Fans: Thunder will thrive

Two surveys indicate that the Thunder and Youngstown were made for each other.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Will the Mahoning Valley Thunder enjoy a successful first season in the arenafootball2 league while playing on beautiful Cortland Banks Field in the state-of-the-art Chevrolet Centre?
What does the public think about the team's chances to become popular among area fans and create a following to the eight home games, starting with the franchise opener at home Saturday at 7:05 p.m. against the Tri-Cities (Wash.) Fever?
Well, the general consensus from a pair of recent surveys indicates that the public is very optimistic that the Thunder will succeed, and is looking forward to experiencing indoor football and following the team's exploits throughout the season.
"[The Thunder is] big time. Awesome. It is meant and built for Youngstown," said Brian Meenachan of Boardman, while watching a Thunder practice session Tuesday at the Chevrolet Centre. "Plus you have local ownership and you are not competing against YSU and Mount Union. [Football] is the heart of Youngstown. Everyone here loves football."
If hockey, then football
Wes Wagner of Poland, also watching the workout, agreed: "I think it will be a big success. People come to hockey games and this will be more interesting that a hockey game. People always watch [indoor football] games on TV. It's cool we have it in Youngstown."
But Ed Costello of Youngstown slightly tempered the optimism. "It's going to take a little bit of time for fans to love this game because it's not like regular football," said Costello.
However, the other comments were promising, including those from an onlooker who wished to remain anonymous.
"I like the fact that it allows you to get real close to the action," he said, pointing out that, "There are not as many games as this to get this close."
He also said the game is meant for Youngstown.
"It's a great opportunity for the area. It fits right in with the personality of the area. There's not another game in town."
And Gannon Hulea of Poland, son of Thunder assistant coach Paul Hulea's, flatly predicted of Saturday's opener that: "I think it will be packed." Because, "It's good for the Mahoning Valley to have something new."
Women, children optimistic
In a another survey of fans attending two recent benefit basketball games at the Lowellville High gym, one of them involving the Thunder administrative staff, the general consensus was that the Mahoning Valley Thunder will succeed at the Chevrolet, especially according to women and children.
"It's going to be good for our area and economy. We need that," said Tamy Chaibi, 36, of Lowellville, who also liked the fact that there will be more football to watch out of season.
"It's extending the football season. There is enough interest in football to extend the attraction."
But will she go to watch a game and does she think other women will do likewise? Do women like football enough to support the indoor variety.
"I am planning to go down to see a game," Chaibi asserted. "I think that women in general would like to go there."
Tina Inskeep of Lowellville also exuded optimism for the Thunder.
"I'm looking forward to it. I'm kind of obsessed by football," said Inskeep.
And Tonya Boggia of Lowellville believes her city will back the team.
"Most people in Lowellville are huge football fans. I think they will support the Thunder," said Boggia.
Young boys ready for team
Several young boys were glad that the team was in town, and are looking forward to experiencing an indoor football game.
"I am looking forward to see the Thunder play," said John Hvisdak, a sixth grader at Lowellville Elementary. "I want to see some awesome jump passes and some TD passes. That's cool. It really will be a cool event. And tougher teams will make it even better."
But Hvisdak doesn't only like football players.
"I wanted to get the cheerleaders autographs," said Hvisdak, who was attracted to the Thunder cheerleaders' booth where they were greeting the fans.
Robert Ciccone, 11, fifth grader at Lowellville Elementary who plays for the Lowellville Pee Wee Rockets, has high expectations for indoor football in the area.
"It sounds pretty cool. It's indoors, tackling. I'm a really good football fan," said Ciccone.
Justin Stellmar, a fifth grader at Lowellville Elementary, entertained similar feelings.
"I think [the Thunder] are pretty good. I will enjoy watching the team play. I am looking forward to going," said Stellmar.
kovach@vindy.com