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{{Infobox Sports league
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[[File:Placeholder|right|300px]]
  
  +
|title = Southern Indoor Football League
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The '''Southern Indoor Football League''' is a professional [[indoor football]] league created in 2008.
  
  +
|last_season = 2011 SIFL season
  +
|logo = SIFL.jpg
  +
|pixels = 300px
  +
|caption =
  +
|sport = [[Indoor American football|Indoor football]]
  +
|founded = 2008
  +
|inaugural = 2009
  +
|ceo = [[Thom Hager]]
  +
|country = United States
  +
|champion = [[Albany Panthers]]
  +
|most_champs =
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|TV =
  +
|website = [http://southernifl.com/ SouthernIFL.com]
  +
|related_comps = [[American Indoor Football Association]]
  +
|Founder = [[Thom Hager]]
  +
}}
  +
  +
The '''Southern Indoor Football League''' ('''SIFL''') was an [[indoor American football|indoor]] [[American football|football]] league based in the Southern and Eastern United States. The most recent incarnation of the league was a consolidation of an earlier league of the same name that was formed by Thom Hager along with Dan Blum, Robert Winfrey and Dan Ryan in 2009<ref>{{cite web|last=Ponthieux |first=Mickel |url=http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/sports/x541356533/Southern-Indoor-Football-League-is-born |title=Southern Indoor Football League is born - Sulphur, LA - Southwest Daily News |publisher=Sulphurdailynews.com |date=2008-11-19 |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> and the [[American Indoor Football Association]], which traces its roots to the founding of the Atlantic Indoor Football League in 2005. The SIFL broke up into three regional leagues after the 2011 season.
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
−
===First Season (2009)===
  
−
Based in Texas and Louisiana, it had five teams for its inaugural season. The [[Acadiana Mudbugs]], [[Austin Turfcats]], [[Houma Conquerors]], [[Texas Hurricanes]], and [[Louisiana Swashbucklers]] are the teams that comprised the first season. The 2009 SIFL staff included Commissioner Dan Blum, Director of Operations Robert Winfrey, Director of Communications Dan Ryan, Director of Quality Control Bryan Shoemaker and Director of Creative Services Scott Blanchard. The first round of the playoffs had #1 Louisiana defeating #4 Houma, and #2 Austin defeating #3 Acadiana. The inaugural SIFL season concluded with the President's Cup Championship Game which saw the Louisiana Swashbucklers defeat the Austin Turfcats 59-38.
  
   
  +
===2009 season===
−
===Consistent Development (2010-present)===
  
−
The second season of the SIFL played with five teams. The loss of the [[Austin Turfcats]], [[Houma Conquerors]], and [[Texas Hurricanes]] were countered with the addition of the [[Albany Panthers]], [[Columbus Lions]], and [[Greenville Force]]. The [[Lafayette Wildcatters]], who changed its name from the Acadiana Mudbugs, and the [[Louisiana Swashbucklers]] returned for the 2010 season. The 2010 SIFL staff included Commissioner Dan Blum, Director of Operations Robert Winfrey, Director of Communications Matthew Hester,and Director of Quality Control Bryan Shoemaker.
 +
Based in Texas and Louisiana, it had five teams for its inaugural season. The Acadiana Mudbugs, Austin Turfcats, Houma Conquerors, Texas Hurricanes, and Louisiana Swashbucklers are the teams that comprised the first season. The 2009 SIFL staff included Commissioner Dan Blum, Director of Operations Robert Winfrey, Director of Communications Dan Ryan, Director of Quality Control Bryan Shoemaker and Director of Creative Services Scott Blanchard. The first round of the playoffs had #1 Louisiana defeating #4 Houma, and #2 Austin defeating #3 Acadiana. The inaugural SIFL season concluded with the President's Cup Championship Game which saw the Louisiana Swashbucklers defeat the Austin Turfcats 59-38.
   
−
===Expansion (2011 and beyond)===
 +
===2010 season===
  +
The second season of the SIFL played with five teams. The loss of the Austin Turfcats, Houma Conquerors, and Texas Hurricanes were countered with the addition of the Albany Panthers, Columbus Lions, and Greenville Force. The Lafayette Wildcatters, who changed its name from the Acadiana Mudbugs, and the Louisiana Swashbucklers returned for the 2010 season. The 2010 SIFL staff included Commissioner Dan Blum, Director of Operations Robert Winfrey, Director of Communications Matthew Hester, and Director of Quality Control Bryan Shoemaker.
−
After the 2010 season, the [[Greenville Force]] was dropped from the SIFL. With the exit of the Force, the SIFL added the [[Alabama Hammers]], [[Houston Stallions]], [[Mobile Bay Tarpons]], [[Rio Grande Valley Magic]], and [[Trenton Steel]] for the 2011 season. At the same time, the [[Abilene Ruff Riders]] and [[Corpus Christi Hammerheads]] made the move to the SIFL from the [[Indoor Football League|IFL]].
  
