As Rampage winds down, Titans gear up

CEDAR RAPIDS — Chris Kokalis is the co-owner and general manager of the Cedar Rapids Titans, a member of the Indoor Football League; the Cedar Rapids Rampage, a member of the Major Arena Soccer League; and the Cedar Rapids Rampage United, an outdoor soccer team that is a member of the Premier League of America.

The Titans begin their sixth season in Cedar Rapids on Feb. 4 with a game against the Iowa Barnstormers at the U.S. Cellular Center. The Rampage are wrapping up their second season and are 10-4 with six games remaining. The Rampage United will begin their second season in May.

Q: What are the challenges this time of year with the Rampage season winding down and the Titans gearing up for another campaign?

A: Not so much challenges as it's more so things definitely get a lot busier. We have 20 soccer players in town and are getting prepared for 35 football players to arrive at the end of the month. A lot of behind-the-scenes preparation goes into both seasons. It definitely keeps us busy.

Q: How vital is it for the existence of teams at this level to have success on the field?

A: It's very important. One thing I have learned since being here is Cedar Rapids is residents want a winning product. We've been very successful with the Titans over the past several years and after our first season with the Rampage, we feel we have brought in a great coach and made offseason acquisitions to be successful with our soccer product as well. The moves have paid off thus far.

Q: Have you been happy with the progress the Rampage have made on the field?

A: I have been extremely happy with the Rampage progress this season. Hewerton (Moreira) has really stepped up since being named head coach and we have a great balance of players. Guys like our captains Gordy Gurson and Pablo Da Silva have really worked well with Hewerton and you're seeing everyone from veterans to our younger players contribute.

Q: How would you classify the attendance at Rampage games this winter?

A: I'm definitely a person with high expectations, mostly because I truly believe in our product and our mission to provide family affordable entertainment options to folks in the community. With that being said, I firmly believe, and know that our loyal fan base would attest to this, is anyone who has seen a Rampage game becomes hooked immediately. It's a great family product and the games are action-packed. We have a great group of players who I believe add to the value. I know that there are still many folks out there who have yet to check out a game. My hope is that folks will check out the product and they will see what the buzz is all about.

Q: Can fans expect anything new or different when attending Titans games this season?

A: Well, obviously, the biggest difference for the Titans this year is Marvin McNutt being named head coach. I'm excited to see him go to work and work alongside our players. Our vision over the next few seasons is to build almost a 'Kinnick North' feel at the U.S. Cellular Center. We have signed former Hawkeye players, including the return of B.J. Lowery, and also are looking forward to having special former Hawkeyes now NFL players as guests throughout the season.

Q: What are your expectations for the Titans this year? Any prediction?

A: You know when you have a young head coach and many new players coming in obviously there is some unknown. In working with Marvin over the offseason, I know the desire and expectation is to win and keep the success we have had over the past several years going. The (Indoor Football League) has a lot of great talent and we will definitely need to be clicking on all cylinders to be successful.