Columbus Destroyers
Encyclopedia
The Columbus Destroyers were an Arena Football League (AFL) team based in Columbus, Ohio
. The team was founded in as the Buffalo Destroyers, based in Buffalo, New York
, and relocated to Columbus in . They folded along with the original incarnation of the AFL following the 2008 season, after a total of ten seasons of play. The Destroyers played their home games in Columbus' Nationwide Arena
. Their last coach was Pat Sperduto
.
, the city's largest sports franchise. Those fears were unfounded as a multiyear lease deal to keep the Bills in Western New York was signed shortly thereafter and remains in effect long after the Destroyers left Buffalo. The name "Destroyers" came from a naming contest and alluded to the naval ship of the same name, one of which sits outside the HSBC Arena in the nearby Buffalo Naval and Serviceman's Park.
The Destroyers initially attracted high attendance levels, but a lack of winning early on caused attendance to decline, something from which the team never recovered. The first head coach, Dave Whinham, was fired in the middle of the Destroyers' second season after an abysmal 1-17 record. Former Buffalo Bills
player Ray Bentley was selected as his replacement; however, he couldn't lead the Destroyers to a winning season. The closest he came was in 2001, when his team started 6-3 but would end the season on an 0-5 skid to just barely miss the playoffs. The team had another 6-8 season, this time enough to make the playoffs but lost in the first round, in 2002. Bentley abruptly resigned after that season to take a job in broadcasting, and Ron Selesky, a respected personnel man was hired to replace him. Selesky's record in 2003 was a lackluster 5-11. Jerry Crafts
, former Bills offensive lineman, played for the Destroyers in 2001 and served most notably as nose tackle, anchoring one of the league's better defenses.
After the 2003 season concluded, talks of a re-location began, as the Destroyers had lost $
5 million over five years, went nearly unnoticed by the media (NBC had blacked out
all of their games in 2003), and suffered from a lack of local support reflected in low attendance levels. At the time, Destroyers owner Hamister was also in the running, along with partner Todd Berman, to buy the Buffalo Sabres
of the NHL, but a deal for a state incentive package fell through and the team was instead sold to Rochester-area entrepreneur and politician B. Thomas Golisano. Shortly after the Sabres deal fell through, in September 2003, Hamister announced that he was relocating the Destroyers to Columbus, Ohio
for the 2004 season.
On May 24, 2008 the Arena Football League announced that it was returning to Buffalo with a new franchise to be owned by Bills alumni Jim Kelly
and Thurman Thomas along with Rochester Raiders
owner Bob Bartosiewicz. That team will play in the AFL's minor league system, af2
. The team was originally scheduled to begin play in 2009, but did not materialize in time for that season, and with the dissolution of the AFL as well as af2, the proposal appears to be dead, since the current version of the league has shown no interest in the Buffalo market.
Arena Football League season. They played their home games in downtown's Nationwide Arena
, which they shared with the National Hockey League
's Columbus Blue Jackets
.
The Destroyers were sold to John H. McConnell
, founder of Worthington Industries and majority owner of the Blue Jackets, and accountant Jim Renacci
. Also owning a stake in the team is NFL wide receiver and former Ohio State football standout Joey Galloway
. Mark Hamister, who owned the team during the Buffalo tenure, initially stayed on as a minority owner, but would eventually sell his share.
The Columbus Destroyers, over their first two years, would often market people with the team who are also associated with The Ohio State University
football
program, rather than the team itself. In the 2004 season, it relied heavily on head coach, former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce
, and front office worker Chris Spielman
. In the 2005 season, Spielman became head coach of the team and much of the Destroyers merchandise bore his name. However, as the 2006 season approached, the team appeared to have dropped marketing Ohio State personalities, instead promoting the Destroyers playing "Fast-forward football". Since then, the Destroyers have enjoyed more success, finishing 7-9 in 2006 and making a run all the way to ArenaBowl XXI
in 2007.
Despite high hopes the 2008 Destroyers
weren't able to capitalize on the previous two years success and finished with a 3-13 record. It was announced at the end of the season that Destroyers ownership and Doug Kay
had reached a decision that he would not return as head coach.
