History of the Crestview Thunderbirds

The Crestview Thunderbirds was established on August 13, 2008 by James Wheat and Thomas Gordon.  Both graduated in 1989 from Crestview High School and reside in Crestview with their families.  Crestview Thunderbirds are entering their 1st season as part of the PFL (Premier Football League).  This is an adult men's Minor League tackle league and will be comprised of approximately 50 players, four coaches, and spirit leaders.

Important Dates:

August 4, 2008 started working on putting together the ground work for a Minor League Football team.  Lots of ideas for team names were discussed.  Started work on ideas for key coach staff, possible home field locations, fund raising ideas, and possible team name. 

August 11, 2008 met with PFL representative to discuss future Crestview team. 

August 11, 2008 met with Mayor Cadle to let him know we were starting a Minor League team in Crestview and about getting a home field.  Worked out a lot of logistics with the future team. 

August 13, 2008 we established the name, website, and started paperwork for the LLC.

August 26, 2008 met with Band Booster member about setting up for High School fund raiser for CHS band.

September 6, 2008 logo concept of Thunderbird was complete 

September 14, 2008 official "lets get rolling" email from Coach Taylor.

September 20, 2008 meeting with Coach Taylor with dates for team tryouts and possible locations.

September 26, 2008 was the Premier Football Leagues Year End Banquet.  James Wheat and Thomas Gordon went to represent the future Crestview Thunderbirds team.

October 1, 2008 secured Old Spanish Trail Park for team tryouts.  A few practice fields were discussed.

October 5, 2008 first official coaches & owners meeting.  James Wheat, Barry Taylor, Jerry Lacefield, Tony Hyatt, & Thomas Gordon were in attendance. 

October 15, 2008 officially accepted into the Premier Football League.  (read more here)

October 15, 2008 opened checking account for Crestview Thunderbirds, had owners meeting, and then owners & coaches meeting in preparation of Saturday's tryouts.  First official expense with buying six footballs and coaches shirts.

October 18, 2008 first of four tryouts

November 1, 2008 second of four tryouts

November 15, 2008 third of four tryouts

December 13, 2008 fourth & final of four tryouts

December 17, 2008 after a fantastic fourth & final tryout session, coaches & owners met to discuss hosting a two-a-day training camp for three weekends starting early 2009.

December 22, 2008 received notice from PFL they are working on having the PFL certified with the NCAA . This certification will help our players maintain their eligibility while playing and will most likely clear up the misconception of minor league with your local high school coaches while assisting you in recruiting players .The NCAA will only certify league that are using amateur or minor league.

December 22, 2008 received official notice from PFL they are affiliated with Beyond Sports Network.  BSN is the most exclusive network found on the world wide web dedicated to the sports demographic. Created and developed by athletes for athletes and coaches for coaches, we have helped over 75 athletes secure workouts, combine invites, and pro contracts at the af2, AIFA, IFL, AFL, CFL and NFL levels. 

January 22, 2009 - We have a field!  Crestview Thunderbirds to host games at Davidson Middle School!!

February 21, 2009 - First game is scheduled for June 6 at 7PM at Davidson Middle School against the Northwest Florida Falcons!

March 7, 2009 - Three time UFC Champion Dan "The Beast" Severn stopped by to say hello to the players.  (read more here)

March 21, 2009 - Hosted First Annual Golf Tournament at Foxwood Country Club

April 1, 2009 - Joined the Crestview Chamber of Commerce

May 21, 2009 - After helping get CTB launched, James Wheat has decided to leave the ownership of the team to pursue their new business of Wheat Enterprises. Please don’t think James has abandoned the team, you can still see him at the games supporting the local Crestview Thunderbirds!

May 23, 2009 - Scrimmage Game with the Satsuma Sharks in Alabama