CHALLENGES FACE DOWN WIZARDS UP TO TASK FOR FINAL STRETCH
Did you know Wichita has a basketball team?
Did you know they are undefeated in regular season play?
No? Well, you’re not alone.
That is a struggle facing down a young team of local, Wichita talent. And the executive team supporting
Wichita’s only pro basketball team wants you to know all about them. And the best way to get the word
out is by letting the Wichita Wizards team members speak. With a ball. On the court.
GM Mike Lewis said, it’s all about playing the game well.
“We just really, as a team and a coach, have to do our part in making people aware of the Wichita
Wizards,” Lewis said of the minor league team. “And show them it’s a great event with home-grown
talent!”
The challenge of COVID and the subsequent shutdowns hurting their 2020 hopes mostly behind them,
the team of young men are looking ahead for the final months of their season. One remaining challenge
is the money metrics – leveraging costs vs venue capacity restrictions at their home court on the Friends
University campus.
Vice President of Marketing, Tori Duncan, said off the court, the executive team and players are on the
hunt for sponsorship opportunities, for businesses who would like to host a meet-and-greet for players
and the dance team, and for Wichitans to help spread the word.
“Military Appreciation Day is the perfect day for Wichita to check out the Wizards,” Duncan said. “It’s on a
Sunday afternoon and military ID lets you in for free – not to mention regular adult tickets are only $10.
Come have fun at the game, then let your friends know all about the Wizards.”
Lewis agrees, adding that the Wizards are lucky to be playing their home games at Friends University,
which is centrally-located with good parking and a fun environment. (Creed would add that the team
always brings out food trucks, too, so Wichitans can make a full night of it on campus.)
Creed said he understood that there is still some crowd fear and hesitancy due to COVID. Aside from
buying tickets, there are other ways you can support the team.
“Find us on Facebook, on Instagram, on Twitter and on our brand-new Web site,” encouraged Lisa
Sillaway, Social Media Director. “Like us, share us, tell your basketball-obsessed cousin about us – every
little bit helps. Even if you aren’t ready to be in the stands, you can still help support this amazing team of
home grown young men.”
The players, being undefeated so far this year, are getting the job done.
“We want to be consistent at playing at a high level,” said CEO Mark Creed. “That’s on the court. Off the
court, as a semi-pro organization, we are looking to garner new sponsors – and that’s top down,
executive staff to team members are all working in the community to grow recognition and find new,
excited sponsors.”
And, if weren’t for their COVID pause, this team would have already been playing in front of capacity
crowds this year, Creed thinks.
The Wichita Wizards are 5-0 so far on their 2021 season and have wowed the spectators that have
ventured to west Wichita for their games.
“We have a solid of great players,” added Creed, who said that the team is solid and unselfish. “We don’t
have a star. Everyone contributes to our success.”
That success seems to be a team trait. In 2019, the brand-new team burst onto the MLBA hardwoods
with an undefeated record. A hard-fought loss in the playoffs ended their inaugural season. But the team
of young basketball hopefuls have hit the court for the 2021 season with another undefeated start.
“Well, 14-0 means perfection,” said Creed of the inaugural season. “Every game was a total team effort
with someone different stepping up with big plays every game. Team chemistry and our ‘Family Over
Everything’ motto held us together all year.”
And that playoff loss?
“It is still spoken about. It is what drives us to continue our ways and push through for a championship
this season,” said Creed.
And to make that happen? All that is missing is you. Check out the Wizards and support Wichita
basketball. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063591338657 for frequent updates or to make
contact!
Don’t forget to visit one of our sponsors:
Davis Liquor
Globe Life/Family Heritage Division
Kaman Composites
Strickland Road Service
Big Cheese Pizza of Wellington
Drama The Barber
Blu Nightclub
