Sacramento Mountain Lions

Mountain Lion Meet & Greet and Player Signing Party Tonight

2010-08-21T05:29:02Z

On Friday August 20, the UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions held a special Meet & Greet event for season ticket holders and fans at the team's facilities on the campus of the California State University, Sacramento. Information provided by the Mountain Lions Ticket Sales staff indicated the event was scheduled to take place from 6-9pm.

Initial pictures and autographs for fans were followed by player introductions by Head Coach Dennis Green, and performances by the Mountain Lions cheer and dance squad. Thereafter, players and fans reconvened for more pictures and autographs.

By about 7:30pm, a few players needed t leave in order to tend to other commitments. Wide receiver Fred Otis Amey, who played college football at CSUS, before signing with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and several other teams, hosts "The UPrising" every third Friday of the month at 2230 Arden Way in Sacramento, just behind Arby's.

The event goes from 8:30-10:30pm, and combines spoken word, soul, hip-hop, dance, music from live bands, and more. It is a combination of ministry and nightlife that offers young people an alternative to being on the streets, while engaging in public freestyle promotion of the talent of the young people already in FOA's My Generation Now organization.

Wide receiver Cameron Colvin, a University of Oregon Duck Alum who previously played for the San Francisco 49ers, also departed early, but for another reason. Together with the Mountain Lions drafted defensive back, Willie Glasper, also a University of Oregon Duck Alum, Colvin is throwing a signing party at Lounge ON20 tonight. The party is scheduled to begin at 10:30pm and go until close. Lounge ON20 is located on the corner of 20th and K Street in Midtown Sacramento.

Another player, Tyler Clutts, who played college football at Fresno State University, drove up from the Fresno area today, and was headed back there tonight. He made that trip once before for outreach purposes, when he came up to meet fans at last month's California Automobile Museum Car Cruise and Show that was held in Midtown Sacramento.

The Mountain Lions have arranged for player and staff accommodations at the Hilton Hotel near Arden Fair Mall. The Hilton Sacramento Arden West will announce a special Mountain Lions promotional rate package on Monday, August 23.

With the start of fall camp just a couple of days away, Mountain Lion players, coaches and staff are energized and ready to go. The fans are very excited. A brief conversation with SCUS police officers outside the football complex gates clearly indicated that they're excited too. With the first home game on September 25 looking to be a sellout, and sound attendance projections for the rest of the home schedule, it seems everything is coming together well for Sacramento's newest professional sports team.

For more information, or to buy tickets, call the Sacramento Mountain Lions Ticket Office at or visit the Mountain Lions website ticket page.

FOA Celebrates Signing with Mountain Lions

2010-08-07T22:34:53Z

The UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions Wide Receiver Fred Otis Amey hosted an official signing party last night at the California State University, Sacramento Alumni Center. The event featured an appearance by members of the Mountain Lions cheer and dance squad, catered food, a video segment, the unveiling of a unique FOA logo, a raffle with prize giveaways, a benediction, and music - featuring a live performance by FOA himself.

The Mountain Lions had staff on site, as did Team Dynamix - the event organizer. Representatives from My Athletic Resume, a local enterprise focused on building personal resume websites for athletes, were also present. Several members of the CSUS Athletic Department and Football Alumni Chapter were also in attendance. FOA played for the Sacramento State Hornets prior to his professional career.

Clearly visible in the middle of everything was FOA's lovely and amazing wife, Tyreina. There's an old saying, "behind every great man is even greater woman." Understandably, she prefers to remain out of the spotlight, but it was absolutely clear that FOA honors her and deeply respects and appreciates the important role she plays in his life.

FOA also took the opportunity to announce the creation of the Generation Now Foundation, a non-profit enterprise committed to making a difference in the lives of others because the time for action is right now, people in our communities need help right now, and there no better time to give than right now. The website has not been developed yet, but the URL will be will be www.MyGenerationNow.org. FOA says the foundation "is all about helping get kids to that next level now, whatever it may be. It might be college, the NFL, or simply preparing for their SATs. We'll be mentoring, coaching, and developing these athletes' young minds."

