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RailHawks founder Economides departs

October 05, 2008 | 13:30

Founder and one of the initial owners of the Carolina RailHawks, Chris Economides has left the club.

According to RailHawks owner Brian Wellman, "the ownership group of Triangle Professional Sports, LLC has purchased the remainder of Chris Economides' ownership stake and Chris will no longer serve as President and GM of the RailHawks."

Economides, who is a member of the USL Hall of Fame, founded the club in 2006 when he and several other business partners purchased a USL-1 expansion franchise and located the team here in Cary. Prior to founding the Carolina RailHawks, Chris Economides was instrumental in forming the Rochester Raging Rhinos who won the USL league championship 3 times and the US Open Cup once under his leadership.

Wellman went on to tell TSF, "because of Chris Economides, the RailHawks exist and his 3 years of devoted work have positioned the RailHawks for continued success on and off of the field moving forward. The RailHawks will miss Chris and his dedicated work ethic and wish him continued success."

When asked how Economides' departure would effect other aspects of the club's vision, such as the partnership it had recently sought with Burnley FC of the English Championship league, Wellman said, "The RailHawks will be making another major announcement soon as to its newest business partner, we are excited about our direction and beyond our latest domestic partner we will now aggressively pursue partnering with a major European club."

Category: News

Comments

1. John 
   October 05, 2008 - 21:05

   The RailHawks won't last.
   Next year will be there last year.
   Say Goodbye to the RailHawks.
   There is no way they will survive.
   
   BYE BYE SOCCER!!!

1. jarrett 
   October 06, 2008 - 08:10

   Why don't we give the club a chance to make an official announcement and tell us about their plans before you announce their demise.
   
   I have nothing but respect for the Wellmans' and have no doubt that they have big plans ahead for the RailHawks. Let's wait for their announcement and see what they are planning before decrying this as the death of the club.

1. pedant 
   October 06, 2008 - 08:10

   Oh John...if you are going to write poetry, at least get the grammar correct.

1. Railhawk Supporter 
   October 06, 2008 - 13:50

   "RailHawks will be making another major announcement soon as to its newest business partner, we are excited about our direction and beyond our latest domestic partner we will now aggressively pursue partnering with a major European club."
   
   Any guess's anyone? Surely Burnley cannot be considered a "major" European club

1. NCSOCCER 
   October 06, 2008 - 15:39

   First mistake, the stupid name of the organization.
   
   They just haven't produced and their attendance at WakeMed has been horrendous.

1. James 
   October 06, 2008 - 15:53

   I agree with John.
   The RailHawks won't last.
   Because
   A. Soccer Sucks
   B. The get like 300 fans at each game
   and C. RailHawks is a gay name.
   
   Sorry but unless your in the mls noone is going to come see RailHawk games.

1. GSO Soccer Fan 
   October 06, 2008 - 18:08

   It would seem that with all of the kids playing soccer for CASL,TFC,and Triangle United, as well as other clubs in close proximity, they should not have attendance problems. However kids don't watch a lot of soccer and this generation of parents for the most part did not grow up with the sport. That could be a large part of it.

1. Jose 
   October 06, 2008 - 23:25

   It's a VERY BAD sign that the teams founder is leaving.
   If the team was doing good and making money I don't think he would leave.
   
   So they must be doing crappy and losing tons of money.
   
   The team will fold.
   Soccer will end in NC.
   Then soccer will end in the US.
   The the world will end.
   
   SORRY TSF

1. Railhawk Fan 
   October 07, 2008 - 00:28

   USL-1 Soccer is fun to watch. SAS/WakeMed is a great venue and from what I could tell from the 5-7 games I went to the crowds were just fine. I don't see any fold here and as one poster above said, lots-0-kids in the triangle playing futbol.
   
   By the way I didn't grow up with soccer either, but I can't stand to watch pointy football anymore, too many interruptions.
   
   The Railhawks struggled this year with injuries, but they put a quality product on the field.
   
   Maybe a coaching change is in order. Keep doing a great job TSF.

1. Beth 
   October 07, 2008 - 06:26

   GSO -The problem they made was solely partnering with CASL, suicide to their fan base. Now they are scrambling to clean it up. The Wellman’s have a money, I think including ownership in Novozymes. Google it yourself

1. Donovon 
   October 07, 2008 - 11:22

   http://nerdword.blogspot.co...
   
   Far cry from 400 as far as attendance. I havent been to a game in forever however when I did go it was a great atmosphere. I wonder if the former legal issues with Rochester came back to haunt even though it was said in public that it didnt. That being said Chris is a great soccer business mind.

1. deco 
   October 07, 2008 - 12:25

   I agree with Beth. Partnering with a youth club is going to piss off members of other clubs. I for one have a huge satelite bill to watch all the soccer our family can but have never watched a Railhawks game. Really annoyed me when they partnered with CASL.

1. treefire 
   October 08, 2008 - 16:00

   Some of these comments are quite funny. From an attendance standpoint, the Railhawks are doing great. Their name is great, it is unique and stands out. They have a decent team of players, and good owners. I wouldn't be surprised if Chris left because he had a chance to try something new in soccer - part of an ownership group for an MLS club or foreign team. The Wellmans are committed and knowledgeable, and will take the club forward.

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