   
  +
===2011 season===
−
On November 9, 2010, the SIFL announced its merger with the East Division of the [[American Indoor Football Association]], adding the [[Carolina Speed]], [[Erie Explosion]], [[Harrisburg Stampede]], and [[Richmond Raiders]]. <ref>http://southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=276:sifl-a-aifa-announce-merger&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21</ref> It was thought that the [[Fayetteville Guard]] would also move to the SIFL but another sports marketing group from Fayetteville announced it would field a new team from the Fayetteville market independent to the Guard.<ref>http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2010/11/30/1051554?sac=Home</ref> This brought the league total to 16 clubs. The [[American Indoor Football Association|AIFA West]] league was to continue to operate independent of that merger, but most teams in that league have ceased visible operations since December.
  
  +
{{main|2011 SIFL season}}
  +
After the 2010 season, the Greenville Force was dropped from the SIFL. With the exit of the Force, the SIFL added the Alabama Hammers, Houston Stallions, Mobile Bay Tarpons, Rio Grande Valley Magic, and Trenton Steel for the 2011 season. At the same time, the Abilene Ruff Riders and Corpus Christi Hammerheads made the move to the SIFL from the IFL.
  +
Gary Tufford (Known as the League Killer) took over the reins of the league as Commissioner and over extended the SIFL into the 16 team league that would compete in the 2011 season.
   
  +
On November 9, 2010, the SIFL announced its merger with the East Division of the American Indoor Football Association, adding the Carolina Speed, Erie Explosion, Harrisburg Stampede, and Richmond Raiders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4113687 |title=SIFL and AIFA Announce Merger - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=2010-11-09 |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref> It was thought that the Fayetteville Guard would also move to the SIFL but another sports marketing group from Fayetteville announced it would field a new team from the Fayetteville market independent to the Guard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2010/11/30/1051554?sac=Home |title=New indoor football team coming to Fayetteville |publisher=FayObserver.com |date=2010-11-30 |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> This brought the league total to 16 clubs. In March 2011 it was reported that sports management company Fanteractive was acquiring the league (as well as owning the Trenton and Fayetteville teams), with plans to make it "interactive" by giving fans a voice in team decisions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kitchenman |first=Andrew |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2296664861.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329154514/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2296664861.html |dead-url=yes |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |title=Getting fans out of seats, and behind bench |work=NJBIZ |date=March 14, 2011 |accessdate=2015-01-22 }} {{subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref>
−
==Teams==
  
−
{| class="navbox wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:left"
  
−
|-
  
−
! style="background:white; width:7%" | Division
  
−
! style="background:white; width:14%" | Team
  
−
! style="background:white; width:13%" | City/Area
  
−
! style="background:white; width:29%" | Arena
  
−
! style="background:white; width:12%" | Founded
  
−
! style="background:white; width:8%" | Joined
  
−
! style="background:white; width:15%" | Head Coach
  
−
|-
  
−
! style="background:#090;" colspan="7"| <span style="color:white;">Eastern Conference</span>
  
−
|-
  
−
! style=background:white rowspan=3 | Northeast
  
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| '''[[Erie Explosion]]'''
  
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| [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], [[Pennsylvania|PA]]
  
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| [[Louis J. Tullio Arena]]
  
−
| align=center | 2007 (AIFA)
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[Shawn Liotta]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Harrisburg Stampede]]'''
  
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| [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]], [[Pennsylvania|PA]]
  
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| [[Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center]]
  
−
| align=center | 2007 (AIFA)
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[Bernie Nowotarski]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Trenton Steel]]'''
  
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| [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], [[New Jersey|NJ]]
  
−
| [[Sun National Bank Center]]
  
−
| align=center | 2010
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[Jeff Hoffman]]
  
−
|-
  
−
! style=background:white rowspan=3 | Mid Atlantic
  
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| '''[[Carolina Speed]]'''
  
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| [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], [[North Carolina|NC]]
  
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| [[Bojangles' Coliseum]]
  
−
| align=center | 2007 (AIFA)
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
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| [[Ben McGarity]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Fayetteville Force (SIFL)|Fayetteville Force]]'''
  
