[Previous entry: "Raiders'offense sacked by Pioneers"] [Next entry: "NAFL All Star Game"]
10/28/2007: "Stories"
Winona/La Crosse Rough Riders outside linebacker, Tony Ford, eyes up Cedar Valley quarterback Will Staple during their game at Maxwell Field Saturday in Winona. (Photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News)
RoughRiders linebacker uses intensity, speed to earn respect
By Matt Huss | Winona Daily News
.
Tony Ford is far from the stereotypical football player.
The Winona/La Crosse RoughRiders semiprofessional football team’s starting weak-side linebacker is listed at 5-foot, 7 inches and 170 pounds, but even that’s being generous.
“I actually weigh 160,” Ford said. “I tried to bulk up by lifting weights and everything, but I just couldn’t do it. It’s my natural weight.”
But in a league where he’s easily the smallest starting linebacker, Ford is quickly earning respect and proving that size just doesn’t matter.
As a starting defensive back for Winona Senior High School, Ford was a two-time all-conference selection and led the Winhawks in tackles his junior and senior years.
He graduated from WSHS in 2003 but never pursued football at another level until he decided to try out for the RoughRiders in 2004.
Of course, the first thing anyone focused on was his size.
“I underestimated him because his size was all you could see right away,” Winona/La Crosse coach Paul Anderson said. “But after we starting hitting in the first couple of practices, he gained everybody’s respect real quick.”
Eventually, the accolades came as well, as Ford was selected to compete in the All-American Bowl by coaches and league officials for the third consecutive year after a 2006 season in which he led the RoughRiders in tackles with 73.
“He’s quiet, but he’s got that look, that intensity, and you know he’s into it,” Anderson said. “He’s a football player, plain and simple. And he’ll hit ya.”
In a lot of ways, Ford’s small stature has been a big advantage on the field.
“Football is like wrestling; if you hit them at the legs, they really can’t go anywhere,” said Ford, who wrestled in high school and still competes in tournaments every summer. “I use my size to my advantage. I don’t hit anybody high, because, well, everyone is taller than me.
“But nobody’s tougher than me. That’s my mindset.”
Off the field, however, it would be difficult to guess that Ford is respected as a fiercely competitive linebacker, especially considering his desired field of work and the stereotypes that come with it.
When he’s not playing football or working at Midtown Foods or spending time at home with his wife, Julie, and their 7-week-old son, Nolen, Ford is taking classes and working toward his degree in nursing.
“Some guys give me crap about it, and there are bad stereotypes,” Ford said. “But there’s a big demand for male nurses these days, and they have to earn their respect.”
Been there, done that.
Kick Off Weekend
July 14
Rough Riders @ Thunderbirds
(3:00pm KickOff at St.Johns University)
Threshers @ Stampede
(4:05pm KickOff at Ole Haugsrud Stadium)
Lumberjacks @ Pioneers
(7:00pm KickOff at Mounds View HS)
Maulers @ Eagles
(7:00pm KickOff at Manson HS)
Scores this weekend
June 30
Manson Eagles 0 Midwest Titans 21
Iowa Threshers 11 Shockers 16
July 07
Eagles @ Lawdawgs
(7:00pm KickOff at McEneaney Field)
Vikings @ Rough Riders
(7:00pm KickOff at Winona State)
Pre-Season Stampede 21 vs Predators 7
6/2/07
Final Score: Superior Stampede (MFL) 21 & The Chippewa Valley Predators (2-time GPFL Champions) 7The Superior
Kevin Guillory scored all 3 Stampede touch downs, 2 rushing and 1 receiving, the game was called at halftime, because of bad weather!
Former Mauler finds success in NFL
Todd Downing joined the Rams this year after six years with the Minnesota Vikings, the last four on the coaching staff. Downing interned in the Vikings’ public relations and research and development departments prior to assisting the coaches.
In 1999 and 2000, Downing worked on the coaching staff of Eden Prairie (MN) High, helping his alma mater to the Minnesota Class AAAAA state title in 1999. From 2000-02 during the summers, he played quarterback for the Minnesota Maulers of the Mid-America Football League.
Downing, a native of Eden Prairie, MN, earned his degree in business communications from the University of Minnesota in 2002.
Note: Todd is a Friend of Stampede Coach Terry Fawcett and Terry Sullivan the Maulers founder also coached at Eden Prarie where helping the Eagles to thier first State Champioship in 1996.
Todd Congratulations! Good Luck to you and the Rams in 2007!
06/02/2007: "More" at the Rams Website<<
,br.
League Schedule Click Here!
