West Virginia Wizards
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The West Virginia Wizards were announced on October 29, 1987 as a trial member of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL). The Wizards would play a single exhibition game against the Utah Catzz on December 6, 1987. The PIFL commissioner, Richard "Dick" Suess, scheduled the preseason indoor football game in Charleston, WV. to gauge fan interest.†
They would be lead by former West Virginia University quarterback Major Harris. The Wizards uniforms consisted of soild white helmets (no logo), yellow jerseys with green numbers, and green pants. Major Harris lived up to his nickname of "Mr. Excitement" in leading the West Virginia Wizards to a 41-51 comeback victory over the Utah Catzz that Saturday night. An estimated crowd of 7,000 attended the exhibition.‡ Major Harris threw for 6 touchdowns and ran for another during this game.
There was a tryout for the Wizards held on April 9,1998 at Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse in Huntington at 7pm. The West Virginia Wizards also were scheduled to play the Louisville Bulls in an exhibition on May 2,1988 at the Huntington Civic Center. This game has not been confirmed if it took place.
Once the PIFL was official organized in '88, they were no longer a part of the league.
[edit] References
†Charleston Gazette newspaper - INDOOR FOOTBALL GAME PLAN INCLUDES MAJOR - Oct. 30, 1997
‡Charleston Gazette newspaper - MAJOR'S RETURN SPICES UP INDOOR FOOTBALL GAME - Dec. 7, 1997