Ohio Aviators
Encyclopedia : O : OH : OHI : Ohio Aviators
| Ohio Aviators | |
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| |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Team History | Ohio Aviators (2005-present) |
| Arena | Canton Memorial Civic Center, Osborne Hall |
| Team Colors | Blue, Black, White, Red |
| Championships | 0 |
| Division Titles | 0 |
| Owner | Joe Lewandowski |
| Head Coach | Bryant Lewandowski |
| Cheerleaders | Lady Aviators |
| Mascot | None |
The Ohio Aviators are a team in the American Basketball Association based in Canton, OH. The team finished 3-13, and lost in the first round of the ABA playoffs.
Aim High, Fly High!
Announced to much fanfare and excitement at an April 14, 2005 press conference, the Aviators pledged to sell 4,000 tickets to the home opener, and, according to GM Bryant Lewandowski, sell out every night. Throughout the summer of 2005, the Aviators participated in streetball tournaments, and summer leagues, winning one such.Despite a seemingly successful pre-season and press conferences to unveil new signees, the team had very slow ticket sales. Referring to the home opener, one person in the front office stated "I do not know how many tickets have been sold so far. Season ticket sales have been very slow."(as quoted in an email exchange), and noted that press coverage was less than friendly.
The Season
The Aviators opened their season on November 18 with a 108-96 loss on the road versus the Detroit Wheels. Three more losses followed, against the Lake Erie Rockers(110-104), Indiana Alley Cats(136-123), and the Toledo Ice(110-99).Home Opener/Downhill from there
The Aviators opened up their season on December 2, 2005 with a 119-118 win over the Lake Erie Rockers. Due to a snowstorm, the Rockers arrived over an hour late and with only a partial roster. Only around 175-200 fans showed up for the game.
With a small group of fans, the Aviators fought on to attract crowds. Subsequent games barely attracted crowds of over 100, and the team contemplated a move to a smaller venue. After a game on Dec. 11, which Ohio won 99-95 against Detroit (which only drew around 75), the decision was made to move home games to Malone University's gymnasium, and area high schools, to save money and expand the team's fan base. The team played one home game under this system, losing 122-115 to Lake Erie, which followed up a 163-116 blowout by the Pittsburgh Xplosion.
After the final home game, the Aviators only played five more games, one of which was a playoff game. Following the suspension of the Florida Pit Bulls, the Aviators found themselves in the playoffs, and exited the playoffs as quickly as they had entered, losing 140-83 to the Montreal Matrix. This game continued a skid which saw the team lose games by scores of 170-97 and 162-92(both against Pittsburgh), 164-96 and 140-56(against Toledo).
What the future holds
The Ohio Aviators, despite playing just 16 of 36 games, have not folded. The team's website has been down for some time. Whether the Aviators will play in 2006-2007 remains to be seen.Related Links/Sources
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