We had a good turnout for our first tryout and several players were offered contracts. In talking with Head Coach Herkie Walls this week, Coach Walls had this to say: “I’m looking forward to the next tryout in Deland.   We are expecting those who didn’t try out back in December to come out and show us their talent. We have been getting a lot of emails and phone calls from different agents and players hungry to play some arena football. This is a very exciting time for us as coaches getting players that we feel will win games and compete in the playoffs. Even though this is the first year for the Thunderbirds I feel my coaching staff is filled with the knowledge and experience that we will be able to coach and teach these young men how to play this game at a higher level. I’m going to run a very TIGHT SHIP and I expect my players to meet that standard. If they feel they can’t play by the rules then they will be Dismissed”.   So, if you’ve got what it takes to play arena football, and you’re a disciplined man of character, come on out to the January 5^th tryout.  Spec Martin Stadium is located at 260 East Euclid Avenue, Deland, Florida 32720.  For a map go to the following link and click on "Map".  http://www.deland.org/Parks/spec.htm In other news …..

 The Daytona Beach Thunder Dance Team had their first auditions on Saturday, December 15^th at Club Boom in Ormond Beach.  Dance Coordinator Erin Hughes said the try-out was successful and we now have a great starting group of girls.  We were very impressed with the level of talent and energy we saw on Saturday. We will have another audition in late January or early February to bring on some more talent. You will see some familiar faces on the Dance Squad as well as some new ones. Erin appointed Amber and Nikege as her Captains for this season; Lauren, Michelle, Jessica, Heather, Wakesia, Watrecia, Bonnie, Lea and Kelsey round out the squad. We look forward to seeing these ladies do their thing in the near future. Our thanks to Club Boom for their usual hospitality and support. And finally ……. The owners, front office staff and everyone in the Daytona Thunderbirds organization would like to wish everyone a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.