In July 2012, the team announced CA Sports Entertainment LLC. was awarded an expansion franchise in Dayton, Ohio and that the team would be named the Dayton Sharks. The Sharks filled the void left after the Dayton Silverbacks folded at the conclusion of the 2012 season.[1] The team was led by Corwyn Thomas, who was the team's Managing General Partner, CEO and Chairman.[1] The team signed many local players, who have a track record for success, such at Tommy Jones and Robert Redd.[1] The Sharks had a great start to the season, going 8−0 before losing to the Erie Explosion and the Kentucky Xtreme in the final two weeks. With an 8–2 record, the Sharks had won the 2 seed for the CIFL playoffs, but due to a scheduling conflict with Hara Arena, the Sharks played their playoff game at the Saginaw Sting. The Sting would go on to upset the Sharks, scoring twice in the final minute to defeat their former quarterback Jones.
In June 2013, the Sharks agreed to terms with the CIFL to return for the 2014 season.[2]
Logos and uniforms
When the Dayton Sharks were announced, the ownership stated the franchise would be red, black and silver, but after a month changed the colors to be blue, black and silver. The team also introduced a new logo at that time, a Shark with the text "Sharks" underneath it.
