JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — On Tuesday, the Johnstown Mill Rats will play their season opener at the Point, but the team faced obstacles in the offseason that created confusion about their future.
We sat down with their new general manager and learned about how the team stayed in Johnstown.
With the Mill Rats season beginning this week, all focus is on this upcoming season, but in fall, the team didn’t even know if they would be playing this year.
“It was scary, but we were tenacious, and we all had that hope that if we kept fighting, we could get this team to stay here,” says new general manager Sarah Rex.
In October, the Mill Rats were removed from the Prospect League’s website, causing uncertainty about a Prospect League team remaining in Johnstown.
New Mill Rats general manager Sarah Rex says she didn’t know what to expect while working for a team that may not exist, but she had faith the team would stay around.
"Once you surround yourself with this organization, you see how special it is and how special it is to Johnstown, and you don’t want to give that up. So, we weren’t ready, and I think in my heart, I knew that it was going to happen.”
In November, the team confirmed that it would remain in the league under new local ownership.
They also promoted Rex, who was the assistant GM, to her current position.
The Windber native says the new leadership group is focused on being more present in the area.
“Sponsorships and that community involvement is the backbone to being successful here.”
And the community has shown support for the team already.
“I’m proud to say this year we have twice as many sponsors, a lot of new people who are joining the Mill Rat family and we couldn’t be prouder, and it really was a team effort.”
The team will also be unveiling new jerseys and new menu items, and Rex says this is part of the team creating an environment that is a good time for everyone.
The Mill Rats host their season opener Tuesday against the Champion City Kings.
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