Frye Retires from Football
Superior Stampede TE/OL Shaun Frye has retired from minor league football following three seasons of play. Frye was one of three (Justin Brickley, Jon Jazdzewski) original players remaining that have played in all or parts of the three seasons since the inception of minor league football to the Twin Ports in 2004. The 6-4 285 pound Proctor native started 33 of 34 games and played in all 34. He was also named to the 2006 All-American Bowl in the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
DC Cropp playing Arena Football
The MFL/NAFL Iowa Thresher Minor League Football Organization is proud to announce that starting defensive lineman #99, Derizette (DC) Cropp has been acquired by the Danville Demolition Arena Football team to play nose tackle and wears #90. The Demolition reside in Danville, IL and are members of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA). Cropp is the first Thresher to be acquired in the next level of professional football after the 2006 inaugural season. Good luck Demolition on the rest of your season and congratulations DC Cropp on your accomplishment.
Stampede at Packers Tour
Stampede players, coaches, and staff with Packers Mark Tauscher, Aaron Rodgers, and Nick Barnett.
Manson Eagles Start Out Strong
z
Forty four players showed for the first day of practice!
This a great start and a big turn around from last year, stated owner Josh Seltz!
Coach Marty said "We will be ready for the season".
Good Luck to the Eagles as the start their inaugural year in the Mid-America Region. Check the new logo!!!
Pioneers sold for 4th time!
Finally some fun and exciting news the Midwest Pioneers
the 2007 MFL Champs have been purchased by a group including long time MFL'er Eric Wessels. A official press release is sure to follow!! Congratulations!!!
Stampede Players to work with Packer Tour
Stampede Players to work with Packer Tour
The Superior Stampede have been invited to provide security for the Green Bay Packers' Tailgate Tour at Wessman Arena on May 1st! Players and staff of the Stampede will help with crowd control for this great charitable event that will raise money for the Superior YMCA! Packers expected to attend include: OL Mark Tauchser, LB Nick Barnett, & QB Aaron Rodgers!
04/05/2006: " Complete story" in team NEWS<<
Jacks Reed Signs with AFL2
Eden Prairie, MN-The Twin Cities Lumberjacks and the Mid-America Football League are pleased to announce that Edwin Reed has signed a two-year contract with the 2006 AF2 Champion Green Bay Blizzard of the AF2.
Edwin has distinguished himself in the MFL as a Wide Receiver and Kick Returner and parlayed his gaudy numbers into a short stint with the Minnesota Vikings. After that he went to the Quad Cities to play for the AF2 Steamwheelers. Reed moved on to become a standout during his recent stint with the Rapid City Flying Aces of the National Indoor Football League.
Most recently, Edwin has been recommended by the Aces coaching staff to the Blizzard as another weapon in their high-flying brand of football that plays right into Reed’s strengths. Edwin’s combination of size, speed and soft hands make him an ideal receiver in the arena league.
The Mid-America Football League along with the Twin Cities Lumberjacks would like to congratulate Edwin on his recent contract and wish him luck as he continues his quest for the paycheck.
Garnet Asmundson to be inducted into the Minor League Football Hall of Fame
Asmundson went on to play 15 seasons of both semi-professional football and professional football in the Great Plains Football League (2004: Duluth-Superior Shoremen), Mid-America Football League (1995-2006: Dakota Ruffians, Mpls Lumberjacks, St. Paul Pigs, Mississippi Rivermen, Duluth-Superior Shoremen, and the Superior Stampede), the Professional Indoor Football League (1998: Minnesota Monsters), the Indoor Football League (1999-2000: Duluth Lumberjacks & the LaCrosse River Rats), and the National Indoor Football League (2002-2003: LaCrosse Night Train).
Asmundson's achievements include: nine-time MFL All-Star, team offensive MVP: (1995 Dakota Ruffians), 4-time team captain, 2-MFL Championships (1997 & 1999), one positional MVP (1996: Ruffians), 3-time All-American (2004: NFE 3rd team; 2005-2006 MLFN 2nd team). Asmundson was also nominated to the Minnesota Semi-Pro Hall of Fame in 2001.
2/14/2007: More On Garnet in team NEWS<<
Casino Bowl 12
Click here if you are if you would like to
2/01/2007: "Play, Coach or have fun in Vegas!<<
Checkout Game Stats!
12/01/2006: " All American Bowl - Metrodeme USA Bowl and NorStar Bowl Stats" in team NEWS<<
Saturday December 9th Games
College/Stripes 41 MFL/Stars 10
At 12:05 PM Mid-America Football League’s All American Bowl
The All American Bowl in its twelfth year is designed to bring together the best of the nations top Division II/III College All Star and the MFL top Free Agent Semi-pro Players.
