MFL News

AMATEUR TEAM SEEKS STABILITY -- AND FANS

Aaron Blake, Special To The Star Tribune
June 29, 2005

A good portion of the owners, coaches and volunteers who help run the Midwest Pioneers amateur football team are tied, in one way or another, through family.
That's about all the stability the organization can boast after three years of existence. And it's not alone. "At points, this is almost like a softball league, where players jump teams from year to year just because one friend went somewhere or they want to try something different," Pioneers co-owner and special teams coach Dan Mitchell said.
Some things are beyond your control in amateur sports. But after three ownerships, three head coaches and three home stadiums in three-plus years, a trio of new owners is trying to salvage what constancy it can.
A move to the northern suburbs, where two of the owners live, was among the first steps in forming a new identity -- one the owners hope will last. After playing at two locations in St. Paul in years past, the team will move its home games to the revamped field at Mounds View High School this season.
The Pioneers, who up until last month had been called the St. Paul Pioneers, are the two-time defending champions in the 10-team Mid-America Football League (MFL). They also played in the national championship game two years ago at the Metrodome.
But that doesn't mean some changes weren't in order.
"Where we've located is a smaller, more tight-knit community," said co-owner and head coach Scott Ramsdell, who lives in Brooklyn Park. "We feel that we can draw a better fan base by basically embedding ourselves in the community."
To that end, Ramsdell, Blaine resident Mitchell and fellow co-owner and defensive lineman Tony Aitkin have tried to create visibility for the team by being in parades, arranging partnerships with local businesses and creating the Pioneer Outreach Program. The first-year effort supports charities including the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association with 5 percent of the ticket and concessions sales from home games, beginning with the opener July 9.

Diehards wanted
But getting people into the stands is hard for an amateur team. The Pioneers have drawn an average of 200 to 300 fans per game, and Mitchell said he hopes to raise that number to between 300 and 500 this year.
That begins with getting their own families involved through picnics and get-togethers that aim to turn teammates into friends and individual families into a larger family. "None of us get paid to do this, so we want to make it as friendly for the families as we can," Ramsdell said. "The way we start doing that is by bringing our own family in the fold, and it reaches out from there."
Having a good football team is another factor, and the Pioneers' early success can only help.
But with about a 30 percent yearly turnover rate, sustaining talent is a constant effort. Infusing the team with new talent often means using word-of-mouth and hoping somebody worthy gets the message. Many aren't even aware of the league before they catch on with a team.
Kicker and Blaine native John Dierkhising is a case in point. He hadn't even played football and was a goalkeeper on the Minnesota Thunder professional soccer team when a former Blaine High School teammate got a call to try out for the Minneapolis Lumberjacks, another MFL team.
Now Dierkhising is one of the few in the league who has realistic aspirations of playing at the next level. He's tried out at an NFL combine and for teams in the Arena League.
Starting running back Brian Warden is another example. He happened to run into an old college teammate who was on the Pioneers when the team was looking for a back three years ago.
Several months ago, Warden ran into a fan who recognized him in Eagan. Now the goal is to get that in the northern suburbs.

The family is working on it.
"We want to represent them," Warden said. "If we can represent Mounds View and Brooklyn Park and this area up here, it's just going to be a cycle."
Home games are at Mounds View High School.

7 p.m. July 9 Home vs. Shakopee Warriors
7 p.m. July 16 Home vs. Racine Raiders
7 p.m. July 23 Home vs. Twin City Titans
7 p.m. July 30 Home vs. Duluth/Superior Shoremen
3 p.m. Aug. 6 At Central T-Birds, St. John's
7 p.m. Aug. 13 Home vs. Minnesota Maulers
TBA Aug. 20 At River City Rough Riders, Winona State
TBA Aug. 27 At Minneapolis Lumberjacks, Augsburg
Tickets are $7 for ages 12 and up. For more information, go to www.midwestpioneers.com.