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| [[Fayetteville, North Carolina|Fayetteville]], [[North Carolina|NC]]
  
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| [[Cumberland County Crown Coliseum]]
  
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| align=center | 2011
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
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| [[Marquette Smith]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Richmond Raiders]]'''
  
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| [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], [[Virginia|VA]]
  
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| [[Richmond Coliseum]]
  
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| align=center | 2010 (AIFA)
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
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| [[Chris Simpson (American football)|Chris Simpson]]
  
−
|-
  
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! style=background:white rowspan=3 | South
  
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| '''[[Alabama Hammers]]'''
  
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| [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]], [[Alabama|AL]]
  
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| [[Von Braun Center]]
  
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| align=center | 2010
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
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| [[Marty Hammond]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Albany Panthers]]'''
  
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| [[Albany, Georgia|Albany]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]]
  
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| [[Gray Civic Center]]
  
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| align=center | 2009
  
−
| align=center | 2010
  
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| [[Lucious Davis]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Columbus Lions]]'''
  
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| [[Columbus, Georgia|Columbus]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]]
  
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| [[Columbus Civic Center]]
  
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| align=center | 2007 (WIFL)
  
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| align=center | 2010
  
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| [[Jason Gibson]]
  
−
|-
  
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! style="background:#090;" colspan="7"| <span style="color:white;">Western Conference</span>
  
−
|-
  
−
! style=background:white rowspan=3 | Gulf
  
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| '''[[Lafayette Wildcatters]]'''
  
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| [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]], [[Louisiana|LA]]
  
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| [[Cajundome]]
  
−
| align=center | 2008
 
−
| align=center | 2009
  
−
| [[Skip Foster]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]]'''
  
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| [[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]], [[Louisiana|LA]]
  
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| [[Sudduth Coliseum]]
  
−
| align=center | 2005 (NIFL)
  
−
| align=center | 2009
  
−
| [[Darnel Lee]]
  
−
|-
  
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| '''[[Mobile Bay Tarpons]]'''
  
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| [[Mobile, AL|Mobile]], [[Alabama|AL]]
  
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| [[Mitchell Center]]
  
−
| align=center | 2010
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| TBA
  
−
|-
  
−
! style=background:white rowspan=4 | Southwest
  
−
| '''[[Abilene Ruff Riders]]'''
  
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| [[Abilene, Texas|Abilene]], [[Texas|TX]]
  
−
| [[Taylor County Expo Center]]
  
−
| align=center | 2006 (Intense)
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[Rodney Blackshear]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Corpus Christi Hammerheads]]'''
  
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| [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]], [[Texas|TX]]
  
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| [[American Bank Center]]
  
−
| align=center | 2003 (Intense)
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[Jason McKinley]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Houston Stallions]]'''
  
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| [[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]], [[Texas|TX]]
  
−
| [[Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center]]
  
−
| align=center | 2010
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[Gerald Dockery]]
  
−
|-
  
−
| '''[[Rio Grande Valley Magic]]'''
  
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| [[Hidalgo, Texas|Hidalgo]], [[Texas|TX]]
  
−
| [[State Farm Arena]]
  
−
| align=center | 2010
  
−
| align=center | 2011
  
−
| [[John Fourcade]]
  
−
|-
  
−
|}
  
   
  +
The Lafayette Wildcatters suspended operations the day before the 2011 season started<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.katc.com/news/lafayette-wildcatters-not-fielding-a-team-this-season/ |title=Lafayette Wildcatters Not Fielding a Team This Season &#124; KATC.com &#124; Acadiana-Lafayette, Louisiana |publisher=KATC.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref> and the Mobile Tarpons folded roughly a month into the 2011 season.
−
===Former Teams===
  
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*[[Austin Turfcats]] - voluntarily left SIFL after inaugural season to join [[Indoor Football League]] for 2010 season.
  
−
*[[Florida Kings]] - traveling team for 2009, expelled from SIFL.
  
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*[[Greenville Force]] - no longer listed on SIFL page for 2011 season.
  
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*[[Houma Conquerors]] - Team is dormant for the 2010 season.
  
−
*[[Texas Hurricanes]] - Team is dormant for the 2010 season.
  