Pioneers 21 Giants 7
At 3:05 PM the 3A/2A American Football Rules USA Bowl Championship game between the two local league Champions: the Midwest Pioneers, Champions of the MFL at (10-2) take on the GPFL Champion Rochester Giants (8-0) in a game for Minnesota Bragging Rights.
Lumberjacks 37 Raiders 10
At 6:05 PM the Twin Cities (Minneapolis) Lumberjacks (6-4) begin a new rivalry against and old MFL nemesis: the mighty Racine Raiders (12-3) in the NorStar Bowl.
All American Bowl Highlights
The All American Bowl in its twelfth year is designed to bring together the best of the nations top Division II/III College All Star and the MFL top Free Agent Semi-pro Players.
The All American Bowl is proud to announce that Bill Danenhauer, Head Coach from Dana College (Blair, Nebraska), and his coaching staff will be taking on the role of coaching the College Stripes all star team. Coach Danenhauer is in his fourth year as head coach of the Vikings. He began working at Dana College as offensive coordinator in 2001, and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2002. Coach Danenhauer also serves as athletic director of Dana College.
The former NFL and USFL player was an all-conference tackle at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1980. Danenhauer played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Colts during his NFL career and for the Boston Breakers in the USFL. Danenhauer coached at the collegiate level at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., and St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn. Coaching Staff: Chad Baldwin, Allen Friesen, Anthony Kerr, Ross Jensen, Scott Guzinski, Rod Stuehm
On the Stars sideline, coaching the Mid-America League All Stars will be MFL 2006 Coach of the Year Nate Heiser; Paul Anderson, and Terry Fawcett.
Coach Heiser has head coached two consecutive MFL Championships teams: the Twin Cities Titans in 2005 and the Midwest Pioneers in 2006. As a player, Coach Heiser became one of the first division II All Conference selections for
Concordia University-St. Paul; he continued his career by playing in the MFL for the Minnesota Maulers. Soon after his playing career was complete he began coaching at the high school and semi-pro levels. This is Coach Hieser’s fourth year as an MFL football coach.
-Paul Anderson is in currently in his second year as head coach of the Winona/La Crosse Rough Riders.
-Terry Fawcett is completing his first year as head coach of the Superior Stampede and 12th year in the MFL.
To see the complete roster and more information go to
www.allamericanbowl.com or go to www.mid-americafootball.com and click NEWS, www.usabowl.tv
12/01/2006: " Complete College and Free Agent Roster" in team NEWS<<
The AFR Championship Series concludes with the National Championship Game at the Orange Bowl Stadium in Miami Florida January 13, 2007 with the USA BOWL when the MCFL Champion West Michigan Force (12-1) Eanked 2 will play the MDFL Prince William Monarchs (16-2)Ranked 3 for the American Football Rules National Championship. Also, in the DII USA Bowl the Detroit Seminoles 12-1-1 Ranked 7 will take on the DC Explosion 12-2 Ranked 9. For information go to
USABOWLTV
All American Bowl
The All-American Bowl was founded in 1996 to promote the sport of football, give players the opportunity to show their skills against the best at their level and allow professional and minor league scouts more access to top players in America. This year’s game will be between DII/DIII College and regional Free Agent All Stars
2006 MFL Coach of the Year! Pioneers Nate Heiser
2006 Player of the Year! Stampede Kevin Guillory
State Champion Dance Team
The Minnesota Adult State Champion Dance team will perform at half time at Saturday Mid-America Football League Championship.
Members are:Ascending Star Dance Team Picture for the Championship program.
3rd row from left to right: Trish, Jessica, Thera, Amanda, Natalie
2nd row: Stacy, Sara P, Michelle, Sharman, Sarah S, Andrea
1st Row: Amy, Rachel, Bailey, Sara W, Karen
Coach: Sara Willcutt
Captains: Amanda Buytaert and Karen Christine
2007 Coaching and Support Staff
10/29/2006: " TWIN CITIES LUMBERJACKS" in team NEWS<<
09/27/2006: " Thunderbirds vs Pioneers MFL Championship" in team NEWS<<
09/24/2006: " T-Birds vs Stampede" in team NEWS<<
08/14/2006: " Garrent Asmundson OL Stampede" in team NEWS<<
08/12/2006: " Stampede over Titans" in team NEWS<<
07/19/2006: " Complete story" in team NEWS<<
Rough Riders pull out OT win in front of NFL coach
Rough Riders pull out OT win in front of NFL coach