Notes
Kevin: Mixing It Up With The Fitness Community is a podcast created by
Fit Mix that introduces you to local health and fitness individuals along with their stories.
Kevin: Episode 16. Matt Avila with the
Duke City Gladiators. In this episode, Sara and Matt dive into the fast-paced, high-scoring indoor football team, their work with the community, and some hints to changes happening in the future.
Sara: All right. Hello, Matt. How are you doing today?
Matt: I'm doing pretty good. Yourself?
Sara: Doing well. Doing well, can't complain. I wish there was some football. Some preseason football to be watching right now. But, you know, we're dealing with that.
Matt: I know the feeling. It's hard to, you know, realize that I look at the schedule. I have it to the right of me, and it's like, well, we would be in the playoffs right now. And, you know, but we're not. Nobodies Playing.
Sara: Yes, it's a bummer. It's my favorite sport too. So for those who don't know, you are one of the owners of Duke City Gladiators, is that correct?
Matt: My title is director of public affairs for the Duke City Gladiators.
Sara: Ok. Director of Public Affairs. Awesome. OK. So for people who also don't know who the Duke City Gladiators are. Tell us who you guys are, what you do, and all those good things.
Matt: So we are in the arena football team and it is professional football. So what it's very different from the outdoor game. We actually play, obviously, indoors and we lay down a turf. We put it inside Tingley Coliseum. We select players from all across the country, whether it's players from, you know, Big Ten colleges, top 12 colleges. And a lot of my players actually come from the NFL. And we move them here to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We negotiate, obviously, a contract for pay because they are professional ball players. And, you know, they play here in Duke City and they put on one heck of a show for all of the fans.
Sara: Yeah, that they definitely do. For people who don't really know arena football. It's so much more fast-paced, so much more intense and the action is packed in non-stop. Talk about how it's maybe a little bit different than outdoor football that we're all used to.
Matt: The big difference as a fan. Right. So as a fan, when you walk into Tingley Coliseum, you're going to notice that the field is only 50 yards in length. And then you're also going to notice that there's no sidelines. It's actually a wall. So if you picture a hockey stadium or a hockey arena with those walls and we put pads on it. And that's actually the sideline for these boys. And so there is no catch the ball run out of bounds. You know, you catch the ball. You try to run out of bounce. You're going to hit the wall. And then you're going to get hit by another player. So it's very, very fast paced. To the arena football player, the difference is actually the width on the field. So that's only twenty-five yards. That's the biggest difference, because that means that we only play eight on eight instead of eleven on eleven. Which is actually the outdoor league.
Sara: And is it two halves rather than four quarters. Is that correct or am I wrong?
Matt: Yes. So it is a four quarter game. It's the same as the NFL on that one. So same length and time on the quarters and then also same timeouts, challenge flags. All that is the same as the NFL.
Sara: Ok, and how many players are on the field at a time?
Matt: There is eight on eight.
Sara: Ok, so that's different from outdoor football. Correct?
Matt: Yes, definitely. So what you're really doing is you're taking away a couple of the linemen positions at that point.
Sara: And these are really high scoring games. I've been to a few games and the scores were in like the 60s and 70s or 50s. And so it's like really nonstop. If you're looking for a high pace-game which sometime outdoor football can be kind of slow. I remember a couple of games like Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins, it came down to one field goal. That was like way back then. So it's like if you're looking for more action, this is the place to be really.
Matt: Yeah, most definitely. It's so fast-paced and being inside of Tingley, every hit and every I mean, you can hear a lot of the language on the field as well. So that's one of the things is it almost echoes inside of that arena. Where it really gets so loud and that's where big-time advantage really does influence.
Sara: Yeah, absolutely, you really do feel like you're down on the field, and especially if you're on those bottom rows right next to the field. Yeah, you definitely feel like you're right there in the game.
Matt: Yes, definitely.
Sara: So you're 2021 would be your third season. Or how many seasons have you guys played so far?
Matt: This is actually going to be the Gladiator's 6th season.
Sara: Oh, wow.
Matt: Yeah, it'll be the 6th season. We did transition into different ownership, which really changed for the marketing to the public. A lot of people do think that this is our 2nd or 3rd. Before myself and Gina. Gina Thomas is the owner. Before we got here, they did have a few seasons under their belt.
