By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

ROME, Ga. – Kacee Smith was a huge fan of the Rome Renegades professional indoor football team in the early 2000s.

Now, some 20 years later, he’s bringing it back to Rome.

Smith is a co-owner and president of the new Rome Red Cats. Along with co-owners Richard Maslia and James Moreland, who is also the Red Cats’ head coach, Smith made the announcement during a press conference at The Forum River Center on Tuesday morning. The Red Cats will compete in the American Arena League beginning in April at The Forum.

“The Rome Renegades, that’s probably why I’m sitting here,” Smith said. “I think the Renegades did well. Harry (Pierce) did a phenomenal job putting that team together. They had a good second year (12-2 season in 2006; finished runner-up in the American Indoor Football League). We’re familiar with the history of it. That’s one of the reasons I’m excited to be here.”

Smith has been involved with arena football for over 15 years. The past five years he was one of the owners of the Columbus (Ga.) Lions.

“I’ve lived in Gordon County my whole life,” he said. “I consider Rome practically home for me.

“It’s been a long time coming. I wanted to put a team here in Rome. I just think Rome is a great market.”

Moreland is also familiar with the Renegades’ indoor football legacy, and he wants to pick up where they left off.

Moreland has a winning legacy of his own. He competed in arena football for 13 years, winning nine championships as a player or a coach.

Prior to joining the Red Cats, Moreland coached the Peach State Cats in Suwanee, Ga., for five years. He’s assisted over 80 players continuing their careers in higher professional leagues.

Moreland said he’s already beginning the process of evaluating film and signing players for the team.

“We have some nice players who are coming in with arena experience,” he said. “We’re looking for a very competitive and entertaining roster.”

Two of those players are running back Tristan Gould and wide receiver Otis Odom. Moreland said Gould is a former championship MVP for the Salina Liberty and touts Odom as “probably the fastest receiver in the league.”

Moreland also has some members of his staff in place, including defensive coordinator Shawn Sanders.

“He’s been with me the last two years. We’ve won back-to-back championships with my developmental team,” Moreland said of Sanders.
Sanders calls coaching in Rome “a great opportunity.”

“I remember playing in Rome when I was in the World Indoor Football League. Just being able to come back here as a coach is great,” he said. “I remember the atmosphere when I was here. It was great, a small arena, and the community was into it. I’m looking forward to it. I’m very excited being a part of this. Being in this atmosphere is great. I’m happy and I’m looking forward to it.”

The Red Cats’ season begins in April and lasts until mid-June. The team will play on Saturdays with a minimum of eight games, but “hopefully up to 12,” Smith said.

Smith also said the team may play an exhibition game prior to the regular season.

Tickets should be on sale soon and should be between the $10-$20 range, Smith said. The team’s website is located at romeredcats.com.

“This is going to be Rome’s team,” Smith said. “We want everyone in Rome to come together and make this thing work.”