AUGUSTA, Ga. - A new owner, a new season and new hope. The Augusta Colts are back in town. But, can they avoid the past failures of sports teams in Augusta?

"I'm really anxious to get on the field and show that my talent hasn't worn down," Courtney Safford said.

Ready to prove his talent is still intact, #68 Courtney Stafford can't wait to join the Augusta Colts again after a rough season in 2008.

"We needed to catch our air and let things catch up. We did that," John Sisson said.

Monday Sisson, the Colts General Manager, announced the team's return to the CSRA after a break in 2009.

“There were some things that had to be cleaned up. There was a different vision in the direction we wanted to go,” Sisson said.

Sisson says there was other "drama" including issues over where they played and with the team's coach.

“I've said from day one, I want to be a GM not an owner,” Sisson said.

He's not any longer. Sisson, who used to own the team, has now handed the reigns over to Erick Moore.

“I'm so excited just about the buzz I'm getting in the area,” Moore said.

Moore blames past ownership and egos for the problems and failures of many smaller teams including the Colts.

“A lot of owners their egos are bigger than their pocket books. If someone owns a Blimpie's you're not going to give away sandwiches,” Moore said.

Moore believes, this time around, the Augusta community will be responsive and willing to come fill up some seats.

“If we can get 2500 a game, we'll do well. But, I believe we'll get more than that,” Moore said.

The new owner hopes, now that the Colts have joined a new league, filling those seats should be a little easier. The team is now part of the Southern Indoor Football League. All games will be played regionally which will reduce the teams travel costs. That in turn, should make games more cost effective for teams and fans.

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