Sara: But I saw that you guys would be going for your third championship and the 2021 season is that, correct?
Matt: Yeah, definitely. We did go back to back in the 18 and 19.
Sara: That's really impressive. So what do you think that means for your team? Do you think players are looking to play for you guys or does that make you guys kind of like a name in the indoor arena football league?
Matt: You know, it really does. Now, the recruitment side, because I am also in charge of a lot of the recruitment. What it does is winning one championship definitely gets your name out there. To these boys, their whole deal is to come play football, get some good footage and either go to the Canadian League or go to the NFL. And that's one of the things that we really want here. So we did hire a very good media team to get good media footage so they can send it off to the NFL. And, you know, one of the things is I just recruited... My whole defense within the couple months that we've actually been in the off-season. You know, I've got an NFL lineman, you know, from the
Baltimore Ravens. I got a cornerback from the
Atlanta Falcons, another quarterback from the
Detroit Lions. I picked up a safety from
Ole Miss College, you know, so the name is out there. These boys have never even heard of Albuquerque. And they're moving here, you know, because of the just the way that culture is. And, you know, obviously when two championships really big for us.
Sara: Yes, it's definitely huge. So given the circumstances that are currently going on, what does the season hold for you guys right now or what does the 2021 season look like for you?
Matt: Well, we do have tentative dates right now from Tingley Coliseum, and, you know, that's dates that we can actually play inside. They're saying once everything is lifted and we can actually have some sort of a mass gathering together. We are currently planning, as a backup, to play without fans. So, you know, we want to have that in our pocket just in case that does come up. But, you know, at this point, I'm already fielding 40 man roster for camp.
Sara: I gotcha. And so is the team practicing right now. Are they are not allowed to do that either?
Matt: No, they're not allowed to do any organized practicing right now just because, you know, it's considered off-season. So there is no getting together with coaches and doing anything organized. The boys can get together and work out together and run routes, things like that, but it cannot be organized with coaches.
Sara: That's a huge bummer for them that they're missing it. It's their passion.
Matt: Yeah. You know, in football. The closer you get to the age of 30, it's slowly going away. So that's what's really a game for young men. You know, on some of these guys, they were on the cusp of 27, 28 years old and they just lost the whole year, you know of playing ball.
Sara: Yeah, that is really disappointing, I'm sure, and frustrating for them. You said in the meantime, you guys are doing community events. So what are some of those community events?
Matt: Well, at first we started this... There's this organization called the
Aging Long-Term Services Department. They called us and they actually said that they needed help moving boxes. It was really just moving boxes so they can start packing up more boxes and delivering to the elderly because they needed food. And it started off, we see we said, yes, let's do it. You know, one of the things was I did have to let them know, you know, I have the camera crew that actually follows me around right now because we were signing a like a reality show. And when we were in Dallas, the reality show, the camera crews following us around. And once they canceled our game, they said, hey, you need to record this. And now we're going to call it tackling the pandemic. So this camera crew followed us around what we were doing, all of that. And, you know, it just it ended up on TV and on the news. And then we started delivering and buying groceries to a lot of people who couldn't afford it and really just saying yes to anything. Anybody needed help. And after that, it turned out we were feeding called feed the frontlines. And we were feeding frontline individuals, whether it was a call center, the fire department. It could have also been a hospital. We were feeding or 45 meals every day for two months.
Sara: Oh, that's amazing. And that must be super rewarding for them. Granted they can't get out on the field right now, but at least they're doing something for the community that they basically play for and represent.
Matt: Yeah. And, you know, each and every one of these players had an option to go back home. And once we told them, hey, you know, this season is going to be canceled, we'll help you guys get home. You know, that was something that we all agreed upon the league and said, we'll help you if it's a plane ticket, it could be a train of bus, whatever it may be, to get home, we'll help you. And all of the players, you know, we only had six of them to go back home and everybody else said we want to move here. We want to live here. We'll sign or 2021 contract already as a player and we'll give back to the community.
Sara: That's amazing. Do you have somewhere for people to watch the reality show if they miss that?
Matt: Yes. So it is on the Duke City Gladiator Web site. Then also does link to all of our social media pages, whether it's
Facebook,
Instagram. We do have
Twitter. So it's all on there. I could even personally send out the link if anybody does want that. We do have one reality show that was done this year, and then we have another documentary that was actually done last year.
