Austin, Dallas Joining AUDL’s South Division In 2016

Two new teams are coming to the AUDL in 2016.

The AUDL will be launching new franchises in Austin and Dallas in the 2016 season, expanding the number of teams in the league to 27.

The Dallas Roughnecks and Austin Sol will compete in the South Division against Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, Atlanta, and Jacksonville. The expansion is not a surprise; that two Texas teams would be coming on board in 2016 was reported over a year ago.

The Sol is owned by Patrick Christmas, an active member in Austin ultimate leagues. He also played for Tejas, the 2014 Men’s Masters first place club finisher.

“My vision for the Austin Sol is to work with a community of people that I love,” Christmas said. “Together, we will create an experience for Austin that grows ultimate’s visibility in our town and inspires the next generation to play this great sport.”

The Roughnecks franchise is owned by Jim Gerencser, a familiar name already within the AUDL. Gerencser runs the charity E.R.I.C. (the AUDL’s official charity) and helped start a new video streaming venture with Kevin Minderhout. There are already rumors that the Roughnecks are actively pursuing big name signings in Texas.

“We will have a group of tall guys that can play a trap zone and keep the pressure on the offense,” said Gerencser. “The Roughnecks will be all about defense.”

The battle for talent recruitment should be fierce between Austin and Dallas. Austin has the more prominent club team (Doublewide), which has players from all around Texas (and often the country). Dallas has a much larger metro area.

The addition of these two teams finalizes the South Division for 2016. The AUDL says that changes could still come to the East and Midwest Divisions.

Salt Lake City, which played host to a Western Division team two years ago, will not return to the league. The AUDL purchased the franchise rights back from the original owner.