The Destroyers mascot's name was Bruiser.
The Destroyers had been better received in Columbus than they were in Buffalo, as their attendance levels were some of the highest in the AFL, and they were regularly covered in the media. Home games were televised locally on Columbus Sports Network
, but this coverage ceased after the network folded. All games were broadcast on their radio partner Wink 107.1 FM.
The rights to the "Columbus Destroyers" and "Buffalo Destroyers" brands are currently held, along with the rest of the league, with Arena Football League. So far, there have been no discussions to place an AFL team in Columbus or Buffalo despite Buffalo receiving the af2 bid for 2010.
First Playoff Game
Last Game in Buffalo
Last Game as Buffalo
Move to Columbus
Road to Arena Bowl XXI
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
. The team was founded in as the Buffalo Destroyers, based in Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, and relocated to Columbus in . They folded along with the original incarnation of the AFL following the 2008 season, after a total of ten seasons of play. The Destroyers played their home games in Columbus' Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It opened in 2000 and is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, of the NHL....
. Their last coach was Pat Sperduto
Pat Sperduto
Pat Sperduto is an American football coach and executive who was the final head coach of the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League as well as a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League...
.
Buffalo Destroyers (1999-2003)
The Buffalo Destroyers began play during the 1999 AFL season, playing their home games at HSBC Arena (now known as First Niagara Center), and were owned by Buffalo-area businessman Mark Hamister. The team was founded, in part, because of fears that a lease expiration could have led to the demise or relocation of the NFL's Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, the city's largest sports franchise. Those fears were unfounded as a multiyear lease deal to keep the Bills in Western New York was signed shortly thereafter and remains in effect long after the Destroyers left Buffalo. The name "Destroyers" came from a naming contest and alluded to the naval ship of the same name, one of which sits outside the HSBC Arena in the nearby Buffalo Naval and Serviceman's Park.
The Destroyers initially attracted high attendance levels, but a lack of winning early on caused attendance to decline, something from which the team never recovered. The first head coach, Dave Whinham, was fired in the middle of the Destroyers' second season after an abysmal 1-17 record. Former Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
player Ray Bentley was selected as his replacement; however, he couldn't lead the Destroyers to a winning season. The closest he came was in 2001, when his team started 6-3 but would end the season on an 0-5 skid to just barely miss the playoffs. The team had another 6-8 season, this time enough to make the playoffs but lost in the first round, in 2002. Bentley abruptly resigned after that season to take a job in broadcasting, and Ron Selesky, a respected personnel man was hired to replace him. Selesky's record in 2003 was a lackluster 5-11. Jerry Crafts
Jerry Crafts
Jerry Wayne Crafts is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma for Barry Switzer and the University of Louisville.Crafts was drafted in 1991 by the...
, former Bills offensive lineman, played for the Destroyers in 2001 and served most notably as nose tackle, anchoring one of the league's better defenses.
After the 2003 season concluded, talks of a re-location began, as the Destroyers had lost $
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
5 million over five years, went nearly unnoticed by the media (NBC had blacked out
Blackout (broadcasting)
Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
all of their games in 2003), and suffered from a lack of local support reflected in low attendance levels. At the time, Destroyers owner Hamister was also in the running, along with partner Todd Berman, to buy the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
of the NHL, but a deal for a state incentive package fell through and the team was instead sold to Rochester-area entrepreneur and politician B. Thomas Golisano. Shortly after the Sabres deal fell through, in September 2003, Hamister announced that he was relocating the Destroyers to Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
for the 2004 season.
On May 24, 2008 the Arena Football League announced that it was returning to Buffalo with a new franchise to be owned by Bills alumni Jim Kelly
Jim Kelly
James Edward Kelly is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and the USFL's Houston Gamblers....
and Thurman Thomas along with Rochester Raiders
Rochester Raiders
The Rochester Raiders are a professional indoor football team based in the Rochester, New York area. They are currently a member of the Indoor Football League and play their home games at the Dome Arena in the suburb of Henrietta...
owner Bob Bartosiewicz. That team will play in the AFL's minor league system, af2
Af2
AF2 was the name of the Arena Football League's developmental league; it was founded in 1999 and played its first season in 2000. Like parent AFL, the AF2 played using the same arena football rules and style of play. League seasons ran from April through July with the postseason and ArenaCup...
