[Previous entry: "Frye Retires!"] [Next entry: "Guillory Named MLFN Player of the Week!"]

06/01/2007: "Pioneers 2007 Update"

If you follow minor league football and the Mid-America Football League, you probably already know that the Midwest Pioneers have a new owner. The new ownership group is Sport and Spine, LLC.

But you probably didn't know that the man behind the group is none other than Eric Wessels. The former all-star running back for the Minnesota Maulers, Twin Cities Titans and Central Minnesota Thunderbirds -- as well as reality television star of Average Joe and other concepts -- has taken over the reins of one of minor league football's most consistently successful franchises.

In a sport where most new teams are formed and fizzle within just a couple of seasons, the Pioneers -- under their fourth ownership group -- have now been around since 2002. The Pioneers have won three of the past four league championships -- including the 2006 title -- and played for a national championship in 2003 against the Brooklyn Mariners.

Wessels' involvement, and his extensive experience in the ins and outs of semi-pro football, will help the Pioneers continue their winning ways into the future.

Wessels bought the team from Scott Ramsdell, Tony Aitkin, Matt Troyer and Dan Mitchell and hopes to build on the terrific organizational and competitive foundation the previous owners established. Some exciting changes include:

* A $100 player fee. Unlike other minor league teams that charge players much more, in fees or sponsorships, to play, the Pioneers are asking for one of the lowest player fees in football. Returning players who still have their jersey will pay only $100 in 2007. New players will pay $100 plus a jersey fee.

* Affordable tickets. Bucking the trend to pass higher costs onto the fans, the Pioneers plan to charge only $5 for adults per game. In addition, a six-game season ticket will cost only $25, Wessels announced this week. This has an upside for players as well; players who sell four $25 season tickets in advance to friends, family and fans will not have to pay a player fee.

* Web site updates. Expect more photos and more Pioneers news, with more in-depth player biographies and fun features about the Pioneers history and season to come.

* A return of the golden voice. Yes, folks, talented PA guy Brian Schulz has rejoined the Pioneers for 2007, as both general manager and game announcer. Long considered the best in local minor league football, Schulz is once again part of the Pioneers family.

* Even more exciting changes to the Pioneers' game schedule and home game environment are in the works. So stay tuned.

The Midwest Pioneers are now holding regular practices every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to around 8 p.m. The practices are held at Northwestern Health and Sciences University located at 2501 W. 84th Street, Bloomington Mn. 55431. Here is a link to a map of the field http://www.nwhealth.edu/aboutnw/direct.html#
Any questions? Please call Coach Nate Heiser at 612-481-6577. Feel free to visit the team website located at www.midwestpioneers.com for team news and regular updates.