Roughnecks Welcome New Ownership

ODESSA, TX. : The Odessa Roughnecks proudly announce that Allegiance Pro Sports has purchased 100 percent of the team from founders Tommy and Abby Benizio for an undisclosed amount at Harrigan's in Odessa. Lead by President Brandon Smith (35), Allegiance Pro Sports is the parent company for current IFL franchises in Katy (Ruff Riders) and the yet-to-be named team being placed in El Paso for the upcoming season. Allegiance Pro Sports is based in Odessa, Texas.

Smith was born and raised in Odessa and is a 1991 product of Odessa High School. He has been working in the family business since he graduated from high school and is a member of Crossroads Fellowship in Odessa. "It has been my longtime goal to own a professional sports franchise in Odessa and I am very pleased to accomplish this goal with a team like the Roughnecks", explained Smith, "We are very excited about the quality of this organization and look forward to building on the teams past successes." With Smith's assistance, the Katy Ruff Riders grew into a solid franchise increasing attendance and improving on the field over a two year period.

Joining Brandon will be his sister Rebecca Greenfield who will contribute in the teams marketing and promotional efforts. The current Roughnecks staff, including the winningest coach in IFL history, Chris Williams are all part of the new ownership groups future plans. "I am sad to see Tommy and Abby leave but am very optimistic about the future of our team", remarked Williams. Tommy Benizio will remain with the team as a consultant until December in efforts to assist with the transition of ownership and to ensure that all of the teams vendors and many ticket holders and corporate partners are taken care of.

The Benizio's founded the Roughnecks approximately five years ago by launching the team at a press conference on October 8th, 2003. Since that time, the God-lead franchise has accomplished two "Franchise of the Year" awards among many other, several sell-out games, an undefeated season in 2005 followed up with a championship year in 2006. The team never finished below a 3rd place tie in the standings and was among the top teams in attendance during each of its first five seasons. Benizio played a key role in the creation of the new Indoor Football League which looks to compete with as many as 30 teams during the inaugural 2009 season and he is now being considered by the IFL board for the position of league Commissioner. Benizio hopes to have an announcement over the coming weeks regarding his involvement in leading the new league. Benizio stated, "This is a bitter-sweet day for my wife (Abby) and I. We love this team and this community that has become our home but are also excited about the future and where God will take us next."