading, Pa. (August 18, 2010) - The Reading Express today announced that the organization has joined the Indoor Football League. The Express will begin competition in the IFL in 2011. The move comes after the IFL Board of Directors unanimously voted on the Express’ application during a meeting last week. The new relationship is a great fit for both organizations. The Reading Express is one of the most-successful professional indoor football organizations in the country. The IFL is rapidly growing on a national level, with teams from Alaska to Virginia, and as far south as Texas.

“The move to the IFL is another step forward for the Reading Express,” said Ted K. Lavender, owner of the Reading Express. “We’re excited to join a growing league that has close to 30 teams, with franchises in over 15 states. Additionally, we are joining a league in which the franchises have an ownership stake. We’re confident the IFL will help strengthen our position as a professional indoor football team.”

The Express are heading into its sixth season in 2011. The team has an overall record of 64-20 since its inception and the 2009 AIFA National Championship to its credit. Off the field, the Express have strong corporate partnerships and a loyal fan base. The organization is widely considered one of the model franchises in professional indoor football.

“Today marks a significant step forward for the Indoor Football League as one of the nation’s most stable indoor football teams joins our ranks,” said Tommy Benizio, commissioner of the Indoor Football League. “I have been impressed with the organization, their operations, and the support that the community of Reading offers the team.”

The Express will play in the Atlantic East Division of the IFL. The move to the Atlantic East Division will also help create a natural rivalry with the upstart Lehigh Valley franchise. The two teams will play each other twice during the regular season.The 2011 schedule is slated to be released in November.

For further information on the Indoor Football League, please visit http://www.goifl.com/.

THANK YOU

2010-06-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU Express Fans! I had an awesome first year with the Smokin' Hot Steam Team and the Express. Thank you also to our fabulous sponsors! I can't wait to do this again next year! I hope to see some of you at events throught the summer and fall. See you soon!!

XOXO Michele

#25 Rockhold

2010-06-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say a big "Thank you" to everyone who came out and was involved with the game on Sat. night! It was a great success for both the Reading Express and Berks Fire Water. I also want to say Thank you to all the fans who came out and be our 9th man! Hopefully if things fall into place next week we will be back home for the Championship! I hope all of you can come out and ROCK the place just as you did last Saturday!!

Firefighter Appreciation Night

2010-06-02T05:28:00.000-07:00

Helllllooooo Express Fans! Are you ready to rock the Revolution this Saturday? We will be having lots of festivities honoring those men and women who risk their lives to save ours. This game holds a special place in my heart, because one of my brothers is a firefighter in upstate NY. Kids will get a free Silly Bandz, siren whistles and there will even be fireworks! See you Saturday! Go Express!

XOXO
Michele

#50 Matt Sola

2010-05-26T12:31:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! Matt Sola here - first time blogger. I hope everyone is getting geared up for our run at playoffs! We can really use the fan support - hope to see you on June 5!

#12 Dan Kelly

2010-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to the bi week to get ready for the final home stand and playoff push. Have a great holiday weekend!

Erik Rockhold #25

2010-05-26T11:49:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to thank everyone that came out to Harrisburg for the game! Looking forward to Firefighter Appreciation night on June 5 which is the day before my birthday - btw. Nice day so I'm going for a drive in my new car!

Message from Tiffanie

2010-05-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Express fans!!!

We had a great time in Harrisburg last Saturday... what a game it was! 56-31, Express. The Express fans that made it out were doing a great job rooting for the team!!!

CAN'T WAIT for the next home game, on June 5th! It's Firefighter appreciation night! We will be on the field playing NJ Revolution!!! Be sure you are there! You do not want to miss the action!!

See you then!

xoxo ~Tiffanie~ xoxo

Harrisburg Bound

2010-05-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Express Fans! It's Michele from the SHST!! Come out to the state capital to cheer on the guys as they put a beating on the Stampede! I am excited, this is my first away game! Hope to see you there!

