Omaha Beef team Co-Owner Ricky Bertz described the difficult decision. "As one of the co-founders of the CIF, along with Stephanie Tucker, and the late Darlene Jones, it has been an amazing eight year run," Bertz said. "Being involved with the league, on so many levels,
I am very proud of what this league accomplished. However, I believe that in order to continue to grow and elevate our fan experience, brand and business to the levels that the Omaha market deserves, we are left with no choice but to look for an alternative league that aligns with these goals and practices, on and off of the field. We are continuing to grow and elevate our organization, each and every season. At this time, we feel it's in our best interest to find like-minded business owners, such as those in Sioux City and Topeka, that share the same vision. I truly wish the remaining CIF playing partners nothing but the best going forward."