Sara: That's awesome. I know a lot of people from Albuquerque and New Mexico are just super proud of their state. I'm sure they want to check out something that's bringing a positive light to Albuquerque in New Mexico.
Matt: Yeah, it's been you know, our slogan is called Community Champions. So what we really want to be able to do, because there is so much going on, I'm not from Albuquerque. So, you know, on the outside looking in when I wanted to move here, I looked up the city and you know what? Yeah, it's beautiful, things like that, but a lot of crime. And, you know, some of the negativity does come up. So I figured and I love this place. This is my home. And I tell everybody, I said, look, if we can put on a show for three and a half hours on a Saturday night and take everybody away from these streets that everybody say is so dangerous then we did our job and it just happens that we play pro football. That's what I love about this city. You know, from the first year that I came on, you know, I was seeing, you know, 800 to 1000 people in stadium as fans. And now I'm seeing six thousand people in the stands. And it is it's humbling. It's amazing to see how the community just got behind us on this.
Sara: I really hope that if, and when, things return back to normal, that, you know, the fans still continue to come out and support you guys. I think everyone's missing that community aspect, like you said, but also obviously being able to see sports again.
Matt: Yes. Yes. You know, and I think everybody's at the point right now where they're just there watching all these older reruns and games where it could be games from the 80s, 90s, whatever it may be. And they're all watching them, you know, just kind of watching something.And I think we can open it up and give that back to the community and just give that excitement of the indoor game because it is... You don't even have to be a football fan. And it is just so exciting to see what goes on on the field.
Sara: I guess I agree. And then while you kind of like, I guess wait for to hear what's next from the governor and everything else around that. Do you guys have anything else coming up? Plans? Any community outreach events or anything that fans can get involved in?
Matt: Yes, we definitely. Yesterday we had a meeting with the
Hispano Chamber of Commerce and they're are putting together another program and they really want to help out all of the businesses that did get damaged, you know, during a lot of those riots. We want to draw more attention towards the city. Downtown Albuquerque. And we're going to put some together to where it promotes that whole area that was really, really affected by everything. The Gladiator's are going to be a part of every part of it. So they're going to do it in phases. And we're gonna go from all the way from Unser, all the way to Tramway. And we're going to help promote every single small business that's on Central. And we want to make sure that we let everybody know it's out there. These are small businesses. You know, you've got your professional football team that's out there. And one of the ways that we can do it is to say, hey, come meet the Gladiators and get yourself some gear. Some of our new gear, because we did change our logo. So we're going to promote it that way. Come get your gear and see these local businesses.
Sara: Very cool. That'll be awesome for people to be a part of. And I'm assuming you'll be posting that on your social media so people can make sure they can attend this event?
Matt: Yeah, it's going to be on our social media. Our Website. The city is also getting involved. And so is the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. So it's getting, you know, all three different demographics will be getting some outreach.
Sara: Awesome. So I guess I mean, I'm kind of just curious, personally. Given the circumstances again. How are you guys able to recruit people? Are you still trying to recruit people during the time, or is everything kind of just at a standstill and it's kind of just like a wait and see or hear? I guess, you know, whatever the governor is saying kind of deal.
Matt: Every every team is in recruitment mode right now. So the minute that they actually said the 2020 season was canceled, we were already moved into offseason, getting ready for 2021. So recruitment has started. The coaches, they actually, you know, get on the phone and they start calling, you know, the colleges. They start calling other players because of they're schemes, you know? Football is a big scheme sport. So you want to be able to make sure that these players work well with your coaches. On my end, I get in contact with a lot of agents from the NFL. So I'm currently talks with somebody, right. I can see its name just yet, but he is a quarterback and he is a national championship-winning quarterback. And he used to play for Nick Saban. So you have been talking.
Sara: Oh. I know who!
Matt: You know who?!?
Sara: I have a feeling.
Matt: I love that you know. So I've been talking to his agent. He is very, very interested in Duke City. So that's how I recruit. I talked to a lot of the agents and, you know, my job on that player personnel side is to bring in some of the best athletes, put them on the field. And let my coaches go to work and teach them the indoor game. You know, the talent is already there. Greg Dent already did sign his contract and he was a number one wide receiver in Florida state. He's already here. He's already living in Albuquerque. Joseph Putu, he's a cornerback from the Florida Gators and the Atlanta Falcons. He's already currently signed. A lot of these big names like that are already here and they're already actually living in Albuquerque.