XOXO
Michele

05/14 Game

2010-05-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Express Fans! It's Michele from the Steam Team! I can not believe we only have three home games left! This year has been so much fun so far and you fans are the greatest! I love meeting all of you before, during and after games. Thanks so much for your support! See you Friday for Women's Health Night! Stay tuned to see how you can bid on the tanks the team will be wearing!

XOXO Michele

GM/HC Bernie

2010-05-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to All the Mom's out there !! Quite a game last night a 71-69 win on the road....friday night game this week back at home vs Richmond.

GM/HC Bernie

2010-04-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile that I blogged anything ... I was trying to figure out how my FB posts could come right here ...anyway ... we made it safe and sound to Fayetteville ....check in with all of you a little later

Sasha Matos - Steam Team

2010-04-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Express Fans,

It's Sasha - I just wanted to say hello and thank you for coming out to the games and getting involved with the chanting and cheering the Express on to victory! The season has been great so far and I can't wait to see everyone this Saturday. We are playing Baltimore this week and it's going to be a great game! See you on game day!

xoxoxo Sasha

04/10 Game

2010-04-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Let's hear it for your team Express Fans! It's Michele from the Steam Team! I am having so much fun this season! Can't wait to see you this Saturday! Go Express!

Michele XOXO

Home Opener

2010-03-15T05:10:00.001-07:00

EXPRESS FANS...ARE YOU READY?! It's Michele from the Smokin' Hot Steam Team! We are ready and pumped for next Sunday's home opener. We just had our Little Steamers Dance Clinic (which was so much fun) and are ready for our Media Day on Wednesday. Can't wait to meet you all Sunday! Go Express!!!

Michele
XOXO

Brenda Mitchell

2010-02-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Express Fans! It's hard to believe that the 2010 season starts next weekend! We have been preparing here in the office since August of last year. We have some new in game contests, prizes, and lots of fun things going on this year. One thing we would like to see from you the fans, is some group cheering! Everytime our defense takes the field - we want to hear you shouting DEFENSE!!! We want to make the opponents realize that we have the best fans in the AIFA! Can't wait for the home opener on 3/21 - see you all then! REPEAT!

Sasha Matos

2010-02-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Express fans! As the unveiling at the Berkshire Mall gets closer, I'm getting more excited. I can't wait to meet everyone and show what the Steam Team is all about! This is my first year on the team and I'm really anxious to see what the Express fans are made of! Hope to see everyone at the unveiling on Sat., Feb 27 from 12-2 and at the home opener on 3/21! GO EXPRESS!!

Clarence Curry #7

2010-02-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

Express Fans, Can you feel the excitement?? Only two weeks until our first game of the 2010 season away @ Erie. I know in years past, its been extremely difficult to follow away Express games but thanks to the Express organization and Y102, the fans will be able to listen to all 14 games via WRAW. Please come show your support on February 27th between the hours of 12-2pm at the Berkshire Mall for our unveiling and last time you, the fans will be able to see the players before we travel to Erie on March 6th to capture our first win of the season against a newly vamped squad. Last but certainly not least, I would like to congratulate the Lavender family with their newest addition not only to their family but to the Express family, Joshua Ray Lavender who was born February 19th at 12:36am.

Less than one month!

2010-02-19T11:47:00.001-08:00

Hi Express Fans! It is Michele from the Smokin' Hot Steam Team! I can not believe that it is only 29 days until our first home game! I am so excited to get this season started! We hope to see you next Saturday, February 27 at the Berkshire Mall from 12-2 at our unveiling!
XOXO

As the excitement builds

2010-02-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Hello All This is Ginelle (New dancer for Smokin Hot Steam Team) My excitement builds more and more each day. I am looking forward to meeting all the fans. Hope to see you at our first performance at BTI on Saturday Feb 6th. We have some great routines lined up and we are working very hard. Thanks for the support.

