Our publicist, Merle Exit, continues to put women’s tackle football on the treasure map, as the New York Sharks display was unveiled at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita on Saturday, November 4, 2006 along with the official announcement that the museum would house the IWFL Football Hall of Fame.

Sharks players, Diana Gonzalez and Jen Blum flew down for the event as Jen’s father, Malcolm accompanied them in his usual supportive style. Members of the local media were on hand to interview the two wide receivers as well as getting some insight from Merle and remarks from a proud dad.

As the public and Museum of World Treasures board sat waiting the unveiling, Director of Sales Lon Smith approached the podium and spoke highly of the achievements of the New York team. He continued to address the importance of women’s football and being a part of a facility that already housed great sports memorabilia.

After Jen, Diana, Merle and Malcolm each voiced their enthusiasm, Lon presented a framed Certificate of Appreciation signed by Michael K. Noller, the museum’s President and CEO. In Merle’s remarks she pointed out the team’s winning streak, NFL JPD Program, then emphasized that no player can achieve greatness without a team as no team can exist without a league.

The exhibit was revealed with much applause. What originally began as a display featuring a framed collage of photos and a signed football, grew as owner Andra Douglas had submitted a photo taken at the Women’s Sports Foundation annual dinner as well as her jersey. Lon chose several action shots that were placed above and in the display case creating an extremely impressive presentation.

In addition a CD depicting highlights of the 2006 season was set up on a “loop” and shown on a monitor which will allow the public to experience the action of both the New York Sharks as well as other teams of the IWFL.

At the end of the ceremony, Jen and Diana sat for autographs while everyone enjoyed a slice of “Shark Cake”. The cake, brought out by Lon’s wife Sherri and daughter Kelsey, had both the Sharks’ insignia as well as an action photo.

Later that evening Jen, Diana, Malcolm and Merle were treated to a great dinner at the nearby Larkspur restaurant. Joining them was: Michael K. Noller; founders Jon and Lorna Kardatzke; and the Coleman company’s Director of Global Continuous Improvement, Steve Moore. The celebration party continued to a further celebration of Karaoke at the Best Western Motel.

What had Diana have to say about the whole experience? “We were treated and given the respect NFL players would have been given. Lon Smith, director of sales and whom we dealt with most of the time, was great! He is pro-feminist and share’s many of the ideals to excel women’s athletics. The presentation at the museum was great. Several channels were there and this is the type of publicity that our league needs. Lon seemed excited about the relationship with the IWFL as a whole but also is making big efforts to push women in football to the public. More importantly, I’ve realized how crucial it is for us as players to maintain an image and work hard to be role models for other young ladies. I hope we can get the recognition we deserve to inspire others and make this team and league big!”

The New York Sharks would like to thank: James Dockery for both his great photos and collage design; Merle Exit for both photo submissions and selections; and Rachid Bouchik of Omega Art & Framing at The Shops At Atlas Park for donating his framing.