For those who haven't followed his career, FOA's playing career at CSUS was quickly followed by some time on the NFL's San Francisco 49ers roster. Despite a thrilling preseason performance that produced the lone touchdown pass completed by 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith, and a regular season debut 75 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Saint Louis Rams, FOA's time on the field in the Bay Area was short. Sidelined by injury, he spent much of that first season recovering. FOA has also been a member of the Austin Wranglers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Gladiators, BC Lions, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

After being released from the NFL, FOA played in the Arena Football League and Canadian Football League. However, he always remained committed to returning to both the top of his game and the community he knows and loves - Sacramento. When the UFL announced the move to Sacramento, he set his sights on playing here. He is one of four people who participated in the local Open Tryout who were invited to the Mountain Lions mini camp. His performance and character combined to present a compelling case for inclusion on the Mountain Lions roster.

The evening concluded with an exclusive look at the training facilities and field that the Mountain Lions will share with the Sacramento State Hornets. Mountain Lions staff assured us all that by the time the season comes around, we would not recognize the field. The combination of banners and turf insignia adjustments will clearly display the Mountain Lions brand.

Despite being in an NCAA facility, the Mountain Lions have secured the right to sell adult beverages at their games. The NCAA prohibits the sale of alcohol at sanctioned sporting events and facilities. That rule does not apply to the UFL or other professional sports leagues even when they lease those facilities. Combined with tailgating that will run throughout the day and early evening, Mountain Lions games are sure to be exciting. Team staff assured FOA and his close supporters that the first game will be a sell out. Across the spectrum of pro sports generally, Sacramento needs a sellout.

Walking with the Mountain Lions staff, we came across a black Nike slipper on the sidewalk outside the Alumni Center. The staff was quick to point out that it has been there all summer and no one has touched it. Superstitious athletes players consider it cursed. Anyone visiting the facility is highly encouraged not to touch it and to leave it right where it is.

There will be a select public viewing of facilities on August 20 from 6-9pm. The tour will be limited to season ticket holders. People interested in becoming season ticket holders can get more information through the Sacramento Mountain Lions website, or by contacting Daniel Curran at the Sacramento Mountain Lions business office. He can be reached by calling (916)-383-5466, or by email at daniel.curran@ufl-football.com.

Mountain Lions Dance Squad Complete

2010-07-31T22:41:07Z

On Friday, July 30, the Sacramento Mountain Lions Cheer and Dance team finals were head at Barcode on Arden Way at 9pm. The event was originally scheduled to be held at Venue Events Center located at 1417 R St. at 8pm, but a power outage reportedly due to a blown transformer under SMUD control forced a last minute schedule and location change.

Noticeably distressed, dance team Director Lindsay Shoemaker scrambled to secure an alternate location. Demonstrating why she is in fact the team's leader, when put to the test inside the eleventh hour, she found a way not only to come through, but to create an even better atmosphere. Barcode, despite being a fair distance away from midtown Sacramento, was a far better event location. The staff and owners were supportive and on hand to assist with a variety of needs, and both the floors and lighting were significantly better than those at Venue.

This final round of tryouts was intense. All of the women participating were incredible. No one seemed distracted by the adjustments. The only blemish on the evening was the outcome, as the unfortunate reality was that half the women could not be selected. Given how good all of them are, there were sure to be some difficult choices in the end.

Having representatives from RS&E, the PR firm representing the Sacramento Mountain Lions, sitting in on the interview phase this past week was perhaps a unique twist that underscores the belief that final decisions were in fact based on more than just performances on the floor.

One of those unfortunate choices was to cut the incredible Rosie Maupin. Her performance literally brought the crowd and the judges to their feet. The DJ played the music longer, and she showed incredible talent and athleticism. Sadly, the night was not to be hers. Of her performance, Rosie said, "I worked really hard and did the best I could, unfortunately it wasn't good enough. I thought my interview went well, so all I can think of is that they wanted somebody older."

Another unfortunate choice resulted in Carlie Beck being cut. Carlie is an exceptionally talented young woman who has graced the pages of Playboy Magazine, as well as the current Playboy Sexy 100 list. On how the entire night went, Beck said, "There was a lot of amazing talent and wonderful dancers, and any one of the 30 girls who made it to the finals could have made it."