Clarence Curry #7

2010-01-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR Express fans!! Its an exciting time of the year, not only for YOU the fans but for the 40 guys that will be selected to compete to make the 2010 Reading Express opening day roster. The final open tryout is January 30th which in time the already signed players will report to get situated with their housing arrangements in town and Express paperwork. With all that said the most important aspect of Jan. 30th is the culmination of 2009s amazing accomplishments, individually and as a team and the initiation (1st quarter) of 2010 team’s identity. Will this 2010 Express team possess the chemistry, intangibles and “SWAG” needed to repeat as AIFA National Champions? Only time will tell because, “All great achievements require time.” I will and do have affirmations not only for myself but for this year’s squad as well. Its starts with trying to be 1 out of roughly 4300 guys that can say they have the privilege and honor to say they play professional football (NFL to IFL). Now that’s true EXCITEMENT! So Express fans get ready…2010 team’s journey is shaping up to be fun and electrifying but we cant do it without your support because we are the target. We need you ALL involved, starting NOW! “When you grow and rise above the masses, you will always become a target. Just as the flower grows above the grass, it becomes a target for the nourishment of the rays of sunshine, it also becomes a target to be cut down.”

Brenda Mitchell

2010-01-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Fans,
Yesterday we had the Steam Team photo shoot, and the girls did a great job! I think the new girls had a really good time with the whole experience. A big thank you to Dave and Debbie Meas and team HOTA for all of their hard work. Look for the new photos on the website soon. March 21 will be here before we know it - GO EXPRESS!

Steam Team Photo Shoot

2010-01-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Fans! I am so excited for my first photo shoot with the Smokin' Hot Steam Team tomorrow! Be on the lookout for our new pictures and thanks to Hair on the Avenue for making us look Smokin' Hot!

-Michele xoxo

GM/HC Bernie

2010-01-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

Can Ya Feel It ? Players will be in town very soon

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T07:06:00.001-08:00

Hi Fans!

After my visit this week to Hair on the Avenue, I can't wait for you all to see my look! Debbie and her team are the best! Excited for our photo shoot next week! Happy New Year! Only 81 days until our first home game!

XOXO Michele

GM/HC Bernie

2009-12-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take this time to Wish you all a Happy Holiday Season....

Animals in Distress Appearance

2009-12-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Express Fans! Happy Holidays! Some of the girls and I will be at Animals in Distress today going on tv to talk about some of the adorable animals that need homes there. Tune in to see some of the Smokin' Hot Steam Team live! On behalf of the Express and Steam Team, I would like to wish you and your family a very safe and happy holiday! Only 89 days until our home opener!

-Michele
XOXO

2010 Schedule

2009-12-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

Hey Express Fans! Our 2010 Schedule is out, so mark your calendars! 93 days and counting until our home opener against the Harrisburg Stampede! -Michele xoxo

Sasha Matos

2009-12-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I'm Sasha this is my first year on the Steam Team. I am really looking forward to this season, I've never been to an Express game but I hear they are tons of fun. I can't wait until the home opener!

Smokin Hot Steam Team Fan Page

2009-12-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Express fans, it's Michele! FYI, we now have a fan page on Facebook! Be sure to check it out and become a fan today! Hope everyone is having a great week!
XOXO

1st Day of practice for the Steam Team

2009-12-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Well we were scheduled for our first practice today. Thanks to the weather, that did not go over so well. I was so excited for practice, especially since this is my first year. Instead I spent the morning sitting in the car in a parking lot to avoid the icy roads! Better luck next week I guess... We'll have to workout and practice twice as hard next week!!!

xoxoxo

Tiffanie

New and Excited

2009-12-11T07:18:00.001-08:00

Hello To All, My name is Ginelle and I am a new dancer with the Steam Team. I am so excited to be apart of such a respected organization. I look forward to meeting the fans and having a memorable year. See you on the field!

I'm back for another season.