Article written by St Paul Pioneers on 06.29.05 @ 06:04 PM CST [...more]

2005 Twin Cities Titans Football



Titans Give Back to Communtiy

Twin Cities Titans Head Coach Nate Heiser, Defensive Coordinator Mark Heiser, and starting Quarterback Paul Ciochetto recently has the privilege of coaching 3rd-8th graders at the Holy Family Youth Football Camp. The Camp was put on by Holy Family Catholic High School and featured 2002 NFL MVP Quarterback Rich Gannon.



Coach Gannon worked hand in hand coaching up the quarterbacks with Nate and Paul as he stressed the importance of perparation, hard work, and recognizing and taking advantage of opportunities.






Article written by Twin Cities Titans on 06.28.05 @ 07:46 AM CST [...more]

TBirds Top RoughRiders in Season Opener, 29-3

TBirds Top RoughRiders in Season Opener, 29-3
2005-06-26
 The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds trampled the River City Roughriders in the season opener and walked away with a 29-3 victory.
  A solid offensive effort in the first half led to two Thunderbird touchdowns. The defense came onto the field for just three drives in the entire half as the Rough Riders struggled to gain yardage against the powerful Thunderbird defense.
  The Thunderbirds started the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run by Eric Tarasewicz. Mike Jacobs made the point after for a 7-0 Thunderbird lead.
  In the second quarter, Central Minnesota scored on an 8-yard run from Will Kladek, but the extra point attempt failed and the Thunderbirds took a 13-0 lead into the halftime break.
  The second half was more of the same with the Thunderbird defense coming up with a big stop to start the third quarter.
  Randy Lee striped the ball from a Rough Rider running back and ran it 18-yards into the end zone. Jacobs’ kick was good to stretch the lead to 20-0.
  Later in the third, Ramon Burroughs blocked a Rough Rider punt and the ball went through the back of the end zone for a safety.
  The only River City points of the game came from a fourth-quarter field goal, but the Thunderbirds weren’t through yet. Quarterback Chris Esterly put the icing on the cake when he completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kladek. The Jacobs kick was good and the Thunderbirds had themselves a 29-3 victory.
  The Rough Riders were unable to gain a single first down, with the exception of one earned by a Thunderbird penalty. Their total yardage in the game was in the negative.
  Ray Reinhart led the defensive effort with four sacks.
  “I was very pleased with the performance in the first game,” Reinhart said. “The defense played extremely well and the offense played very well.”
  Chris Camacho added six tackles and a sack to the Thunderbird totals. Jeremy Gothman had five tackles and a sack.
  Esterly was impressive in his first ever Thunderbirds start. He had one touchdown and two interceptions. Additional offensive statistics were not immediately available.
  “We still have some kinks to work out, but we played better than I could have expected for a first game,” Reinhart said.
  The Thunderbirds will take the Fourth of July weekend off, but will be back in action Saturday, July 9, for a road game against the Northern Wisconsin Reapers.


Article written by Central Minnesota Thunderbirds on 06.27.05 @ 09:43 AM CST [...more]

Creating a winning team!