Similar stories apply to perhaps a dozen women whose performances seemed squad-worthy. The only justice would have been to let them all on. Unfortunately, the UFL chose to limit the squads of all teams to a maximum of 32 members.

For Rosie Maupin and Carlie Beck, the work goes on. They will both be in Midtown Sacramento tonight representing The Midtown Girls at the California Automobile Museum's Second Annual Car Cruise and Show, sponsored in part by Sacramento's Midtown Business Association. The show will take place from 6-9pm from 22d to 25th Street, and between J and L Street. The streets will be blocked off. Seven bands will play simultaneously throughout the district.

The Sacramento Mountain Lions will have a select team of dancers, players, and ticket sales staff on hand as well. They will be located on 24th Street, in between J and K.

Editor's Note:RS&E was not involved in any part of the judging or selection process of the Mountain Lions Dance Squad..

Mountain Lions Dance Finals set for Friday at Venue.

2010-07-26T23:57:27Z

With the preliminaries complete, the Sacramento Mountain Lions cheer and dance team will hold the final qualifying round on Friday, July 30 at Venue Events Center located at 1417 R Street, next to Burgers & Brew. Beginning at 8pm, the final round is open to the public, with an after-party to follow shortly thereafter.

The preliminaries were held at the Venue Events Center on Saturday, July 24, from 1-5pm. With nearly 60 registered participants appearing, many of whom who also participated in the recent Sacramento Kings dance tryouts held at the California State Fair. Those tryouts were held at Cal Expo the previous Saturday and Sunday, and it seems the Mountain Lions tryout atmosphere was enhanced and affected by that.

A number of girls were also connected to local adult cheer and dance organizations such as Folsom Cheer Elite and The Midtown Girls cheer and dance group. Asked how professional tryouts like these affect her team, Erlynn Holyfield of The Midtown Girls said, "Pro tryouts are really great. We encourage our girls to go tryout. If they make the squad, we couldn't be happier for them, and we cheer them on, of course! If they don't make the squad, they come back to us with new training and experience that we can learn from. It's a win-win situation."

Holyfield's view is consistent with those of most other groups in the region. In fact, that kind of support is often what drives tryout participation. Not only was there a strong showing at Venue, but there was clear qualitative improvement by those who participated during the course of the tryout. Of the 57 women who began physical exercises at 2pm, 14 were cut roughly halfway through. Another 13 were cut at the conclusion, thus bringing the number down to 30. Of those 30, as many as 15 women will be cut on Friday night.

One participant who preferred to remain anonymous because she was selected for the final round said, "Anyone out here can make it. I really hope I do, but all of these girls are really good. I can point to at least 20 who should be on the team."

Lindsay Shoemaker, the Mountain Lions' Cheer and Dance Team Director, was focused and deliberate throughout the day. Several members of the squad were present as well. Their short performances revealed just how much they have improved since their own tryouts last month. Shoemaker has done an incredible job with the group she currently has, and there is no doubt that the additional 15 members coming on will not only make the squad complete, but will also elevate the quality of performance.

Of the final 30, a significant number performed the uniquely choreographed routine they had just learned as if they'd known it for weeks. The immediacy of their mastery speaks volumes not only of their individual ability, but also of the quality of professional dancers living in the Sacramento area.

The Sacramento Mountain Lions dancers will be making several public and non-public appearances in the next week. They appeared Sunday, July 25 at the Pear Fair in Courtland. For more information on the fair, check out the Pear Fair website. The fair also included a classic car show. Coincidentally, that is the primary focus of the dancers' next appearance. On Saturday, July 31, they will apeart at the California Automobile Museum's Second Annual Car Cruise and show in midtown Sacramento. That event will be held from 6-9pm between 22d and 25th Street, and between J and L Street. Those blocks will be closed by the City of Sacramento, and unauthorized vehicles in that zone will be towed at the owner's expense at 4pm that day. For more information about the event, check out the CAM Car Cruise website.

The UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions organization and their dancers will be based at 23d and J Street during the CAM event. They will have tables next to Radio Active, a local band that will be performing at that location. Whether the dancers will perform or simply focus on community outreach, photo opportunities and other promotions will be decided by Shoemaker closer to event time. Clearly, the focus right now is the detailed interviews of all finalists. That is scheduled for Tuesday.

With a team meeting that same day, a commercial video shoot coming up, and regular practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this is certainly a busy time. People interested in seeing the squad should come to Venue on Friday night for the after-party, or attend the CAM event in midtown on Saturday.

Mountain Lions Dance Tryouts at Venue

2010-07-24T07:37:15Z

The Sacramento Mountain Lions dance team will hold the first round of tryouts for the second half of their planned squad tomorrow from 1-5pm at the Venue Events Center located at 1417 R Street between 14th and 15th in between The Shady Lady and R15.

The squad is a professional adult dance and promotions group that will represent the Sacramento Mountain Lions football team at all home games, and at a variety of community events. The preliminary session features a variety of compulsory activities including everything from taking head shots to learning a unique choreographed routine.

With only 6 days before the finals, participants will go through interviews and judged performances before the final squad is announced on Friday, July 30. All preliminary auditions are closed to the public. The finals will be open to the public, but time and location details have not been released.

The Mountain Lion dancers will appear publicly on Saturday, July 31 in midtown during the California Automobile Museum's Second Annual Car Cruise and show event. They will be based on 23d and J Street next to the band Radio Active from 6-9pm. For more information, check out the CAM website.

The Sacramento Mountain Lions dance team can be contacted by email. Registration for dance tryouts can be handled at the door, or in advance through the UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions website.

Images from last month's final session provide a unique view and reveal the current members of the squad.

UFL Draft Day Results

2010-06-03T06:30:07Z

Sacramento, CA - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - The United Football League 2010 Player Draft brought 12 new players to the roster of each of the league’s five teams.

With the third selection of the 2010 UFL Draft, Sacramento Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green selected Justin Goltz, quarterback from Occidental College. In the second round, Green added Tavita Thompson, offensive tackle from Oregon State University. In the third round, Green added Tim Clark, defensive back from Oregon State University.

The Mountain Lions draft day continued in with the addition of Udeme Udofia, defensive end from Stanford University; Ryan McFoy, safety, converting from linebacker while at Arizona State University; and NFL Free Agent wide receiver Antonio Chatman, originally from the University of Cincinnati, and having played for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals, as well as the Arena Football League’s Chicago Rush.

The UFL Draft had 12 rounds. Going into the second half of the event, the order no longer left Sacramento with the third choice in each round. With the second choice in the seventh round, the Mountain Lions selected Carl Spitale, offensive tackle out of Florida Atlantic University. With the first pick in the eighth round, the Mountain Lions selected NFL Free Agent and former Arizona Cardinals safety Dennis Keyes, originally from the University of California – Los Angeles. In the ninth round, the Mountain Lions selected Bobby Guillory, defensive back from the University of Central Missouri.

Heading into the final three rounds, the Mountain Lions selected Curtis Young, defensive end from the University of Cincinnati, who was also selected for free agent tryouts with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals; Willie Glasper, defensive back from the University of Oregon; and Terrence Blevins, running back from Eastern Michigan University.

All of the Mountain Lions picks are intriguing. Fans will surely have their favorites. A quick poll reveals strong favorable ratings for Udofia, Glasper, and Chatman, followed closely by McFoy, Thompson and Clark. This seems to signal a fan preference for players with ties to the west. The true head turner of this group, however, is Goltz. Many people simply don’t know who he is.

Justin Goltz came out of Occidental college in 2009. He was an undrafted NFL rookie free agent quarterback. A training camp contributor with the Detroit Lions, he received good reviews despite his lack of big university playing experience. Those good reviews were heard all the way in San Francisco, where it was reported that Goltz was offered a spot on the UFL’s California Redwoods – now known as the Sacramento Mountain Lions.

Unfortunately, today’s outcome did not bode well for local prospects, the exception being Guillory, who is from Vallejo, and who played for Solana Community College before transferring to Central Missouri.

