After a rocky inaugural season, the Augusta Colts solidified their future with the addition of two minority share owners.
Colts owner and general manager John Sisson, who served as the sole owner of the indoor football team through its first season of operation, confirmed the formation of an ownership group that included Anthony Zefiretto and Andrew Wright.
"We're assembling an ownership team with sports management backgrounds," Sisson said. "This will strengthen our position in the community and help us continue to grow."
Zefiretto, who lives in Wilmington, N.C., has an extensive sports rÃsumÃ. He's served as general manager for two minor league baseball teams (the Newark Bears and Wilmington Wave), worked in the front office of the Atlanta Braves' Advanced-A affiliate (the Myrtle Beach Pelicans), and held several head coaching positions at the high school level.
Zefiretto said he plans to improve the public image of the team this off-season.
"We're in the entertainment business, and if we do our job, fans will come back and sponsors will come back," he said. "If we don't have those repeat customers, then we're doing something wrong."
Wright, a 30-year-old Augusta resident, worked with Zefiretto in Wilmington and was the head groundskeeper for the Augusta GreenJackets before Ripken Baseball purchased the team prior to the 2006 season. He volunteered for the Colts this past season, helping with merchandise sales.
"It's always been a dream of mine to do something like this, and when I saw the opportunity, I went for it," Wright said. "We want to keep the team in Augusta for a long time and hopefully pack the stands every night."
Sisson, who will remain the majority owner, said the new ownership group will bring changes to the front office, but the team's name, colors and jerseys will stay the same.
Sisson's new title will be team president and general manager. Zefiretto will serve as vice president of business affairs, and Wright will become vice president of operations.
Zefiretto said more investors, some local, may jump on board before the off-season ends.
Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.
So, when's the Chronicle going to get around to changing the title of this section of the sports page from "Spartans" to "Colts"? I mean, they do realize they're not the Spartans anymore, right?
this is great! Glad the Colts are getting more support. I might see if i can be an investor as well. I have the experience the Colts need. I was an All-County Pony Football Player up in Wooster Ohio back in '84. I can see it now "Johnny Chimp Vice President of Football Operations"!
The best way to pack those stands is to get Marvin Stone healthy. He is the Franchise! if there is no marivn there are no Colts.
Johnny, we appreciate the sarcasm, but you shouldn't be making these comments unless you know the new partners. These two people happen to have a great deal of combined experience in the professional sports industry. By the way, that experience is vastly different from any school or amateur play that you've seen. Mr. Zefiretto and Mr. Wright know more about the sports industry than anyone I have ever met. I think they will be a great addition to the management staff. Please stop assuming these gentlemen can't do a great job in this, their career field. You don't know anything about them.
Ms Magic is right, be nice guys. I have a feeling the Colts will have a great year in 2009. I might be going out on a limb here but I am prediciting at least 400 people per game.
Magicrocket lady- you must not know Dan Troutman. Anyone who can make hockey work in the South is a shear genius. I never assumed they can't do a good job, I was simply implying that perhaps i could become a part of their business plan due to my extensive football knowledge.
400 People a game is not going to keep the colts alive. I also think that is a very bold prediction. You have to remember, the Colts are going up against the GreenJackets, and from my experiences Mr. Ripken and the group they brought in know more about the sports industry. Just look at their success. I am not saying that these two investors will not help the colts, i just don't see the team as a long term success because of their competition.
I just found 78 cents and 3 stale Cheetos in my couch cushions. Can I become an owner of the Colts?
I don't know Mr. Zefiretto but I do remember Mr. Wright from his days at w/ the 'Jackets. He did one hell of a job watering that field. Not sure how that translates to the Colts since they play inside and on turf but I'm willing to give them a chance.
Okay, all you sarcastic, negative jerks need to stop assuming that these people cannot do a good job. I don't believe any of you work in the industry and you certainly do not know the knowledge base and work ethic of these people.
As for this supposed competition with the GreenJackets, they have 70 games and the Colts only have seven. Indoor football draws a different crowd than baseball and it is good for a town to have a variety of things to offer. Believe me, I know several people who have moved because of a lack of entertainment in Augusta. IMHO, the more activity options, the better. Not everyone likes baseball.
As a side note, Indoor Football is played regardless of weather and the stadium is always cool. It is a more pleasant experience during the sometimes sweltering Augusta spring/summer.
I just believe you all need to give these guys a chance before you go raking them over the coals. At least go to a game and maybe even talk to one of them before making your ignorant assumptions.
By the way, Mr. Wright did much more than just water the field and he also knows a lot more about the sports industry than just turf. He turned down 3 GM/AGM jobs before working for the Jackets.
Sounds like somebodys wife/girlfriend is anger at you guys, so be nice and be respectful. No joking aside, they are trying to make Augusta better. With a better Augusta we all benefit.
Entertainment biz my foot. Screw your coach and nobody will come back. He's an Augusta icon!
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