   
−
==Season results==
 +
===Breakup===
  +
A June 2011 ''[[The New York Times|New York Times]]'' article noted the league's instability.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tanier |first=Mike |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/28/sports/football/staying-in-the-game-on-footballs-fringe.html?pagewanted=all |title=Staying in the Game on Football’s Fringe |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 27, 2011 |accessdate=2015-01-22 }}</ref> In September 2011, the majority of teams in the SIFL broke off to join two new leagues, the Texas-based [[Lone Star Football League]] and the Southeast-based [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]]. The remaining three teams were claimed by the revived [[American Indoor Football|American Indoor Football Association]]. The SIFL itself has been silent since July 2011, and its Web site was taken down several months later and it is assumed that the league is completely defunct.
−
===2009 Final Standings===
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
  
−
|-
  
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! Team
  
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! Record
  
−
|-
  
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|*[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]]
  
−
|10-1
  
−
|-
  
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|[[Austin Turfcats]]
  
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|9-2
  
−
|-
  
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|[[Acadiana Mudbugs]]
  
−
|6-5
  
−
|-
  
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|[[Houma Conquerors]]
  
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|3-8
  
−
|-
  
−
|[[Texas Hurricanes]]
  
−
|1-9
  
−
|}
  
−
'''*'''-denotes the winner of the President's Cup Championship
  
   
  +
===Former teams===
−
The first round of the playoffs had #1 Louisiana defeating #4 Houma, and #2 Austin defeating #3 Acadiana. The inaugural SIFL season concluded with the President's Cup Championship Game which saw the [[Louisiana Swashbucklers]] defeat the [[Austin Turfcats]] 59-38.
  
  +
*[[Austin Turfcats]] &ndash; voluntarily left SIFL after inaugural season to join Indoor Football League for 2010 season.
  +
*Florida Kings &ndash; traveling team for 2009; expelled from SIFL after one game (an 81–0 loss) for failing to pay travel expenses.<ref>{{cite news |title=SIFL finds new team to replace Florida Kings |url=http://www.houmatoday.com/article/DA/20090527/news/608085590/HC/ |access-date=May 28, 2018 |work=[[The Houma Courier]] |date=May 27, 2009}}</ref>
  +
*[[Greenville Force]] &ndash; were not listed on SIFL page for 2011 season
  +
*[[Houma Conquerors]] &ndash; team was dormant for the 2010 season and did not return
  +
*[[Texas Hurricanes]] &ndash; team was dormant for the 2010 season and did not return
  +
*[[Lafayette Wildcatters]] &ndash; team was dormant for the 2011 season
  +
*[[Mobile Bay Tarpons]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Cassandra McAboy |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/04/end_of_the_line_for_mobile_bay.html |title=End of the line for Mobile Bay Tarpons? Coach Willie Gaston says team didn't make last game |publisher=al.com |date= |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> &ndash; team was dormant for the remainder of the 2011 season.
  +
*[[Fayetteville Force (SIFL)|Fayetteville Force]] &ndash; original team left league midway through the 2011 season. Temporary team backed by the [[American Indoor Football Association]] played out the remainder of the season in the Force's place under the Force name.
  +
*[[Erie Explosion]] &ndash; team left for the [[Ultimate Indoor Football League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110827/FOOTBALL09/308279931/-1/SPORTS05 |title=Erie Explosion joins new league &#124; GoErie.com/Erie Times-News |publisher=Goerie.com |date=2011-08-27 |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref>
  +
*[[Abilene Ruff Riders]] &ndash; team left for the [[Lone Star Football League]].<ref name="valleycentral1">{{cite web|author=RGV Magic Get Arena League Of Their Own by Clay Williams |url=http://www.valleycentral.com/sports/story.aspx?id=662639#.Tm-6_eyivTo |title=RGV Magic Get Arena League Of Their Own : Sports |publisher=ValleyCentral.com |date=2011-09-13 |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref>
  +
*[[Corpus Christi Hammerheads]] &ndash; team left for the [[Lone Star Football League]].<ref name="valleycentral1"/>
  +
*[[Houston Stallions]] &ndash; team left for the [[Lone Star Football League]].<ref name="valleycentral1"/>
  +
*[[Rio Grande Valley Magic]] &ndash; team left for the [[Lone Star Football League]].<ref name="valleycentral1"/>
  +
*[[Laredo Rattlesnakes]] &ndash; team originally set to be part of 2012 SIFL season, but left to help start [[Lone Star Football League]].<ref name="valleycentral1"/>
  +
*[[Alabama Hammers]] &ndash; team left for the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]].
  +
*[[Albany Panthers]] &ndash; team left for the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]].
  +
*[[Columbus Lions]] &ndash; team left for the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]].
  +
*[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]] &ndash; team left for the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]].
  +
*[[Richmond Raiders]] &ndash; team left for the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]].
  +
*[[Trenton Steel]] &ndash; team claimed by [[American Indoor Football Association|American Indoor Football]], but did not operate in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Mancuso / The Times of Trenton |url=http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/12/trenton_steel_throw_in_the_tow.html |title=Trenton Steel throw in the towel (with video) |publisher=NJ.com |date= |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref>
  +
*[[Harrisburg Stampede]] &ndash; Team claimed by [[American Indoor Football Association|American Indoor Football]].
  +
*[[Carolina Speed]] &ndash; Team claimed by [[American Indoor Football Association|American Indoor Football]].
   
