Meteors land in Marysville

By Pamela Glason Thornton
Staff Writer
Union County Post

It’s official. Marysville has its first professional basketball team – The Meteors.
International Basketball League (IBL) team owner Charlie Mitchell and the Columbus Cyclones are expanding their territory. The league takes up play in 2007 as the Marysville Meteors.
Tryouts were held in 2006 to add to the team. Kenny Chaffin, who coaches Boys Varsity basketball at Marysville High School, was chosen to fill a spot on the Marysville Meteors’ team.
“ The Meteors includes seven players who came back from other league play and we added five,” said Mitchell.
Chaffin, who met Mitchell while playing on a team Mitchell sponsored, said talks ensued as a result of his performance on the court. “After playing a few times they requested my resume and game tape. I was offered a contract shortly thereafter,” said Chaffin.
Last season, the IBL team played in Columbus, Ohio as the Columbus Cyclones and finished with a 20-3 record, which made the Cyclones the best team in the IBL. They narrowly lost in overtime to the Elkhart Express in the title game.
League play runs at different times throughout the year to allow players to participate on more than one team per year. Chaffin, like many other IBL players, has also exhibited his basketball skills overseas in the European league.
“ Being part of the Meteors couldn’t feel any better. I have the opportunity to play professionally and to do it in my hometown of Marysville. I feel blessed to be a part of this,” said Chaffin.
Tip-off for the first game of the 2007 season is March 8 at 7:15 p.m. at Marysville High School, 800 Amrine Mill Rd., in the Main Gymnasium.
The IBL’s claim to fame is that they have the best brand of basketball outside of the NBA. “The amount of talent that will be in our gym should attract quite a few basketball fans in the community,” said Chaffin.
The games are family-friendly and anyone who has a genuine interest in the sport is invited. In addition to following league regulations, the play is action-packed, fast-paced and entertaining. Last season in the IBL, each game averaged over 100 points scored. The players aim to entertain fans as they score.
As basketball coach, Chaffin strives to spread enthusiasm for the sport within the city.
“ My biased opinion is that the game of basketball is the greatest sport the world has to offer. I couldn’t be happier that it would be played at the professional level right here in Marysville.
“The team will still hold practices in Columbus. We have a new home, but our commitment to winning and putting on a great show for the fans remains the same,” said Mitchell.
“ With the move, the fan base is getting larger. I have a feeling we won’t be the only sport that moves to Union County, said Mitchell.
Movement means opportunity and is positive for the team and the city of Marysville.
The team, which is comprised of veteran professional basketball players, is working with the Union County Chamber of Commerce to increase sponsorship and exposure opportunities.
“The owner, Charlie Mitchell, is a man who is 110 percent committed to excellence, and that will funnel down to every facet of the organization,” said Chaffin.
“ Anywhere the team can catch on, the players are all for it,” said Mitchell who noted that players and fans come from other cities. “The city is an easy venue to access. Most players travel on buses and the Columbus airport is not that far away.”
Team backers anticipate that the sports franchise will help expand the city’s retail and business development.
The players are looking forward to gaining the community’s support. The idea of having a professional team to promote is new to Marysville. Therefore Mitchell and Chaffin anticipate that residents will pick up the banner immediately.
“ This is a chance for big-time sports to hit a county that needs something different,” said Mitchell.
“ I would love for every kid in Marysville to grow up working on his game in hopes of one day becoming a Marysville Meteor,” said Chaffin.
For information about the Meteors, go to the website, www.MarysvilleMeteors.com.