Polisky to join Wolves as team's new president

The Chicago Rush, which was thrown for a loss when the Arena Football League voted to suspend its operations for the 2009 seasons, now must move on without its team president.

The Chicago Wolves have named Mike Polisky as the AHL team's president. Polisky was the president and general manager of the Arena Football League's Chicago Rush, and was honored as the AFL's Executive of the Year in July 2008. Last month's decision by the AFL put the entire Rush organization out of work while the league tries to reorganize its operations.

"I'm privileged to have an opportunity to work for another terrific organization and owner," Polisky, 39, said in a statement released Sunday by the Wolves. "I look forward to helping the Wolves continue making a difference in our community and offering Chicagoland families and sports fans an affordable and exciting entertainment option."

Under Polisky, the Rush was awarded the AFL Commissioner's Award as the league's Organization of the Year three times, including each of the last two seasons (2004, 2007 and 2008.) The club saw attendance increase every year, culminating in an average of 99 percent capacity in 2008. In addition, the Rush ranked among the top two teams in the AFL in corporate sponsorship revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

"Having shared the Allstate Arena with the Rush over the past few years, I saw the great work Mike and the team did and the accomplishments they made," said Wolves chairman Don Levin. "While I am saddened by the loss of the Rush for the city, I am extremely pleased to have Mike lead our team. He will bring a new dimension of professionalism to our front office."

Polisky was honored as one of the top young executives in Chicago by Crain's Chicago Business in its annual listing of "Chicago's Top 40 Under 40" in November 2007.