  +
===Timeline===
−
'''2009 SIFL Award winners'''<br>
 
  +
<timeline>
−
'''MVP''': Kimmie Lewis (Acadiana)<br>
  
  +
DateFormat = yyyy
−
'''Offensive Player of the Year''': Marcus Wilridge (Louisiana)<br>
  
  +
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20
−
'''Defensive Player of the Year''': Kimmie Lewis (Acadiana)<br>
  
  +
Period = from:2009 till:2012
−
'''Special Teams Players of the Year''': Tommy Hebert (Louisiana) and Darric Wallace (Austin)<br>
  
  +
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
−
'''Lineman of the Year''': John Paul Jones (Louisiana)<br>
  
  +
PlotArea = right:30 left:0 bottom:50 top:5
−
'''Coach of the Year''': Darnell Lee (Louisiana)<br>
  
−
'''Franchise of the Year''': Louisiana Swashbucklers.
  
   
  +
Colors =
−
===2010 Final Standings===
  
  +
id:barcolor value:rgb(0.5,0.95,0.4)
  +
id:line value:black
  +
id:bg value:white
  +
  +
PlotData=
  +
width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:s
  +
  +
bar:1 color:green from:2009 till:2011 text:[[Lafayette Wildcatters|Acadiana Mudbugs/Lafayette Wildcatters]] (2009-2010)
  +
bar:2 color:green from:2009 till:2010 text:[[Austin Turfcats]] (2009)
  +
bar:3 color:green from:2009 till:2010 text:[[Houma Conquerors]] (2009)
  +
bar:4 color:green from:2009 till:2012 text:[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]] (2009-2011)
  +
bar:5 color:green from:2009 till:2010 text:[[Texas Hurricanes]] (2009)
  +
bar:6 color:green from:2010 till:2012 text:[[Albany Panthers]] (2010-2011)
  +
bar:7 color:green from:2010 till:2012 text:[[Columbus Lions]] (2010-2011)
  +
bar:8 color:green from:2010 till:2012 text:[[Greenville Force]] (2010)
  +
bar:9 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Abilene Ruff Riders]] (2011)
  +
bar:10 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Alabama Hammers]] (2011)
  +
bar:11 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Carolina Speed]] (2011)
  +
bar:12 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Corpus Christi Hammerheads]] (2011)
  +
bar:13 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Erie Explosion]] (2011)
  +
bar:14 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Fayetteville Force]] (2011)
  +
bar:15 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Harrisburg Stampede]] (2011)
  +
bar:16 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Houston Stallions]] (2011)
  +
bar:17 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Mobile Bay Tarpons]] (2011)
  +
bar:18 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Richmond Raiders]] (2011)
  +
bar:19 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Rio Grande Valley Magic]] (2011)
  +
bar:20 color:green from:2011 till:2012 text:[[Trenton Steel]] (2011)
  +
  +
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:line unit:year increment:1 start:2009
  +
  +
</timeline>
  +
  +
==Champions==
  +
  +
===President's Cup===
 
{| class="wikitable"
  
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
  
|-
  +
!|Year||Winner||Loser||Score
−
! Team
  
  +
|- style="background: #e3e3e3;"
−
! Record
  
  +
|2009||[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]]||[[Austin Turfcats]]||59-38
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2010||[[Columbus Lions]]||[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]]||68-13
−
|[[Albany Panthers]]
  
  +
|- style="background: #e3e3e3;"
−
|8-3
  
  +
|2011||[[Albany Panthers]]||[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]]||69-48
−
|-
  
−
|*[[Columbus Lions ]]
  
−
|8-3
  
−
|-
  
−
|[[Lafayette Wildcatters]]
  
−
|6-5
  
−
|-
  
−
|[[Louisiana Swashbucklers]]
  
−
|5-6
  
−
|-
  
−
|[[Greenville Force]]
  
−
|2-8
  
 
|}
  
|}
−
'''*'''-denotes the winner of the President's Cup Championship
  
   
  +
==Award winners and notable players==
−
The first round of the playoffs had #4 Louisiana defeating #1 Albany, and #2 Columbus defeating #3 Lafayette. The 2010 SIFL season concluded with the President's Cup Championship Game which saw the [[Columbus Lions]] defeat the [[Louisiana Swashbucklers]] 68-13.
 
