Coyotes Host First Pro Combine in Desert

COYOTES HOST FIRST HISTORIC DESERT PRO COMBINE

(PALM DESERT) — Sunday was another day of historic firsts for the SoCal Coyotes when they held the Coachella Valley’s first international pro football combine with EUROStopwatch, a trusted scouting service utilized for verified data by the NFL, CFL, Arena Football League, and teams across Europe.

Of course, the Coyotes used the event to showcase their sparkling new home partnership with prestigious Xavier College Preparatory, where they now practice, train and play. The Coyotes, who placed three players in tryouts with the San Jose Sabercats this spring, guarantee their players at least a “look” with pro teams.

On Sunday, the Coyotes lived up to their promise before playing a single game in their upcoming fall season in the Southern California Football Alliance. NFL, CFL and Arena Football agents and scouts access the EUROStopwatch database (www.eurostopwatch.com) to find prospects. All EUROStopwatch players are tracked and sourced, with game film sent to scouts to help with their evaluation process.

“Every semi-pro and minor-league team claims to be a stepping stone to the next level,” said Francisco Lujan, EUROStopwatch director of operations. “Unfortunately, it’s the opposite. Pro teams and pro scouts look down on minor-league football because the data can’t be verified and the organizations are dysfunctional at best. The Coyotes are a different story. They are a first-class organization, and have all the relationships and resources to be a trusted feeder program.”

This fact has been evident in recent weeks. Scouts and coaches have made the Coyotes a proving ground for star players from as far away as New Orleans and Atlanta.

Sunday, 26 players worked out at every position. The SoCal Coyotes organization absorbed the costs of the combine for their players who are under scholarship.

“We are on a relentless path to change the culture of AAA football,” said J. David Miller, Coyotes president and head coach. “We know where we’re going as an organization. Without long-term commitment, any enterprise is doomed. One of the strongest indicators of ethical orientation is the willingness to help these kids succeed and believe in themselves, even when nobody else may see anything tangible in return.”

The team opens training camp July 23. As a member of the Southern California Football Alliance, the Coyotes open at home August 24 against San Diego at Xavier College Prep. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

The SCFA is the only means for a desert team to win a state or national championship, and is home to the perennial national champion Inglewood Blackhawks. For more information on the SoCal Coyotes, the HOWL Program, season tickets, email [email protected], or call 760.668.5810, or visit www.thesocalcoyotes.com.