. The team was originally scheduled to begin play in 2009, but did not materialize in time for that season, and with the dissolution of the AFL as well as af2, the proposal appears to be dead, since the current version of the league has shown no interest in the Buffalo market.
Columbus Destroyers (2004 - 2008)
The Buffalo Destroyers moved to Columbus after the 20032003 in sports
2003 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.-Alpine skiing:* Alpine Skiing World Cup** Men's overall season championship: Stephan Eberharter, Austria** Women's overall season championship: Janica Kostelić, Croatia-American football:...
Arena Football League season. They played their home games in downtown's Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It opened in 2000 and is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, of the NHL....
, which they shared with the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
's Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
The Destroyers were sold to John H. McConnell
John H. McConnell
John Henderson McConnell was the founder of Worthington Industries, which manufactures processed steel products, pressure cylinders, and metal framing. He was the founder, majority owner, chairman, and governor of the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team...
, founder of Worthington Industries and majority owner of the Blue Jackets, and accountant Jim Renacci
Jim Renacci
James B. "Jim" Renacci is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party. He is an Ohio entrepreneur and former mayor of Wadsworth, Ohio.-Early life and education:...
. Also owning a stake in the team is NFL wide receiver and former Ohio State football standout Joey Galloway
Joey Galloway
Joseph Scott Galloway is an American football wide receiver. He most recently played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks eighth overall in the 1995 NFL Draft...
. Mark Hamister, who owned the team during the Buffalo tenure, initially stayed on as a minority owner, but would eventually sell his share.
The Columbus Destroyers, over their first two years, would often market people with the team who are also associated with The Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
program, rather than the team itself. In the 2004 season, it relied heavily on head coach, former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce
Earle Bruce
Earle Bruce is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Tampa , Iowa State University , Ohio State University , the University of Northern Iowa , and Colorado State University , compiling a career college football record of 154–90–2...
, and front office worker Chris Spielman
Chris Spielman
Charles Christopher "Chris" Spielman is a former American football player and is currently an analyst for ESPN's coverage of college football games.-Football career:...
. In the 2005 season, Spielman became head coach of the team and much of the Destroyers merchandise bore his name. However, as the 2006 season approached, the team appeared to have dropped marketing Ohio State personalities, instead promoting the Destroyers playing "Fast-forward football". Since then, the Destroyers have enjoyed more success, finishing 7-9 in 2006 and making a run all the way to ArenaBowl XXI
ArenaBowl XXI
ArenaBowl XXI was the 2007 championship game of the Arena Football League and was played at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, July 29, 2007. It was the third-ever neutral site title game in league's history and the first held in the state of Louisiana...
in 2007.
Despite high hopes the 2008 Destroyers
2008 Columbus Destroyers season
The 2008 Columbus Destroyers season is the 10th season for the franchise, their fifth season in Columbus. The Destroyers finished the season tied for the worst record in the league.-Regular season schedule:-Roster:-Week 1: at Colorado Crush:...
weren't able to capitalize on the previous two years success and finished with a 3-13 record. It was announced at the end of the season that Destroyers ownership and Doug Kay
Doug Kay
Doug Kay is a former Arena Football League coach for the Columbus Destroyers. In his first season at the helm, Kay guided the Destroyers to their best record in franchise history, while setting a franchise record for road wins in the process. He also guided the club to four home victories, which...
had reached a decision that he would not return as head coach.
The Destroyers mascot's name was Bruiser.
The Destroyers had been better received in Columbus than they were in Buffalo, as their attendance levels were some of the highest in the AFL, and they were regularly covered in the media. Home games were televised locally on Columbus Sports Network
Columbus Sports Network
WCSN-LD, channel 32, is a low-power television station in Columbus, Ohio owned by Columbus Television LLC. It has four subchannels. The first one has Mexicanal, the third one has Dalmar TV. The other two have color bar test panels....