   
−
'''2010 SIFL Award winners'''<br>
 +
===2009 SIFL Award winners===
−
'''MVP''': Cecil Lester (Albany)<br>
 +
*'''MVP''': Kimmie Lewis (Acadiana)
−
'''Offensive Player of the Year''': Chris McCoy (Columbus)<br>
 +
*'''Offensive Player of the Year''': Marcus Wilridge (Louisiana)
  +
*'''Defensive Player of the Year''': Kimmie Lewis (Acadiana)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3871854 |title=Kimmee Lewis named 2009 SIFL MVP - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref>
−
'''Defensive Player of the Year''': Damian Daniels (Columbus)<br>
  
−
'''Special Teams Player of the Year''': Trey Crum (Columbus)<br>
 +
*'''Special Teams Players of the Year''': Tommy Hebert (Louisiana) and Darric Wallace (Austin)
  +
*'''Lineman of the Year''': John Paul Jones (Louisiana)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3869595 |title=LA's Jones Named SIFL Lineman Of The Year; SIFL Names Fans Of The Year - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=2009-07-22 |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref>
−
'''Lineman of the Year''': Franklin Llyod (Columbus)<br>
  
  +
*'''Coach of the Year''': Darnell Lee (Louisiana)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:lee-named-sifl-coach-of-the-year&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007084820/http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:lee-named-sifl-coach-of-the-year&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21|archivedate=2011-10-07|title= Lee Named SIFL Coach Of The Year|publisher=southernifl.com}}</ref>
−
'''Coach of the Year''': Lucious Davis (Albany)<br>
  
  +
*'''Franchise of the Year''': Louisiana Swashbucklers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41:sifl-lists-2009-front-office-winners&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204192526/http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41:sifl-lists-2009-front-office-winners&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21|archivedate=2009-12-04|title= SIFL Lists 2009 Front Office Winners|date=2009-12-04}}</ref>
−
'''Franchise of the Year''': Albany Panthers
  
   
  +
===2010 SIFL Award winners===
−
==References==
  
  +
*'''MVP''': Cecil Lester (Albany)
−
{{reflist}}
  
  +
*'''Offensive Player of the Year''': Chris McCoy (Columbus)
  +
*'''Defensive Player of the Year''': Damian Daniels (Columbus)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4048383 |title=Lester and Daniels Top List of 2010 SIFL Award Winners - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=2010-07-13 |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref>
  +
*'''Special Teams Player of the Year''': Trey Crum (Columbus)
  +
*'''Lineman of the Year''': Franklin Lloyd (Columbus)
  +
*'''Coach of the Year''': Lucious Davis (Albany)
  +
*'''Franchise of the Year''': Albany Panthers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4175678 |title=Lions, Panthers Rivalry Resumes This Saturday - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=2011-04-01 |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref>
   
  +
===2011 SIFL Award winners===
−
==External links==
  
  +
*'''MVP''': [[Adam DiMichele]] (Erie)
−
*[http://www.southernifl.com/ Official Southern Indoor Football League Website]
  
  +
*'''Offensive Player of the Year''': Kevin Concepcion (Erie)
−
*[http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3741548 Announcement of SIFL lineup]
  
  +
*'''Defensive Player of the Year''': Damian Daniels (Columbus)
−
*[http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3741549 Announcement of SIFL staff]
  
  +
*'''Special Teams Player of the Year''': Craig Camay (Trenton)
  +
*'''Coach of the Year''': Gerald Dockery (Houston)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4245133 |title=Sifl Names 2011 MVPs, Coach of the Year - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=2011-07-08 |accessdate=2013-10-20}}</ref>
  +
  +
==References==
  +
{{reflist|30em}}
   
 
{{SIFL}}
  
{{SIFL}}
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{{Profootball}}
 +
{{AIF}}
  +
{{Professional gridiron football leagues in North America}}
   
−
[[Category:Southern Indoor Football League]]
 +
[[Category:Southern Indoor Football League| ]]
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[[Category:Organizations established in 2008]]
 +
[[Category:Defunct indoor American football leagues in the United States]]
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[[Category:Indoor American football leagues in the United States]]
  
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[[Category:American football in Texas]]
  
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[[Category:American football in South Carolina]]
  
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[[Category:American football in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
  
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[[Category:American football in Louisiana]]
  