All of the players drafted today (see list below) will join those already protected by the teams on which they were active last season, or those who were chosen during the special expansion draft opportunity given to the new Omaha Nighthawks. With 12 drafted players, 20 protected players, and 20 additional unsigned free agents, the provisional rosters will be set at the maximum 52 players allowed. As of June 3, however, teams may increase that number by an additional 18 players as they head into minicamps. That would bring the total number to 70 players heading into the June 8 minicamps in Arizona.

As a technicality, players selected during today’s draft will remain identified as “Reserved Unsigned” until contracts have been successfully negotiated. Once that process is complete, each team’s updated roster will be released to the public. Those updates should be published next week, by or before June 7. Minicamps begin on June 8.

Who got drafted:

Round 1
1. Omaha - DE - DeWayne Wright
2. Hartford - RB - Andre Dixon
3. Sacramento - QB - Justin Goltz
4. Florida - LB - Weston Dacus
5. Las Vegas - LB - Dominic Payne

Round 2
6. Omaha - DE - Chike Okeafor
7. Hartford - DT - Anthony Montgomery
8. Sacramento - OT - Tavita Thompson
9. Florida - LB - Arnold Harrison
10. Las Vegas - CB - Michael Ray Garvin

Round 3
11. Omaha - OG - Shawn Andrews
12. Hartford - WR - Shawn Bayes
13. Sacramento - CB - Tim Clark
14. Florida - WR - John Standeford
15. Las Vegas - DE - Brian Coulter

Round 4
16. Omaha - OT - Adrian Jones
17. Hartford - OL - Andre Barbour
18. Sacramento - DT - Udeme Udofia
19. Florida - LB - Erik Penderson
20. Las Vegas - OT - Ryan Considine

Round 5
21. Omaha - DT - Kenny Peterson
22. Hartford - LB - Simoni Lawrence
23. Sacramento - S - Ryan McFoy
24. Florida - S - Tyrrell Herbert
25. Las Vegas - WR - Jovonte Taylor

Round 6
26. Omaha - WR - Ronald Curry
27. Hartford - OL - Tim Mattran
28. Sacramento - WR - Antonio Chatman
29. Florida - OG - Adrien Clarke
30. Las Vegas - FB - Russ Weil

Round 7
31. Hartford - WR - Robert Ortiz
32. Sacramento - OT - Carl Spitale
33. Florida - FB - Kevin Harris
34. Las Vegas - OT - Cliff Washburn
35. Omaha - CB - DeMarcus Faggins

Round 8
36. Sacramento - S - Dennis Keyes
37. Florida - WR - Cortez Hankton
38. Las Vegas - WR - Eddy Newton
39. Omaha - WR - Devard Darling
40. Hartford - FB - Asaph Schwapp

Round 9
41. Florida - Cb - Corey Small
42. Las Vegas - S -Tony Parrish
43. Omaha - LB - Nate Webster
44. Hartford - DL - Brandon Drumgoole
45. Sacramento - WR - Bobby Guillory

Round 10
46. Las Vegas - S - Lewis Baker
47. Omaha - CB - Frank Walker
48. Hartford - OL - Ben Benshoof
49. Sacramento - DE - Curtis Young
50. Florida - DE - Chris Perri

Round 11
51. Omaha - DT - Hollis Thomas
52. Hartford - LB - Clint McPeek
53. Sacramento - CB - Willie Glasper
54. Florida - DE - Greg Middleton
55. Las Vegas - RB - Alex Henderson

Round 12
56. Hartford - DT - Kendall Briscoe
57. Sacramento - RB - Terrence Blevins
58. Florida - C - Melvin Fowler
59. Las Vegas - DT - Gabe Long
60. Omaha - S - Nick Ferguson

If some of the names on the list above seem familiar, that’s because they are. There are a number of well-known former NFL players who will certainly make a difference to their teams. NFL and 49er fans will certainly recognize Chike Okeafor, who is now with the Omaha Nighthawks. Another Nighthawk, Ronald Curry, is also well known. Former 49er Tony Parrish plays for the Las Vegas Locomotives. DeMarcus Faggins, now with Omaha, also had a long NFL career.

