Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1498292
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MAY 3 - 9, 2023 UCW 19 To kick off the 2023 National Arena League football season, the Fayetteville Mustangs began its inaugural season with a 68 — 43 victory over the Orlando Predators. e newly minted NAL franchise serves under team owner and presi- dent Dr. Robert Twaddell. e local business proprietor and medical professional of 26 years is excited to bring the Mustangs to Fayetteville. In April, Up & Coming Weekly caught up with Dr. Twaddell, Coach Charles Gunnings, players and front office staff during the team's Meet & Greet to discuss the 2023 season. e Meet & Greet was held at Bubba's 33, the official restaurant of the Fayetteville Mustangs. Dr. Twaddell shared his team philosophy and the impact he'd like to achieve in Fayetteville and the surrounding area. "I'm excited to see and to hear the roar, glee and cheers of young fans and families filling the stadium and supporting their home team," he said. "e team's focus is centered on faith and family. I am excited to bring back competitive arena foot- ball to our city," he added. e tickets are affordable, starting at $15 each. And the team is looking to partner with potential co-owners and businesses to ensure the Mus- tangs are here to stay, Twaddell said. Coach Charles Gunnings, a former NAL player with more than 15 years of experience, has won champion- ships in multiple arena football leagues. Gunnings shares the president's philosophy. With the task of prepar- ing the players to perform at the highest level, he talked about his role as coach and his process of building a competitive team. He talked about the single most important rule: player's trusting one another. "Our team has players that per- formed at the collegiate to the national level. We have a lot of alpha males so they all understand the time and commitment required to win games. However, winning at anything demands trust," he said. As Coach Gunning continued, he discussed the importance of taking care of the players families. "Our players perform better knowing that our owner, coaching staff, and front office truly care and support the family structure." e commitment to the youth and family extends into the community. "I encourage youths from the ages of 9 to 13 years to join the F ayette- ville Mustangs Youth League sum- mer youth program," Gunnings said. "Each team will play on the same turf, arena, and environment as the Mustangs at the Crown Complex. Each youth player will receive a free game day voucher for every Mus- tangs home game." With the Mustangs off to a winning start, Up & Coming Weekly spoke with Liberty City native and leader of the team. #12 Quarterback, Rakeem Cato, has an impressive passing completion rating of .734% over the past two games. When asked about the upcom- ing season, he talked about having a great football camp prior to their game with the Orlando Predators. He believes the Mustangs have the right players to make a solid play- off run and ultimately securing the championship. e 2023 season is in full swing with the Fayetteville Mustangs scheduled to host the following teams in May. Tickets are currently on sale at www.fayettevillemustangs. com/tickets for all home games. Fayetteville Mustangs May 2023 Schedule at the Crown Complex May 7, Home Game 2 Fayetteville Mustangs vs. San An- tonio Gunslingers (Faith and Family Night). Doors open at 2 p.m., Kickoff at 3 p.m. May 19, Home Game 3 Fayetteville Mustangs vs. Carolina Cobras (Education Appreciation Night). Doors open at 6 p.m., Kickoff at 7 p.m. National Arena Football League ready to score big in Fayetteville by JAMIE BISHOP BY, FOR & ABOUT Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community More inside: Women-Owned Businesses Taking names and kicking you know what Sip, Sip, Hooray! for The Sip Room in Downtown Fayetteville Saluting those who Serve Fort Bragg's Military Family of the Year & A soldier's welcome home memoir With a Thankful Heart Reflections and recipes for Thanksgiving VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER | 2022 Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community M A G A Z I N E Savvy Small Business More inside: "More Than A Body" Art Installation It's More than Meets the Lens Protecting Yourself Fact vs. Fiction Fayetteville Postured for Progress Health and Wellness Lifelong Fitness, Golf and Gardening VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER | 2022 Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community M A G A Z I N E Big Ideas Grill vs. Griddle The Innovative Blackstone JAMIE BISHOP, Contributor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200 SPORTS