Thunderbirds football squad lays building blocks for success in 2005

By Heather Douglas

It’s been a few years since the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds semi-pro football team has won a league or national championship. But the players and coaches say this year just might be the one.
The Thunderbirds, whose home field is on the campus of St. John’s University, won the Mid-America Football League (MFL) Championship in 2001 and finished as runners up in 2002. The squad used a pair of seasons to regroup and rebuild and is ready to shoot for the title again in 2005.
“Our specific goal for this year is to win the MFL Championship and make a run in the national playoffs,” said Ray Reinhart, a five year member of the Thunderbirds organization and former MFL Player of the Year.
They just might have the team to do it.
After posting a 5-4 record last season, the Thunderbirds – a team consisting of football players from throughout Central Minnesota – began recruiting new players to help make the team even more successful.
One of those players is quarterback Chris Esterly, who has been in the league for nearly a decade and was once voted the Most Valuable Player at the national semi-pro level. Esterly opted to move to the Thunderbird squad this season because of the “family feel” the team had to offer.
“This team...it just seemed they were willing to work harder to get where they want to be,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good guys who are dedicated.”
Eric Tarasewicz joined the Thunderbirds last season after having played in the same league, but with the Minnesota Maulers.
“Here, we’ve got a team-first attitude,” he said. “People will play out of their positions if it will help the team out.”
Tarasewicz said that last year’s squad was beginning to come together as the season came to a close. With the same core group of players back for more, and other standout athletes being added to the mix, the Thunderbirds are threatening to be one of the best in the league this season – and they haven’t even played a game yet.
“We’re leaps and bounds ahead of where we were last year,” Tarasewicz said.
Reinhart, who also serves as the team’s director of player relations, said that while the team has been recruiting, it isn’t simply looking for good players.
“We’re getting players that, number one, are good people that are going to be team leaders and that are going to represent our team well, and number two, are good athletes and,” he said. “We’re building a tradition of football and family.”
Other Thunderbird players agree.
“The biggest goal is not to win games, but to come together as a team,” said Jeremy Gothman, who is entering his fifth year with the team. “The wins are a bonus.”
Ramon Burroughs said that in pre-season practices which began in March, the team looked solid.
“Our foundation looks good and it’ll only get better,” said the five-year veteran. “As a team, we’re gonna set our goals a little higher than last year.”
It seems the key to this team is simply that – they play together as a team.
Chris Camacho, an eight-year veteran with the Thunderbirds, said that the players who are new this season are only strengthening the bond.
“We brought some new people in – some good players,” he said. “There’s no individuals, it’s a bunch of guys coming together to play football with one goal. They’re all willing to do what it takes to succeed.”
The team is under the direction of Head Coach Chad Baldwin, who took over the squad back in 2000. Baldwin said his philosophy this season is to work backwards from a national championship. He said he imagines what a championship-caliber team would look like, and then breaks it down to determine what steps need to be taken to get to that point.
“If you haven’t determined what great is, how are you going to get there?” he said.
The keys to success, Baldwin said, include having a deep roster, solid financial baking, and having players that can learn the skills necessary to help the team win games.
“Every single guy has a role and without each role player doing their job, we are not going to win a national championship,” Baldwin said.
Even though the goal is to win the MFL title and advance to the national playoffs, the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds are looking even further into the future.
“We’re building a team to go to the national championship, and we’re building towards a solid team that will give players a second chance to play football,” Reinhart said, adding that several MFL players have gone on to play in the Arena Football League and among the European football ranks.
The regular season runs from June to September, with MFL playoffs and a national tournament following in October and November. Whether the team will win a title this year remains to be seen, but players and coaches all seem to agree that every season brings them closer to the success they all dream of.
“Every year we’re getting closer to having a solid group of guys and a team that can compete for a national championship every year,” Reinhart said.
Even with a solid team to work with, Baldwin is making sure not to set his expectations for the season too high.
“I think we have every chance of doing that, but I don’t solely focus on that,” Baldwin said of winning a title. “You have to take it one game, one practice at a time.”
To find out how to become a part of the team, or for Thunderbirds ticket and game information, visit: www.mnthunderbirds.com.

Article written by Central Minnesota Thunderbirds on 06.26.05 @ 01:34 AM CST [...more]

Titans Stats 6/25/05

Here are a few Stats from the Titans game:

Jim Bean 18 carries 140 yards 1TD.

Antione Price 4 receptions 70 yards 2 TD (offensive player of the game).

Tell Hammerstrom 2 Ints

Brian Doyle 1 sack 10+ tackles (defensive player of the game)

Anthony Buckner a few big kick returns, 3 passes broken up, and at least 1 receiver abused at the line of scrimmage. (special teams player of the game

Article written by Twin Cities Titans on 06.26.05 @ 01:26 AM CST [...more]

Twin Cities Titans beer bust

Titans Beer Bust



Come help the Titans in their quest for an MFL championship. The Twin Cities Titans will be having the their first beer bust of the season June 18th from 2-11pm at Little Jack's Steak House in Minneapolis. Tickets can be purchased from players for $10 and also at the door. This ticket will entitle you to tap beer and a shot at winning some great prizes with the top prize being an X Box system.