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[[Category:List of football leagues]]
  

Latest revision as of 02:00, 28 August 2019

Southern Indoor Football League
Most recent season or competition:
2011 SIFL season
File:SIFL.jpg
SportIndoor football
Founded2008
CommissionerThom Hager
Inaugural season2009
Country(ies)United States
Most recent champion(s)Albany Panthers
Official websiteSouthernIFL.com
Related competitionsAmerican Indoor Football Association
FounderThom Hager

The Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) was an indoor football league based in the Southern and Eastern United States. The most recent incarnation of the league was a consolidation of an earlier league of the same name that was formed by Thom Hager along with Dan Blum, Robert Winfrey and Dan Ryan in 2009[1] and the American Indoor Football Association, which traces its roots to the founding of the Atlantic Indoor Football League in 2005. The SIFL broke up into three regional leagues after the 2011 season.

History

2009 season

Based in Texas and Louisiana, it had five teams for its inaugural season. The Acadiana Mudbugs, Austin Turfcats, Houma Conquerors, Texas Hurricanes, and Louisiana Swashbucklers are the teams that comprised the first season. The 2009 SIFL staff included Commissioner Dan Blum, Director of Operations Robert Winfrey, Director of Communications Dan Ryan, Director of Quality Control Bryan Shoemaker and Director of Creative Services Scott Blanchard. The first round of the playoffs had #1 Louisiana defeating #4 Houma, and #2 Austin defeating #3 Acadiana. The inaugural SIFL season concluded with the President's Cup Championship Game which saw the Louisiana Swashbucklers defeat the Austin Turfcats 59-38.

2010 season

The second season of the SIFL played with five teams. The loss of the Austin Turfcats, Houma Conquerors, and Texas Hurricanes were countered with the addition of the Albany Panthers, Columbus Lions, and Greenville Force. The Lafayette Wildcatters, who changed its name from the Acadiana Mudbugs, and the Louisiana Swashbucklers returned for the 2010 season. The 2010 SIFL staff included Commissioner Dan Blum, Director of Operations Robert Winfrey, Director of Communications Matthew Hester, and Director of Quality Control Bryan Shoemaker.

2011 season

Main article: 2011 SIFL season

After the 2010 season, the Greenville Force was dropped from the SIFL. With the exit of the Force, the SIFL added the Alabama Hammers, Houston Stallions, Mobile Bay Tarpons, Rio Grande Valley Magic, and Trenton Steel for the 2011 season. At the same time, the Abilene Ruff Riders and Corpus Christi Hammerheads made the move to the SIFL from the IFL. Gary Tufford (Known as the League Killer) took over the reins of the league as Commissioner and over extended the SIFL into the 16 team league that would compete in the 2011 season.

On November 9, 2010, the SIFL announced its merger with the East Division of the American Indoor Football Association, adding the Carolina Speed, Erie Explosion, Harrisburg Stampede, and Richmond Raiders.[2] It was thought that the Fayetteville Guard would also move to the SIFL but another sports marketing group from Fayetteville announced it would field a new team from the Fayetteville market independent to the Guard.[3] This brought the league total to 16 clubs. In March 2011 it was reported that sports management company Fanteractive was acquiring the league (as well as owning the Trenton and Fayetteville teams), with plans to make it "interactive" by giving fans a voice in team decisions.[4]

The Lafayette Wildcatters suspended operations the day before the 2011 season started[5] and the Mobile Tarpons folded roughly a month into the 2011 season.

Breakup

A June 2011 New York Times article noted the league's instability.[6] In September 2011, the majority of teams in the SIFL broke off to join two new leagues, the Texas-based Lone Star Football League and the Southeast-based Professional Indoor Football League. The remaining three teams were claimed by the revived American Indoor Football Association. The SIFL itself has been silent since July 2011, and its Web site was taken down several months later and it is assumed that the league is completely defunct.

