SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL: Central Illinois Cougars feature new lineup in new league, Newsletters: Get local news delivered directly to you. A tryout for his Central Illinois Cougars semi-pro team sent him back in the direction of Altons Gordon Moore Park and eventually led to a decision for his team to play its 2021 season on the new artificial turf field there. Our schedule runs from May to August, so you can enjoy the beautiful spring weather while enjoying one of America's greatest pastimes.Check out our semi-pro football team this season to see what all of the hype is about. Scout Mike McCartney said there are "plenty of guys who have played in the NFL this year alone" to fill the Bears' needs. In January 1981, on the day before the Super Bowl, the AFA held its first All Star game with 100 semi-pro players in New Orleans. However, Healey soon became a star for the Bears and would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964. Once again, the Detroit Seminoles reigned supreme, capping another perfect season with another title game win, defeating the Marauders by a score of 43-10. The Elmhurst Travelers Semi Pro Football Team played in the Bi-State, Tri State and Central States Leagues from 1927 - 1968. DuPage leads 6-3 when the half ends at 8:05 p.m., and during the 12-minute halftime, several dozen of the 345 fans go to their cars to warm up or drive to a nearby convenience store. "I've never been OK with a loss," Myles said, "but we saw so many positive things about this group of men.". Andy Albrecht (former all-area and all-conference Rockford QB from 1994-1995) named head coach of Illinois high school team. [9][10], A second and considerably larger meeting was held on September 17, 1920. On August 20, 1920 an initial meeting was held by representatives of the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Tigers, and Dayton Triangles. Although the Dowagiac Dawgs and Milwaukee Marauders joined that season, it saw the Chicago Panthers, Michiana Saints, and Michigan Huskies fold before year's end, once again reducing the league size to four times. Hit up Santos Sports for all your pregame accessories tape,mouthpieces,gloves,belts,socks,etc. Players nursing the pro dream can take solace in the career path of Mark Rodenhauser, a center with the Carolina Panthers, an NFL expansion team. November 19, 1922 Lost to Chicago Bears 30. You have an opportunity to make a dent in the league.". Coached by Johnny Armstrong, the Independents played their first three games at Browning Field and then played the rest of their 1926 games as a traveling team. Founding American Football League teams for 1926 were the Boston Bulldogs, Brooklyn Horsemen, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Panthers, Los Angeles Wildcats, Newark Bears, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Quakers and the Rock Island Independents. For the latest news and information, please continue to visit uflfootball.com. Mechanical engineer, ex semi-pro soccer (football) player and automotive enthusiast. "This is a very good No. [23], Douglas Park is located at the corner of 18th Avenue and 9th Street in Rock Island, Illinois. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. The Force was ranked 13th. More than 250 teams in 34 leagues are affiliated with the association. In the past, semi-pro football has kicked off the careers of such stars as former Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas and such coaches as former San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh. The Midway Marauders are part of the Indoor Football Association. Bryan Anderson - standout at Rockford and CMU. It currently has 10 teams with the Panthers in their second season. We've put together a list of facts so you can understand everything there is to know about Revolution Football: We have five to six home games every year, We practice weekly, both in person and virtually, New players pay $250 and returning players pay $150, Our games are held on Saturdays at the Rockton Sports Complex, We're proud to be fierce competitors and championship contenders. In the opener, the Cougars spotted the Cyclones a 3-0 lead after the first drive, then countered with a touchdown drive to take a 6-3 lead. This page was last edited on 9 February 2023, at 13:09. Louisville Firebirds Mississippi Mudcats Oklahoma City Wranglers Pittsburgh Pioneers Richmond Iron Horses Saint Louis Stampede Virginia Beach Destroyers THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE SAINT LOUIS STAMPEDE GREATER ST. LOUIS PROFESSIONAL SPRING FOOTBALL TEAM PROUD MEMBER OF THE HOME NEWS TICKETS PRO SHOP TEAM SCHEDULE STANDINGS More Johnson hired Vince McCarthy, the Independents' back-up quarterback as the new general manager. -Victor Mcghee (773) 817-1310, The Illinois Cowboys will be teamed up with Excellent Way Out Reach Center for a toy and coat drive ! Force players and the rival DuPage Eagles drive up in their own cars and tote their own equipment to the field. November 1, 1925. Nonetheless, that year showed a battle of past and present dynasties compete for the MSFL title, with the Chicago Thunder defeating the Force of Illinois in overtime for the championship after both teams had played to a 21-21 tie in regulation. "Probably 20 percent of the players want to take the next step ," said Ed O'Reilly of Lisle, the offensive coordinator for the semi-pro DuPage Eagles and a coach on that level for 25 years. In 1922, Flanigan sold the contract of Ed Healey, to Halas and the Chicago Bears for $200. 