--DOG POUND HISTORY--

In the early summer of 1999, the concept of indoor football in the Magic City became a reality with the formation of the Xtreme Football League. The XFL was the brainchild of former Barons and Bulls owner, Art Clarkson. This XFL was to be an indoor football league with teams in 8 cities across the southeast. However, within a month of the announced league, the XFL merged with the Arena Football League to form the af2. Soon after that, the new Birmingham franchise created a popular website: birminghamaf2.com. Many future fans, including myself sounded off about various subjects such as the "Bubbas" contriversy. But it gave me an opportunity to plug my new website. The site didn't have a name, but neither did the team yet. That changed on August 12, 1999, when a press conference was held to unveil the name: Steeldogs, and the coach: Bobby Humphrey. Within an hour, the site was officially launched. Dog Pound was the name, and although the first site was sketchy, it has evolved into one of the premier fansites in the af2. The site has been hosted by three different providers: Netcolony, Tripod, and finally Angelfire. Hopefully, this is just the begining for the site, and I hope and pray that fans will continue to support it.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME: My name is Matthew Hooper. I am 17 years old, and currently attend Briarwood Christian School in North Shelby County. I love football, and I believe it is the TRUE American pastime. I have abandoned the idea that Arena Football is a sport for sisses, and that only stadium football was the real man's football. Not only am I a Steeldogs fan, but I am even a bigger Alabama fan. I plan to attend Alabama, as a communictions major. Sports broadcasting is my dream, and I hope it will be my career. I am a born again Christian, and am not ashamed to tell anyone who asks me if I am. My relationship with the Lord is the only thing that gives me hope and peace sometimes. The fact that I can rely on Jesus Christ for all of all of my needs is a tremendous comfort for me.