The UFL game experience will be competitive, and it will provide fans with an excellent source of professional sports entertainment. Four-game season ticket packages start as low as $60, and go as high as $140 for the season. Single game tickets start as low as $15, and go as high as $35 per game. These prices do not include handling and transaction fees. Customer service questions should be directed to the Mountain Lions by calling (916) 383-5466. People with disabilities should call to discuss season ticket locations.

UFL Draft to be held June 2

2010-05-30T21:12:28Z

The UFL Draft will be held on June 2. It will consist of 12 rounds. Each of the 5 UFL teams will have one pick in each round, thus adding 12 players to each roster. Each team also has 20 players returning from last season under protected status, and looks to add as many as 20 players through free agency. Many of those free agents will come from the NFL. A source close to the league says that as many as 52 players have already been invited to each team’s minicamp. That minicamp is scheduled to begin for all teams on June 8 in Arizona.

At the Sacramento Mountain Lions open tryout at Natomas High School on May 15, Head Coach Dennis Green said that each team had 74 total spots on the roster and that the Mountain Lions had 30 spots to fill. While the numbers don’t match up, one thing is certain: given that the Sacramento open tryout had 260 registered attendees, there is a lot of competition.

Local defensive lineman Sione Umufuke has been invited to the minicamp. Armed with a stretch coach, physio therapist, chiropractor, and an agent, Umufuke is giving it everything he’s got. His agent, Chris Johnson, could not be reached for comment. Umufuke’s performance history includes playing for Sacramento City College, the NCFL’s River City Gators and the Contra Costa Razorbacks. Reached for comment, Umufuke said, “I’m just really focused right now. I’m training every day.”

Defensive back Mervin Brookins, a product of Florin High School and Sacramento City College, is also doing everything he can to get to the next level. He’s currently playing for the AFL’s Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. He played for the Arena-2 Stockton Lightning and the River City Gators in 2009. Brookins was invited to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks camp last year. Reached for comment, Brookins said, “Arena football is much faster and more exciting, but it’s just a stepping stone. We go hard all day. When I’m on the field, nothing else matters. I’m ready for anything that crosses my path. I’ll be home June 12-17. Private workouts are definitely possible. The agent will work that stuff out.” Brookins is reportedly in talks with agent Chris Johnson.

Former NFL wide receiver Paris Warren, a local product as well, is also in the mix. Warren played at the University of Oregon, the University of Utah – where he was a two-time All MWC selection and BCS Fiesta Bowl offensive Co-MVP. At the University of Utah, he played with current San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith. From there, Warren was drafted in the seventh round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later played for the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints, as well as the UFL’s Florida Tuskers. Reached for comment, Warren said, “I’ve been good and I’ve been taking care of things. We’ll see what my agent is talking about soon.” Warren is considered valuable given his NFL and UFL past; however, recent rumors regarding an opportunity to explore a reunion with his former college quarterback have certainly added to the intrigue. Warren is currently an active player with the River City Gators, and he is represented by agent Derrick Fox.

The Sacramento Mountain Lions will play their home games at Hornet Stadium on the California State University, Sacramento campus. Their season begins September 18, on the road in Hartford, Connecticut. Their first home game is September 25 versus the Florida Tuskers.

The Tuskers had the best record in the UFL last season. They were undefeated during the regular season with a 6-0 record. They earned a spot in the championship game after the fourth week of the season. The Tuskers were beaten in the championship game by the Las Vegas Locomotives. They lost on a game-winning field goal kicked in overtime.

Four-game season ticket packages are available online through the CSUS ticket office website. Plans start as low as $60, and go as high as $140 for the season. Single game tickets start as low as $15, and go as high as $35 per game. These prices do not include handling and transaction fees. Per the ticket office website, season tickets will be mailed in August. Customer service questions should be directed to the Mountain Lions by calling (916) 383-5466. People with disabilities should call to discuss season ticket locations.

Mountain Lions Cheer and Dance Team Tryouts to be held June 5

2010-05-29T04:41:43Z

The UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions cheer and dance team is set to hold tryouts June 5.