4,500. Id say the oldest is probably around 30.. BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) Attention football fans! The $4,500 to $5,000 fee is due by the opening game. The Cougars, who call Gordon Moore Park home, feature a wealth of new players on their roster and have returned to the Central Midwest Football League/Fans, this season. The Quad City Steamwheelers are Illinois' newest professional football team, starting off with the Champions Indoor Football league in 2018. Sports SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL: Central Illinois Cougars feature new lineup in new league Pete Hayes , Sports Editor May 4, 2022 Updated: May 4, 2022 3:45 p.m. Delavan, Madison (WI), Calumet City (IN) and the Chicago Hornets, Aurora Clippers and Chicago Panthers of Illinois. Other home fields include Gately and Hanson Stadiums and Luther South High School, all in Chicago. You probably know the names of Illinois major league teams in the big four American sports of baseball, football, ice hockey and basketball. Revolution Football is a semi-pro football team based in Rockford, IL that faces off against other local teams in the Northern Lights Football League. The former Peoria Rivermen were bought by the Vancouver Canucks in 2013 and moved to Utica, New York. Other leagues subsequently formed, and in 1980, Pro Football Weekly asked Real to begin covering semi-pro football for the newspaper and to help organize a national playoff system. Once Coughlin was safely on his way toward the sideline, Healey delivered a message to Jimmy Conzelman from Flanigan, it read: "Coughlin was fired! The Central Illinois Cougars line up during a 2019 game. Although the Roscoe Rush left the MSFL to compete in the Ironman Football League, 2006 saw two new teams join (the Mid-State Steel and the Lafayette Lions). On the national level, efforts to organize semi-pro football began in earnest in 1980, according to American Football Association president Ron Real of Chicago. In 1926, football star Red Grange and his agent, C. C. Pyle, formed the American Football League (AFL) after Pyle was denied ownership of an NFL franchise in New York City. The Windy City Bulls play in the NBA G League, as the affiliate of Chicagos NBA team Chicago Bulls. [15][16] 3,100 fans were in attendance as Arnie Wyman, former Minnesota great, made his debut for the Islanders, scoring three touchdowns. In 1923, Flanigan sold the Independents to Dale Johnson, a local businessman. Official Site of the United Football League, google.com, pub-6849808367135271, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0, Copyright 2023 Official Site of the United Football League. Much like baseball's minor league system, semi-pro football had the financial support of National Football League teams before the NFL merged with the American Football League in the 1960s, Real said. Hackers got the best of voting again. 4130 S Indiana Avenue. Mid-States football league - 2010 Standings, List of Washington Redskins starting quarterbacks, List of Baltimore Ravens starting quarterbacks. Half of our players have been together for at least three years.". He joined The Telegraph in Alton in 1982. Theyre also renowned for their pre-game pyrotechnics. The Illinois Cowboys is an organization where football players ages 18 and older can play in an attempt to further their playing careers by advancing to a professional football organization, for the love of the game, and for the pure enjoyment of the sport. The former owner and two former executives of the previous team thought that just wouldnt do so they quickly formed a new team under the same name, joining the Southern Professional Hockey League.See them play at Peoria Civic Center, Peoria. ALTON Kinney Myles has been in the football team ownership business for more than 20 years and hes always on the lookout for ways to help his team. "I don't tell them that they can't play, unless it is a head injury, something serious that I notice and that they need to get to the hospital for," she explained. Force defensive tackle Pete Cappelletti, 26, of Rockford has played professional football before