Former teams

Timeline

Trenton SteelRio Grande Valley MagicRichmond RaidersMobile Bay TarponsHouston StallionsHarrisburg StampedeFayetteville ForceErie ExplosionCorpus Christi HammerheadsCarolina SpeedAlabama HammersAbilene Ruff RidersGreenville ForceColumbus LionsAlbany PanthersTexas HurricanesLouisiana SwashbucklersHouma ConquerorsAustin TurfcatsLafayette Wildcatters

Champions

President's Cup

Year Winner Loser Score
2009 Louisiana Swashbucklers Austin Turfcats 59-38
2010 Columbus Lions Louisiana Swashbucklers 68-13
2011 Albany Panthers Louisiana Swashbucklers 69-48

Award winners and notable players

2009 SIFL Award winners

  • MVP: Kimmie Lewis (Acadiana)
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Marcus Wilridge (Louisiana)
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Kimmie Lewis (Acadiana)[12]
  • Special Teams Players of the Year: Tommy Hebert (Louisiana) and Darric Wallace (Austin)
  • Lineman of the Year: John Paul Jones (Louisiana)[13]
  • Coach of the Year: Darnell Lee (Louisiana)[14]
  • Franchise of the Year: Louisiana Swashbucklers[15]

2010 SIFL Award winners

  • MVP: Cecil Lester (Albany)
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Chris McCoy (Columbus)
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Damian Daniels (Columbus)[16]
  • Special Teams Player of the Year: Trey Crum (Columbus)
  • Lineman of the Year: Franklin Lloyd (Columbus)
  • Coach of the Year: Lucious Davis (Albany)
  • Franchise of the Year: Albany Panthers[17]

2011 SIFL Award winners

  • MVP: Adam DiMichele (Erie)
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Kevin Concepcion (Erie)
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Damian Daniels (Columbus)
  • Special Teams Player of the Year: Craig Camay (Trenton)
  • Coach of the Year: Gerald Dockery (Houston)[18]

References

  1. ↑ Ponthieux, Mickel (2008-11-19). "Southern Indoor Football League is born - Sulphur, LA - Southwest Daily News". Sulphurdailynews.com. http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/sports/x541356533/Southern-Indoor-Football-League-is-born. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  2. ↑ "SIFL and AIFA Announce Merger - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. 2010-11-09. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4113687. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  3. ↑ "New indoor football team coming to Fayetteville". FayObserver.com. 2010-11-30. http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2010/11/30/1051554?sac=Home. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  4. ↑ Kitchenman, Andrew (March 14, 2011). "Getting fans out of seats, and behind bench". NJBIZ. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2296664861.html. Retrieved 2015-01-22. (subscription required)
  5. ↑ "Lafayette Wildcatters Not Fielding a Team This Season | KATC.com | Acadiana-Lafayette, Louisiana". KATC.com. http://www.katc.com/news/lafayette-wildcatters-not-fielding-a-team-this-season/. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  6. ↑ Tanier, Mike (June 27, 2011). "Staying in the Game on Football’s Fringe". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/28/sports/football/staying-in-the-game-on-footballs-fringe.html?pagewanted=all. Retrieved 2015-01-22.
  7. ↑ "SIFL finds new team to replace Florida Kings". The Houma Courier. May 27, 2009. http://www.houmatoday.com/article/DA/20090527/news/608085590/HC/.
  8. ↑ Cassandra McAboy. "End of the line for Mobile Bay Tarpons? Coach Willie Gaston says team didn't make last game". al.com. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/04/end_of_the_line_for_mobile_bay.html. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  9. ↑ "Erie Explosion joins new league | GoErie.com/Erie Times-News". Goerie.com. 2011-08-27. http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110827/FOOTBALL09/308279931/-1/SPORTS05. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 RGV Magic Get Arena League Of Their Own by Clay Williams (2011-09-13). "RGV Magic Get Arena League Of Their Own : Sports". ValleyCentral.com. http://www.valleycentral.com/sports/story.aspx?id=662639#.Tm-6_eyivTo. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  11. ↑ Michael Mancuso / The Times of Trenton. "Trenton Steel throw in the towel (with video)". NJ.com. http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/12/trenton_steel_throw_in_the_tow.html. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  12. ↑ "Kimmee Lewis named 2009 SIFL MVP - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. 2009-07-25. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3871854. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  13. ↑ "LA's Jones Named SIFL Lineman Of The Year; SIFL Names Fans Of The Year - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. 2009-07-22. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3869595. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  14. ↑ "Lee Named SIFL Coach Of The Year". southernifl.com. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20111007084820/http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:lee-named-sifl-coach-of-the-year&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21.
  15. ↑ "SIFL Lists 2009 Front Office Winners". 2009-12-04. Archived from the original on 2009-12-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20091204192526/http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41:sifl-lists-2009-front-office-winners&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=21.
  16. ↑ "Lester and Daniels Top List of 2010 SIFL Award Winners - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. 2010-07-13. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4048383. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  17. ↑ "Lions, Panthers Rivalry Resumes This Saturday - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. 2011-04-01. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4175678. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  18. ↑ "Sifl Names 2011 MVPs, Coach of the Year - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. 2011-07-08. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4245133. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
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