Proceed from the June 18th Beer Bust will help offset some of the costs of the 2005 season. Little Jack's is located at : 201 Lowry Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN


Article written by Twin Cities Titans on 06.14.05 @ 08:08 PM CST [...more]

6/10/05 Pioneers Outreach Program (POP)

The Midwest Pioneers are proud to announce the launching of the Pioneer Outreach Program (P.O.P.). P.O.P. is a community outreach program which allows the Midwest Pioneer Football Organization to support important charities within the community. The Pioneers will donate 5% of their ticket and concessions sales during their home games to designated charities. The Pioneers will also allow these charities to have representation at the games to help spread the word regarding their respective organizations. Each of the Midwest Pioneer home games will have a different charity organization present. Please come out on the following dates and help to support these important organizations.
The Saturday, July 9th game at 7:00 against the Shakopee Warriors will benefit the Red Ribbon Ride by supporting rider Brian Schulz.
The Saturday, July16th game at 7:00 against the Racine Raiders will benefit the American Cancer Society.
The Saturday, July 23rd game at 7:00 against the Twin City Titans will benefit the Special Olympics.
The Saturday, July 30th game at 7:00 against the Duluth/Superior Shoremen will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Saturday, August 13th game at 7:00 against the Minnesota Maulers will benefit M.A.D.D.
If anyone has any questions or would like to donate to these organizations, please call Scott Ramsdell at 612-741-0431 or Dan Mitchell at 763-242-9038. Or email info@midwestpioneers.com.



Article written by St Paul Pioneers on 06.10.05 @ 04:40 PM CST [...more]

Cedar Valley Vikings to Play Waterloo West High Coaches and Alumni

Waterloo, IA June 10, 2005 -- The Cedar Valley Vikings Football Team kick off the 2005 season with the annual exhibition game vs. the Waterloo West High Coaches and Alumni this Saturday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m.
The third annual benefit game raises money for the West High Football summer camp program. All proceeds from the game go to West High Football, with additional grant money contributed by the Cedar Valley Vikings Football Club.
The West High Coaches and Alumni have put together an excellent squad once again this year. The Vikings are preparing for another tough game, and hope to recruit several of the All-Star squad to the Vikings Roster.
Tickets are just $2.00 at the gate. Kickoff is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at Sloan Wallace Stadium at Baltimore and 5th Street in Waterloo. Come and support the West High Football program this Saturday!
The Cedar Valley Vikings play their first regular season game Saturday, June 16th vs. the McHenry County Gladiators just outside of Chicago. The Vikings host their first home game on July 9th vs. the Minnesota Maulers of Minneapolis. The Vikings host their first two home games in Independence, Iowa at the newly remodeled middle school field. The remaining three home games will once again be played in the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
This fourth Season for the Cedar Valley Vikings brings on a new coaching staff, players, and opponents. Once again, the Vikings will face one of the toughest schedules in the Nation.
The Cedar Valley Vikings are proud members of the North American Football league (NAFL) and play in the Mid-America Football League Conference. The NAFL National Championship and All-Star games are played at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida in November.
Please visit the Cedar Valley Vikings website at http://www.cvvikings.com for the 2005 game schedule, as well as announcements.

Article written by Cedar Valley Vikings on 06.10.05 @ 04:37 PM CST [...more]

Abrahamson in All-State Game

Duluth-Superior Shoremen offensive lineman, Drew Abrahamson, will play in the Metro versus Outstate All-State Football game on June 25th in Minneapolis. The 6-2, 280 lb. Duluth News-Tribune All Area selection played for the Rebels of Moose Lake-Willow River. Congratulations Drew!
Article written by DuluthSuperior Shoremen on 06.02.05 @ 02:00 PM CST [...more]