and hopes to again. Myles cousin, former NFL running back Wilbert Montgomery serves as a consultant for the Cougars. The Buffalo All-Americans, Chicago Tigers, Columbus Panhandles, and Detroit Heralds joined the league during the year. The two walked into the bank where one demanded money from the teller and another stood on lookout, the affidavit states. The Force, which debuted in 1987, is the successor to the Orland Fury, a south suburban semi-pro team of the mid-1980s. Both locations are still in use today. But experience pays off. A new team is kicking off this year in the Bloomington-Normal area. The Cougars first game will be in late April or early May. ", In 1926, the Independents left the NFL to become a charter member of the first American Football League, the only NFL team to do so. [4], Walter Flanigan had joined the Independents as a backup end in 1912. Myles has used Carlinville as his base of activities and said if all goes well this season, the operation could move to Alton. The Wolves are one of minor league hockeys most successful teams. The Rock Island Independents were a professional American football team, based in Rock Island, Illinois, from 1907 to 1926. The game was between two top 20 teams, based on the AFA's preseason poll. In 1926, in what became their final year of existence, the Independents moved to Browning Field in neighboring Moline, Illinois. The AFA has been in operation for 43 years and is not affiliated with any other national semi-pro/minor league organization. Flanigan then challenged the Canton Bulldogs to a "championship" game, offering a $5,000 guarantee if they would come to Rock Island for the game. We were having a tryout there and one of my coaches called me and said he saw artificial turf. Greenwood Park in Chicago. The Central Illinois Cougars, lined up at right, taking on the Missouri Cyclones Saturday at Summit High School. Their desire is to become a staple for the community, and they want to stay in Bloomington for a long time. As owner, Huntington spends about $1,500 of his own money to help operate the team. The Chicago Bulls also own and operate the team. They hosted what has been retrospectively designated the first National Football League game on September 26, 1920 at Douglas Park. And yes, the name is indeed a reference to that famous Joliet landmark.See them play at Joliet Route 66 Stadium, Joliet. [9], The newly formed league elected Jim Thorpe as its first President and consisted of 14 teams. She has little input in whether the players take the field. The 5k, 3.1 mile Hunger Walk benefits pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in Cook County that are members of the Greater Chicago Food Depositorys network. Our local sports club consists of athletes ages 18-40 who are looking to compete, have fun and hone their football skills. Defeated Green Bay Packers 30. Theyre minor league in name, but these Illinois sports teams are major in excitement and talent. The MSFL took 2004 off as commissioner Marc May got sick and the Chicago Lawmen, Cook County Jaguars, and Cook County Punishers all shut down. For now, it will be games only at Moore Park. The semi-pro football team will play its home games this year at on the artificial turf field at Gordon Moore Park. See them play at TaxSlayer Center, Moline. The Eagles began the year ranked third, after losing the national championship game to the Fresno (Calif.) Bandits last December. Cubs Park (Wrigley Field) 8,000. The meeting was again at Canton owner Ralph Hay's Hupmobile dealership in Canton and Independents owner Walter Flanigan was present to represent the Independents. The game itself was billed as a clash of old vs. new, with Grange, the rising star, taking on Thorpe, the aging legend. In addition, two had won league titles in 2003 (Chicago Falcons and Lake County Chiefs). A second, unrelated, "Rock Island Independents" played at the Northwest Football League in 1936. During the game Grange rushed for a 70-yard touchdown as the Bears notched a 173 victory at Plant Field in Tampa, Florida. The Rockford IceHogs are part of the American Hockey League, often going head-to-head with the Wolves. Cubs Park (Wrigley Field) 7,000. But they if come out and see this league, this year and next year and on down the line, they will see a good quality league.". It will be a unifying experience for people to come and cheer for a common cause, and most importantly to have fun! In early July, the team began practicing three times a week in pads at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills and, when daylight began to dwindle in September, moved its practices to the lighted Mt. The Cougars will play five home games on Field 3 at Gordon Moore Park, Alton Parks and Recreation director Mike Haynes said. The Miners, named for the Southern Illinois regions history of coal