Published: Friday, August 4, 2006
Extensive experience helps Hold stand out
The new coach has 20 years of Arena Football League experience.
By JOHN KOVACH
AUSTINTOWN — The owners of the new Mahoning Valley Thunder team of the Arena2 Football League went outside the area to pick a head coach with 20 years of Arena Football League experience to launch their new franchise at the Chevrolet Centre next year.
Michael Hold, 43, of Las Vegas, who has been a head coach for three AFL teams — the Augusta (Ga.) Stallions from 1998-2001, the Carolina Cobras of Charlotte, N.C., in 2003-04, and the Macon (Ga.) Knights in 2004-05 — was introduced as the Thunder's first coach Thursday.
Hold, a native of Tempe, Ariz,. and a former quarterback at the University of South Carolina (1983-85) who was MVP of the 1884 Gator Bowl, comes to the Thunder from the Las Vegas Gladiators of the AFL where he served as offensive coordinator last season.
"He is the find of the AF2 League," said Tim Chesney of Canfield, one of three co-owners of the Thunder, who introduced Hold and his wife, Nicole, a native of South Carolina.
"It was a long and laborious process. We are very fortunate to get him. We did a local and national search and went through the whole process of studying resumes."
Chesney emphasized that, "It was extremely important to hire the best candidate. We wanted someone with integrity, character, commitment to excellence and head coaching experience."
Three co-owners
Chesney, who shares ownership of the team with Dr. Michael Slyk of Warren and Dr. Jon Saadey of Canfield, said that it also was important to the owners that Hold "will relocate from Las Vegas to the Mahoning Valley" to become part of the community.
Dr. Slyk is owner of Pharmacotherapy Associates in Warren, a consulting firm for the pharmaceutical industry.
He also is co-owner along with Chesney of Jilltin Management group, which develops nursing and assisted living homes.
Adam Tokash of Boardman is the Thunder's general manager.
Chesney said that Hold brings a wealth of experience that will benefit the new enterprise.
"He has been with the Arena Football League either as a player or coach since the AFL's inception and inaugural season in 1987," said Chesney.
Previous to becoming an AFL coach, Hold played quarterback for the Houston Thunder Bears from 1998-2001 and for various AFL teams from 1987-1998.
Practice at various sites
Dr. Slyk said that the Thunder will practice at the Chevrolet Centre and at various other area sites.
"It depends on the schedules and availability. We all need to work together [to share the facility]," said Dr. Slyk.
But, "This is meant to be a community team so we like the idea of practicing outside the area at various sites."
Dr. Slyk said they "still are looking for a field system. The field will have a thick padding and be insulated."
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