The team’s director, Lindsay Shoemaker, was hired in late April, and has been busy preparing ever since. With preliminary tryouts only a week away, there is still a lot of work to be done. For example, the team needs a name. Cougarettes, Lady Lions, Capital Kittens? “We’ve narrowed it down to a few names, but nothing is for sure yet,” said Shoemaker.

But coming up with a name isn’t the first priority. About 200 women are registered to try out for 32 spots, and Lindsay said she and her assistants have to come up with a routine for the women to learn and perform in one day.

The women on the team will be announced June 12, but first comes a week of interviews and performances in front of judges and fans. “It’s important that the community be involved in the process,” Shoemaker said.

Indeed, the life of a Mountain Lion cheer and dance team member calls for broad community appeal. In addition to two practices per week, and one team workout and physical training session per week, there will be many public appearances. Shoemaker said the team could make appearances every week. “Any time our girls are out in public, they represent the league and the organization,” she said.

According to the Sacramento Business Journal, members of the squad will be paid for the four home games and promotions that they attend. Shoemaker confirmed this, but added that there will be work on behalf of charities, and appearances at schools and other community events.

According to information provided by the UFL, Shoemaker is trained in jazz, ballet, hip- hop and funk. She was a member of the Universal Rhythm Dance Co. and Sheldon High School's cheer and song team. She also danced for Chico Dance Theater at California State University, Chico, and Sacramento's Empire Dance Team. here

Lindsay Shoemaker. Photo Courtesy of Tanya Atkinson.

Shoemaker worked for Radio Disney as an on-air personality. She also developed a dance group made up of Radio Disney listeners that performed at events including the California State Fair and a number of festivals, and she coached the Sheldon Huskies Junior Cheerleaders.

Shoemaker was the lead dancer and scheduled all appearances as a charter member of The Lipstick Girls and Groovement. She also managed and taught at Get Dancing Academy of Dance in Fair Oaks. Her dancers performed at Paramount's Great America and the California State Fair.

The Sacramento native has a degree in public relations and communication studies from California State University, Sacramento and currently works for the State of California's Department of Public Health. She also competes in triathlons and half marathons, and is a football fanatic.

She's a busy woman with a big task in front of her, and yet the question remains: What will the team be called and who will decide? Shoemaker said, “We’ve thought about asking the community to decide, much like they did with the naming of the football team.”

There's no official suggestion box, but suggestions are welcome (below).

The Sacramento Mountain Lions cheer and dance team preliminary tryouts will be held at 24-Hour Fitness at 1314 Fulton Ave. (corner of Fulton and Hurley) on June 5 from 12:30-8:30 p.m. on June 5. Registration forms available on the Mountain Lions website. The finals will be held at Cosmopolitan Complex, 1000 K St., June 12 at 4:30 p.m. Lindsay Shoemaker can be reached directly by email at mountainlionscheer@gmail.com.

Mountain Lions hold Open Tryouts in Sacramento

2010-05-20T09:16:09Z

The United Football League’s Sacramento Mountain Lions second California open tryout was held at Natomas High School on Saturday, May 15. Registration began at 7:30 a.m., and drills continued through the day until shortly after 11:30 a.m. Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green spent most of the day in the middle of the field, turning to monitor various position groups and taking notes that presumably only his assistant could decipher.

According to Green, there were approximately 260 athletes participating on this day. The previous tryout was held in San Diego on May 8, and another one is scheduled for San Mateo on May 23. The team roster has 74 total spots, and Green said “there are about 30 open spots right now.” Better make that 29. Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who played for Green in Minneapolis, has just signed with the Mountain Lions.

Citing ESPN, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Culpepper has not yet finalized the deal. Culpepper has most recently been with the NFL’s Detroit Lions. A local fan, Randy Silva, said “being reunited with Green in Sacramento seems great for [Culpepper]; after all, he had his most productive seasons in Green’s system with the Vikings.”

True, but he also had Randy Moss to throw to. While ESPN reports that Mountain Lions assistant coaches were telling players that Culpepper would be the quarterback during the tryout, I never heard that on the ground during drills, I never heard that from the players and I certainly never heard that from the coaches.