, but this coverage ceased after the network folded. All games were broadcast on their radio partner Wink 107.1 FM.
The rights to the "Columbus Destroyers" and "Buffalo Destroyers" brands are currently held, along with the rest of the league, with Arena Football League. So far, there have been no discussions to place an AFL team in Columbus or Buffalo despite Buffalo receiving the af2 bid for 2010.
Memorable Destroyers Moments
First Game- On April 30, 1999 Columbus played their first game as the Buffalo Destroyers. They lost to the New England Sea WolvesToronto PhantomsThe Toronto Phantoms was the final name of a team in the Arena Football League, that also operated in New York City and Hartford, Connecticut.-New York CityHawks :The team began in 1997 as the New York CityHawks...
59-26 in Marine Midland Arena in front of 13,214 fans. They finished with a 1-13 record that year, thus failing to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season.
First Playoff Game
- It took their second season to post a playoff position, with their only five wins coming as a five game winning streak before dropping their season finale in San Jose. Their playoff game against the Arizona RattlersArizona RattlersThe Arizona Rattlers are a professional arena football team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Conference in the Arena Football League . The Rattlers were founded in 1992 as an expansion team. They play their home games at US Airways Center...
took place on July 27, 2000 with a crowd of 9,471 at the US Airways CenterUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
(then named America West Arena, dubbed "the Snake Pit")in Phoenix. The Rattlers trumped the Destroyers with a 41-34 decision and knocking Buffalo out of the playoffs.
Last Game in Buffalo
- The team hosted the New York DragonsNew York DragonsThe New York Dragons were an Arena Football League team based in the New York metropolitan area. The team was founded in as the original incarnation of the Iowa Barnstormers, and relocated to New York in . They played in New York until 2008, when the league folded...
on May 11, 2003 in front of 6,116 strong at HSBC Arena. The Destroyers lost the game 49-30 as they headed to Nationwide ArenaNationwide ArenaNationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It opened in 2000 and is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, of the NHL....
in Columbus.
Last Game as Buffalo
- In front of 9,701 fans at the Thomas and Mack Center, the team lost to the then Las Vegas GladiatorsLas Vegas GladiatorsThe Cleveland Gladiators are an arena football franchise based in Cleveland, Ohio which plays in the Arena Football League. The team is part of the East division of the AFL's American Conference. The Gladiators play all of their home games at Quicken Loans Arena, which they share with the NBA's...
by a score of 55-38 on May 15, 2003
Move to Columbus
- The team moved to Columbus after the 2003 season. They played their first home game against the Carolina CobrasCarolina CobrasNot to be confused with the Los Angeles Cobras, who played in the 1988 AFL season.The Carolina Cobras were an expansion franchise in the Arena Football League...
and lost 54-53 in front of a team record 17,171 fans.
Road to Arena Bowl XXI
- On July 7, 2007 they upset the heavily favored Dallas DesperadosDallas DesperadosThe Dallas Desperados were a professional Arena Football team. The Desperados played in the Southern Division of the now-defunct Arena Football League from 2002 to 2008....
who had a regular season record of 15-1. ESPNESPNEntertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
ranked it as one of history's top upsets.
- One week later on July 14th, 2007 The Destroyers reached their first Arena Bowl after defeating the heavily favored 14-2 Georgia ForceGeorgia ForceThe Georgia Force are an Arena Football League team based in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States that plays in the South Division of the American Conference. The team is owned by Doug MacGregor and Donn Jennings...
66-56. - The playoff run ended on July 29 when they played the San Jose SabercatsSan Jose SaberCatsThe San Jose SaberCats are a professional arena football team in the Arena Football League. They began play as a 1995 expansion team. They played in the Western Division of the American Conference. Their final coach in the original Arena Football League was Darren Arbet, who will be a part of the...
in ArenaBowl XXIArenaBowl XXIArenaBowl XXI was the 2007 championship game of the Arena Football League and was played at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, July 29, 2007. It was the third-ever neutral site title game in league's history and the first held in the state of Louisiana...