2009-12-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, it's Chrissy from the Steam just saying hello and just wanted everyone to know that I'm glad to back for another great season. I got to meet alot of great people last year and I hope to see you all at our first home game this year. The schedule should be posted soon.

GM/HC Bernie

2009-12-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

We have a whole lot activity goin on with possible players coming to Reading for the 2010 Season....You will know it as fast as we get them signed !!

2009-12-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's OC again, we hope everyone is enjoying the NEW Express website and are anxious to conitnue to post things the minute they occur. If you have any suggestions to anything that you like and don't like, we are always open to them. We apoloigize again for not having our 2010 schedule and hope to be able to announce it as soon as we get it from the AIFA. We wish everybody well this Holiday season and look forward to seeing everyone coming back to our new home!

Sincerely,
Coach Thompson

Brenda Mitchell

2009-12-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying our brand new website, I am working hard to learn all of the specifics so I can update it daily and get the latest news out to our fans as quickly as possible.

From myself, and everyone here at the Express, we would like to wish our fans, partners, and their families a very safe, and happy holiday season! The 2010 season is right around the corner!

GM/HC Bernie

2009-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Gotta Love our new website....lots of cool stuff to come

Greetings Fans

2009-12-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Express Fans! My name is Michele and I am a rookie on the Smokin' Hot Steam Team. I can not wait for this season to get underway! Check back here often to see the newest updates on your favorite Steam Team members and don't forget to follow the Reading Express on Facebook and Twitter! Only 91 days until the season begins!
XOXO

GM/Head Coach B

2009-12-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great Holiday...I have received several e-mails from you Express Fans who are enjoying the NEW website....it is pretty cool....well we are continuing on with recruiting and signing players...plenty more to come!!...

Hello Express Fans

2009-12-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hey Reading Express fans!!! This is my first year on the Steam Team and I cannot EXPRESS how excited I am to be a part of such a great team. I've always been a fan of football and I am especially a fan of our home team! I can't wait for the season to begin! Until then, be sure to visit the website for updates and check us out at local appearances!!!

~Tiffanie Bungarz~
>>GO EXPRESS!<<

Clarence Curry #7

2009-12-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

Very exciting time of the year ….The Holiday season is soon approaching, along with the start of a new year and a new season for your Reading Express. As 2009 comes to an end, there are several different events that have and will pass that will close out a memorable year for the Express organization. This past Saturday was the team’s second open tryout of the off season…It was a success!! Not only did the tryout bring out a mass of new talent but it also gave us, the vets and recently signed players an opportunity to get back on the turf and shake off some of the rust. Winning brings elite talent around and the coaching staff will use the final open tryout to make tough decisions on who will be the 40 players that get invited to camp. December 3rd, I will be attending Muhlenburg Middle School for career day to talk to the children about the importance of school, sports, avoiding negative peer pressure and what’s it like to be part of a professional organization all while answering some of their questions or concerns. Xmas comes early for the Express when we get the opportunity on Dec 15th to head to our state capitol to meet Governor Joseph B Scarnati Jr. and Senator O’Pake along with the House of Representatives as we are honored for winning the AIFA Championship! Info on how these events went..Stayed tuned! BTW Ordering our Championship Rings this week as well!

Express Signs New Player

2009-11-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hey it's Coach Bernie...we just signed Glenn Revell from the great state of Texas....He is a natural center....Welcome to Reading Glenn !!

2009-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's O.C. Chris Thompson. Welcome to our brand spanking new Express website! Hope you all enjoy it as much as we are and how about that 2010 season right around the corner! Keep checking back for more exciting upcoming details and more Express info.

Welcome

2009-11-25T11:40:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new home of the 2009 AIFA Champions - Reading Express! It has been a very long and time consuming process, but we have finally arrived. Thank you to everyone for your support this off-season, we are working hard to make 2010 bigger and better! Please check back on the site often for the lastest news and information on the Express. Stay tuned for the 2010 schedule coming in December.