National Lacrosse League

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The National Lacrosse League introduced the new owners of the Columbus Landsharks today. Mike Gongas and Charlie Russo, the owners of the New York Saints franchise, will now own and operate the Landsharks while maintaining ownership of the Saints. The two Long Island, New York businessmen have a successful track record as team owners with an emphasis on
community involvement, especially for the youth.

"We are going to make the Landsharks a household name in this community", said Gongas. "If you come to a Saints game, you see lots of children and families. We are committed to quality family entertainment at an affordable price. Charlie (co-owner Charlie Russo) and I have done it in New York, and we will do it here as well."

Gongas and Russo will work in partnership with the Nationwide Arena and Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League to market the Landsharks.

The team will have a new front office and staff, with personnel to be announced in the near future.

The announcement of new ownership solidifies the continued commitment of the Landsharks and the League to the fans of Columbus. "We are looking forward to year number two in in Columbus", said Commissioner Jim Jennings. "I would like to thank Mike and Charlie in advance for the extraordinary effort they will put in here. When we introduced indoor lacrosse to Columbus last year,
we knew it would take some time for our game to catch on. We look to build on the base we established last season, and we look forward to being in Columbus for many years to come."