Knights owner says player, coach defections 'a complete surprise'

May 16, 2006

By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News

The final record for the New Castle Knights will read “No wins. No losses. No games.”

Citing the sudden departure of staff and players, the owner of the semi-professional football team has ended operations.

David Gailbreath said yesterday that he was caught off guard by the mass defection, which was spearheaded by general manager David Cochenour and head coach Rick Sumner.

Cochenour approached city businessman Anthony Razzano last week about sponsoring an entry in the North American Football League. Razzano agreed and the formation of the New Castle Thunder became a reality.

Craig D. Herlan, a league official, said the Thunder will replace the Knights in the Grass Roots division. New Castle is scheduled to play 10 regular-season games when action starts June 17 at home against the Ohio Invaders.

“This came as a complete surprise,” Gailbreath said. “I don’t quite know how I feel.”

Gailbreath said he is considering legal action against the Thunder management but would not elaborate.

The New Castle resident said he will join the coaching staff of the Western Pennsylvania Warhawks, also in the Grass Roots division. F.J. Swick, the Warhawks’ media representative, confirmed yesterday Gailbreath will merge the remnants of the Knights with the Warhawks. Gailbreath also will serve as coach, Swick said.

“I looked at fighting this situation, but I didn’t want to harm the players,” Gailbreath said. “This community has been through enough. I want to avoid drama.”

Cochenour said he was disappointed in how the team was unfolding and the manner in which it was managed.

“It was not a very professionally run organization,” he said. “Things were not falling into line as I expected they would.”

A pivotal turning point in their relationship, according to Cochenour, came April 25 when Gailbreath was tossed from a New Castle school board athletic committee meeting. At issue was the use of Taggart Stadium for the Knights’ home games.

The Thunder also has eyed Taggart for its contests. However, Superintendent George Gabriel said yesterday the school district has not been formally approached.

He noted the district will be working on stadium seats and light towers over the summer and doubts Taggart would be available.

Cochenour said the team will be petitioning the eight districts in the county in an attempt to play at least one game at each high school.

“We’re going to play football one place or another,” he said.

Another issue that remains unresolved is the advertising and sponsorship fees collected by the Knights.

“All the sponsorships are being transferred to the Thunder,” Gailbreath said.

However, Cochenour said that no funds have been received from Gailbreath yet, adding the Thunder management would not accept them.

“Anything he wrote for the New Castle Knights is his advertising,” Cochenour said. “There is no legal connection between the Knights and the Thunder.”

Despite the setback, Gailbreath plans to remain in New Castle.

“We have a home here,” he said. “There’s no reason to leave.

“I guess this is a blessing in disguise. I may not feel that way two weeks from now.”



“I see a real conflict there.”