mining, play in the West Division of the Frontier League. The Hunger Walk is a fun opportunity for all types of . It cited a "disturbing statement' by the league office that passes "blame for their insufficient and lack of effort in taking care of last week's game mishap where referees were not assigned to our game. Douglas Park. November 18, 1917. With a shortage of professional Football leagues and options for elite athletes, the Cowboys will make its players feel they are in professional organization. Three teams have won national semi-pro football championships under the MSFL banner; the Detroit Seminoles in 2002 and the Chicago Thunder in 2006 and 2008. Johnson felt that the American Football League, which featured Red Grange, would out-perform the NFL. "We have improved in team speed across the board," team owner and head coach Kinney Myles said," but they need more time playing together to build that knowledge of the system and playing along side each other.". See them play at Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates. The Cougars will open their. Field 4 is a tournament-size soccer field which is suitable for IHSA sanctioned play. Welcome to the OFFICIAL Lincoln-Way Patriots Facebook page. The Independents lost only to the Hammond Pros, led by George Halas in 1919. In terms of durability and how easy it to clean and how good it looks after much use and many washes, I think it's an excellent product. The Independents shared the stadium with the minor league baseball Moline Plowboys. In the first half, the Eagles score a touchdown but miss the extra point, and the Force's Baldyga kicks a 27-yard field goal. Lost to Green Bay Packers 020. "You got the No. The Force starts preparing for the season in June with tryouts and a conditioning camp for prospective and returning players. Cowboys games will be a great opportunity for the community to gather and see professional caliber football for an affordable price. We will provide the local community with a fabulous experience at all Cowboys home games. Hard work is the price we must all pay for success. Sounds like the pros, except for the pay: nothing. The Bloomington Renegades are one of two new teams joining the semi-pro, Mid-West United Football League. "My dream is to play pro football, but if this is what it is for me, fine. Other local semi-pro teams have included the Tinley Park Pride, which played . In 1919, the season prior to the establishment of the National Football League, they claimed to be "Champions of the USA". ATLANTA, GA-- The United Football League (UFL) is pleased to announce an annual semi-professional football player selection draft to be held annually each fall. A semi-pro team owner tried to cover bills by robbing a bank, the FBI says. Based in Chicago, the MSFL currently consists of 16 teams; ten in Illinois, three in Indiana, and three in Wisconsin. December 14, 1924. A tryout for his Central Illinois Cougars semi-pro team sent him back in the direction of Alton's Gordon Moore Park and eventually led to a decision for his team to play its 2021 season on. I remembered about it and called back and from there, we worked it out.. (Visionhaus/Getty Images) The Illini Panthers play in the MidStates Football League (MSFL), an adult amateur. His father and Myles father are brothers. 2,000. Of the 30 new inductees 20 are former players. The Independents then folded along with the entire league in 1927.[1][2][3]. 1 talking about this. Klepser, an Elmhurst paramedic, cares for game injuries and gives the players advice about staying in shape during the year. Revolution Football is a semi-pro football team based in Rockford, IL that faces off against other local teams in the Northern Lights Football League. The Force were crowned the MSFL's first champion with their 27-8 win over the Warriors in the championship game. "Basically, we want to give them an opportunity to carry on their football careers," said Force Head Coach Daniel VonHolt of Orland Park, who said some members of his squad nurture hopes of careers in the National Football League, Canadian Football League or Arena Football League (played indoors in basketball-type stadiums). Other local semi-pro teams have included the Tinley Park Pride, which played in the late 1980s, and the Chicago Heights Broncos, which folded this year. Police said they found a backpack with cash and a .40-caliber handgun near his location, the Sun-Times reported. This act marked the first and only time an owner hired a new coach in the middle of a game. Copyright 2023 Revolution Football, all rights reserved. They had the same record the next two seasons, with five of their six losses in three years coming to George Halas and the Decatur Staleys/Chicago Staleys/Chicago Bears. He joined The Telegraph in Alton in 1982. 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