DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 3 -- The Daytona Beach Thunder has named Brad Humphrey its Vice-President of Operations, the World Indoor Football League franchise announced today.

A life-long New Smyrna Beach resident, Humphrey was a salesperson and Director of Player Relations during the team's inaugural season in 2006.

"Brad handled a variety of duties for us last year, so this is a natural progression,'' said Thunder owner Antone Smothers. "This responsibility is a perfect fit and one needed as we expand our operations and goals." 

Humphrey's duities will include coordinating football operations with head coach Leon Bright; arena logistics, community relations and more.

"Basically, I'm doing a little bit of everything,'' Humphrey said. "I'm excited about this opportunity to make this team successful."

At New Smyrna Beach High School, Humphrey was a standout wide receiver and defensive back for the Barracuda football team. He attended the University of Florida's summer camp two years.

He attended Daytona Beach Community College, majoring in Pyschology and International Business Relations and also Keiser College, where he studied Network Engineering.

For 12 years, Humphrey served as a chief operator on drill rigs for deep core sampling rigs in Jacksonville.

The Thunder opens its 2007 season on Sunday, February 11 against the Augusta Spartans in the Ocean Center.