Sara: Well that's awesome! Even more reason that we need to get a football season going.
Matt: I know exactly. We're going to do some big things. We do have a press conference coming up. We're looking at the 22nd right now of July, and we're going to reveal our new jerseys. We did bring out a new logo. So we did get sponsored by Under Armour once again. So we will show everybody our new Under Armour jerseys.
Sara: Awesome, I'm looking forward to seeing it. Can you give us a hint? How is it different? Let's back track? Why is there a rebranding going on?
Matt: Well, we really wanted everybody to know that the Duke City Gladiator's is New Mexico's professional indoor football team. So what we did at that point is we had to ask permission, but we did ask. We added the Zia to the logo.
Sara: Ok. Very cool!
Matt: So right behind our Gladiator mask you'll see a turquoise Zia. We did add a little bit of turquoise into the numbers on their jerseys. So you're really going to see, you know, a real nice, nice brand. And it just pops. When you look at it you see New Mexico.
Sara: That's awesome, I love it. So you got permission from
Zia Pueblo to use the Zia symbol?
Matt: Yeah, we actually had to call, obviously the governor's office, everybody, and it's a bit of a process to do it. But, you know, they loved the idea. And one of the biggest things was they realized that we were doing a body, mind, spirit camp over at the high school called
NACA. And we were doing a body, mind, spirit. So we were teaching them, you know, football drills, teaching them what to do, what life is like after high school. And then the spirit side is they were teaching us. So they were teaching us their culture. They were teaching us the songs that they sing every day before class starts and the songs that they sing to say goodbye to one another. It is really, really cool to find out there are so many different cultures just right here in Albuquerque.
Sara: Aboslutely. That's because one of the head coaches is Native American. Is that correct?
Matt: Yeah, that was a Dominic Bramante. He was our head coach, actually. And he was one of the founders of the Duke City Gladiators. You know, so that was obviously a nicely into the school for us. You know, since then, you know, Dominic has retired. And, you know, we do have new head coaches. We do have players who actually were former Gladiators, now retired. And they are now position coaches with the Duke City Gladiators.
Sara: Very cool. Very cool. It's awesome that you guys are incorporating all the different cultures that are in New Mexico. This place has so many different cultures. I think that's what makes Mexico truly different and amazing.
Matt: Yes. And this is as you know, I talked to the boys and I've gotten so close with all of these players. I'm about you know, I'm about to turn 34 years old. So I'm actually the closest one in age to all of them. So we can really relate on being a little bit younger and then also, you know, being an athlete myself, you could just see the Brotherhood come together in the locker room at practice, at the games. And what I really liked is that we actually housed them together, you know, at a local hotel. They all live together. And you could really see the bond that just it happens. And I think that's one of the strongest things that we have here in Duke City.
Sara: That's amazing. I'm looking forward to football coming back. I know you are as well. Is there anything else you'd like to add about Duke City Gladiators or anything else you guys are doing currently?
Matt: You know, definitely reach out to us to be transparent. If you need anything at all, let us know. You know, we've gone as far as personally buying some groceries for some individuals who couldn't get out of the house and deliver. We've done birthday parades. We've done them all the way to Grants before. So really reach out to us through the website. That's one of the best ways to do it. You know, comes support when we kick off everything. You know, we can guarantee we're going to compete and you're going to be entertained. So that's one of the things that we just want to let everybody know that we're there.
Sara: Definitely. And stay tuned to your
Facebook page. Your
Instagram page. Everything. For all the upcoming events that you guys are doing.
Sara: Ok, cool. Good to know. Well, it was great chatting with you. It was great chatting about the football team because I miss it. And hopefully, we can have some football soon in our lives.
Matt: Yes, we're ready as soon as we get the green light we'll be on the field.
Sara: Awesome. Well, thank you again, Matt, for joining us.
Matt: Alright. Thank you guys.
Kevin: Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the Mixing It Up With The Fitness Community podcasts, we'd love for you to subscribe, rate, and leave a review.
Kevin: Next week, Sara talks with Rio Rancho's business owner of the year Mark Morgenstern. He owns Rio Rancho's Runner-Up for the gym of the year,
UFC Gym. They cover a ton of topics that you won't want to miss out on.