The new Athens indoor football team has revealed its name and logo.
At a launch event Wednesday, the Athens Crush was announced with a red and grey colorway. The name was voted on after a lengthy name selection contest where community members and fans were able to vote upon name suggestions including finalists Bullfrogs, Hedgehogs and Panic.
Athens Crush president and CEO Mike Sammond spoke about what the Crush stands for.
“Crush is a powerful sports word that immediately communicates what we want our team to do,” Sammond said. “Hit hard, play fast and crush the competition.”
The name also pays homage to one of Athens’ most famous bands R.E.M., and its song “Orange Crush.” The logo, an "A" with a claw wrapped around it, has local touches including an outline of the state of Georgia, the iconic Georgia Arch and music notes.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, former UGA Hall of Famer David Pollack and former MLB All-Star Brian Jordan are the team owners for the Crush. They were three of the hundred or so attendees at the launch event.
Pollack, who still lives in the Athens area, is excited for the community aspect of the new professional football team.
“Now if we do our jobs as owners and fans, and we take care of these guys and they love where they’re at, we can build something really cool and special and win at a high level.”
The Crush will kick off their inaugural season in the Indoor Football League in March. They’ll be coached by Rob Keefe and play their home games at Akins Ford Arena in downtown Athens.