Perhaps the more important impact, however, is the reduction of one more open roster spot, and the decreasing chance for another quarterback to be signed. Green said, "Even though there are 30 spots open, we still have NFL free agents to look at.”

Culpepper is one of those free agents. For current River City Gators; former California State University, Sacramento, quarterback Blake Mori and others like him, the signing of NFL free agents is an X-factor that makes open tryouts often feel like cattle calls.

Former University of California, Davis, wide receiver Jerome McGee, who currently plays arena football for the San Jose Wolves, also attended the tryouts. He said, “It was good. Tough, but good. We’ll just have to see what happens. A lot of guys will be out there next week too.”

Current River City Gators and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Paris Warren was also there. He played in the UFL last season for the Florida Tuskers. He moved back to Sacramento, at least in part, to become a Mountain Lion. Asked about his experience, he said, “It’s always good to get on the field. I recognized some boys from the league, Fred Amey, Keith Wright and some Utah guys.” The speed is different out here, and you can tell. It felt good.”

Asked about the large number of participants, Warren said, “Whenever you do an open tryout, there are lots of defensive backs and wide receivers. Those are the most competitive positions on the field. We’ll see how it goes. There’s another tryout next week, but I don’t think I’ll be there.”

River City Gators linebacker LaMont Providence, who participated in the open tryouts, said these events are challenging.

“There’s a lot of guys out here, and most of them won’t make it,” Providence said. Indeed, Green confirmed that out of each of the open tryouts, the Mountain Lions might take a good look at three or four, maybe a few more. When asked whether that would translate into three or four player signings per tryout, Green was not so sure.

“We’ll just have to see," he said. "We did lots of work today. We kept them working. I’m excited, but free agents remain.” No matter how hard the open tryout field worked, the specter of NFL free agency looms, and Green’s comment seems to indicate the obvious – that there’s a lot more competition than what participants experienced on the field.

Contra Cost Razorbacks defensive lineman Sione Umufuke had fire and intensity unlike any other in his group. When asked about his motivation, he said, “This is my moment. There is no other. I don’t need to just be better than these guys here. I need to be better than everyone else.” Asked about NFL free agent competition, Umufuke said, “Just give me a shot at them. This is my time.”

Green’s excitement, however, was about more than just a good day of work on the field. He said, “I’m excited because the UFL is the first step toward making American football like the English model of soccer. They have the Premier League and a number of other professional leagues. There’s room for that here, and we’re making it happen.” Asked about whether he also advocated a system where the teams with the worst records in the highest league would drop down the subsequent year and be replaced by the best teams from the next lower division, Green only smiled. “I don’t know about that. One thing at a time.”

The UFL reportedly faced a net loss of approximately $30 Million after the 2009 season. The league has added one team in 2010, the Omaha Nighthawks. The Mountain Lions themselves are a rebranded migrant franchise, only moving to Sacramento after an expensive and ineffective season playing in San Francisco’s Pacific Bell Park as the California Redwoods. The majority of games will be played on Fridays and Saturdays and will be televised on HDNet, VERSUS and a third currently unnamed broadcast partner. The league believes that the collection of off-season adjustments will significantly improve its financial condition.

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, is the Chairman of HDNet. UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue said the league is delighted by Cuban’s commitment, which includes becoming an owner. Despite backing out of a deal to become an original investor in 2009, Cuban chose to buy a portion of the entire league last month. Cuban joins, among others, Paul Pelosi, husband of Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, as a league owner.

The league has identified approximately 13 other U.S. cities as potential team locations. Target markets include: Austin, Tex.; Birmingham, Ala.; Columbus, O.; Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee, Wisc.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Salt Lake City, U.; San Antonio, Tex.; Los Angeles and San Jose. Until there are more teams, however, open tryouts will continue to be a long shot for aspiring pro players.

Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green (left) spent most of the day working from midfield

Quarterback Blake Mori

Linebacker LaMont Providence

Linebackers assistant coach giving instruction during drills

Defensive Lineman Sione Umufuke

Defensive Linemen being instructed before another drill

Wide receiver Kyle Providence (right) makes the grab

Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green talks to all 260 tryout participants

The third and final open tryout for the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Sunday. It will be held at San Mateo Community College.