. After the Destroyers played great football during the first half, they seemed to lose some momentum during the second half. In the end they lost to the Cats 55-33 in front of a sellout New Orleans ArenaNew Orleans ArenaNew Orleans Arena is an indoor arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is located in the city's Central Business District, adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome....
crowd.
Coaches
| Head coach Head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches... |
Tenure | Regular season record (W-L) |
Post season record (W-L) |
Most recent coaching staff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Whinham | 1999 1999 Arena Football League season The 1999 Arena Football League season was the 13th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Albany Firebirds, who defeated the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XIII.-Standings:* Green indicates clinched playoff berth... - 2000 2000 Arena Football League season The 2000 Arena Football League season was the 14th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Orlando Predators, who defeated the Nashville Kats in ArenaBowl XIV.-Standings:* Green indicates clinched playoff berth... |
1-17 | 0-0 | ||
| Ray Bentley Ray Bentley Ray Russell Bentley is a former professional American football linebacker.-Playing career:... |
2000 - 2002 2002 Arena Football League season The 2002 Arena Football League season was the 16th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the San Jose SaberCats, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVI... |
17-21 | 0-2 | OC: Tony Kimbrough | |
| Ron Selesky | 2003 2003 Arena Football League season The 2003 Arena Football League season was the 17th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Tampa Bay Storm, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVII. The AFL expanded its season to a 16-game schedule... |
5-11 | 0-0 | ||
| Earle Bruce Earle Bruce Earle Bruce is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Tampa , Iowa State University , Ohio State University , the University of Northern Iowa , and Colorado State University , compiling a career college football record of 154–90–2... |
2004 2004 Arena Football League season The 2004 Arena Football League season was the 18th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the San Jose SaberCats, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII... |
6-10 | 0-0 | OC: Pete Costanza DC: Weylan Harding |
|
| Chris Spielman Chris Spielman Charles Christopher "Chris" Spielman is a former American football player and is currently an analyst for ESPN's coverage of college football games.-Football career:... |
2005 2005 Arena Football League season The 2005 Arena Football League season was the 19th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Colorado Crush, who defeated the Georgia Force in ArenaBowl XIX. The AFL changed its playoff format to allow the top four teams per conference to make the playoffs. Previously, the... |
2-14 | 0-0 | OC: Pete Costanza DC: Ron Selesky |
|
| Doug Kay Doug Kay Doug Kay is a former Arena Football League coach for the Columbus Destroyers. In his first season at the helm, Kay guided the Destroyers to their best record in franchise history, while setting a franchise record for road wins in the process. He also guided the club to four home victories, which... |
2006 2006 Arena Football League season The 2006 Arena Football League season was the 20th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Chicago Rush, who defeated the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XX.... - 2008 2008 Columbus Destroyers season The 2008 Columbus Destroyers season is the 10th season for the franchise, their fifth season in Columbus. The Destroyers finished the season tied for the worst record in the league.-Regular season schedule:-Roster:-Week 1: at Colorado Crush:... |
19-30 | 3-1 | OC: Ken Matous and Lary Kuharich (Kuharich took over after week 7) Other Coaches: Cecil Doggette, John Churchill, John Zinser, Michael Baker |
|
| Pat Sperduto Pat Sperduto Pat Sperduto is an American football coach and executive who was the final head coach of the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League as well as a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League... |
2009 | 0-0 | 0-0 | OC: Chris Boden DC: Doug Lytle Line Coach: Pat Downey |
Notable players
- Cecil DoggetteCecil DoggetteCecil Doggette is a former Arena Football League Defensive specialist. He played college football at Hudson Valley Community College and West Virginia....
- DS - Matt NagyMatt NagyMatt Nagy is a former gridiron football quarterback in the Arena Football League. He played for the New York Dragons, Carolina Cobras, Georgia Force and Columbus Destroyers in his six season career. He was signed by the Dragons as a street free agent in 2002. He played college football at Delaware...
- QB - Derek LeeDerek Lee (American football)Derek Lee is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League. He played college football at Tennessee Tech....
- WR