Three former Augusta Spartans became Augusta Colts on Friday, signifying the beginning of a new indoor football franchise in Augusta.

John Cratic, Chip Dykes and Anthony Young met with Augusta Colts director of football operations and head coach Bubba Diggs at the team's offices Friday evening.

Each signed a contract to play in 2008.

"We're looking forward to a new opportunity, new colors and a new atmosphere," Diggs said.

The Colts will begin their inaugural season March 13 and will be a member of the American Indoor Football Association. The Colts bought the AIFA's franchise rights to the Augusta area from the Spartans earlier this year. Cratic, Dykes and Young are the first players to sign with the new team.

"It would have been a crime not to keep the core of the Spartans group," Augusta Colts general manager John Sisson said.

"We're still a brand new organization. This is history. We just signed our first three players."

The Colts won't look like past Augusta indoor football teams with new colors, jerseys and a logo, but some of the faces inside the helmets will be familiar ones.

Cratic, a defensive lineman and former Laney standout, spent three years as a member of the Augusta Stallions and two years as an Augusta Spartan.

Cornerback Dykes, a former Josey player, and wide receiver Young, a former Thomson Bulldog and North Augusta Yellow Jacket, have both spent the past two years playing for the Spartans.

Sisson said the team will unveil a new logo, announce more player signings and introduce the Augusta Colts ownership group in coming weeks.