Chicago Wildfire
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Division | Midwest |
| Based in | Chicago, Illinois |
| Stadium | Lane Tech College Prep High School |
| Colours | Blue and Orange |
| Website | chicago-wildfire.com |
The Chicago Wildfire is a professional ultimate team that competes in the Midwest Division of the American Ultimate Disc League. Originally branded as the Windy City Wildfire, the team has been a top team in the division since its establishment in 2013. In its first year, the Wildfire had the best record in the Midwest and qualified for the playoffs in its first three seasons.[1]
History
Founding and Inaugural Season
In March of 2012, Steve Gordon purchased the territory rights based in Chicago as part of the first wave of expansion to begin play in the 2013 season. The team found a home field at Lane Tech College Prep. The inaugural season began in April of 2013, and culminated with a 14-2 regular season record. The season ended with a first round playoff loss to the Madison Radicals.
2014 - 2016
Going into the 2014 season, team ownership made the decision to legally change the name of the franchise to the Chicago Wildfire. The second season provided a strong 9-5 record, awarding the team second place in the division. The team ended the season with a first round playoff loss to the New York Empire.
In 2015, the organization decided to shift 5 of their 7 home games to Benedictine University, with efforts to attract a more family focused population in the surrounding Lisle, Illinois suburb. The season yielded an 8-5-1 record, allowing for a 3 place finish in the division, and a post season appearance against the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds. The post season was short lived, as the Chicago Wildfire fell to the Thunderbirds, ending their 2015 season.
The 2016 season brought all 7 home games back to Lane Tech College Prep. The Wildfire tied for 5th in the division with the Detroit Mechanix, and did not make the playoffs.
Current Season
On January 1, 2017, Steve Gordon signed on Trent Kuhl as General Manager of the Chicago Wildfire. Former player and Assistant Coach Adrian King was named Head Coach, while Andrew "AJ" Nelson joined the coaching ranks as Assistant Coach. Returner Jack Shey and first time player Pawel Janas were elected as captains for the 2017 season. The Chicago Wildfire's first game of the 2017 season will be April 22nd in Pittsburgh, PA against the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds.
References
- ↑ "The Tuesday Toss, Playoffs Part II: Four Teams Remain". TheAUDL.com. Retrieved 2015-07-30.