Ironman Football League

Founded in 1996 by Chris Chudada, the Ironman Football League is a semi-professional league based in Wisconsin, although the Roscoe Rush is based in Roscoe, Illinois. There are currently twelve teams in the IFL, divided into two conferences, the American Football Conference and the National Football conference.

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Teams in the IFL

''' The American Football conference consists of the Burlington Blue Devils, the Rock County Gladiators, the Milwaukee Marauders, the St. Francis Monarchs, the Roscoe Rush, and the Wauwatosa Spartans. The National Football Conference includes the Fond du Lac Crusaders, the Muskego Hitmen, the Madison Mustangs, the Greendale Panthers, the West Allis Predators, and the Milwaukee Venom. Each of these teams had to go through a rigorous selection process passed before a common board of directors before they were allowed to become an organized team in the IFL.

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The IFL Season

''' The season consists of ten games including all five of the conference opponents and five opponents from the opposing conference. At the end of this season the top four teams from each conference enter into the playoffs to play for a shot at the Iron Bowl Championship. Starting in 2007, an All-Star game has also been played between all-stars from the American Conference and the National conference. A Hall of Fame exists in which players and coaches of exceptional caliber are inducted into for their love of the game.

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The IFL Currently

''' The IFL currently is entering it's 13th Year of existence and continues to grow in popularity. It has been recognized by the American football association as a (AAA) football league, and strives to become the most professional league of its type in the Midwest. Smashmouth magazine, the official magazine of the IFL, promotes the IFL along with its teams and players and provides statistics and information to many across the state. The board of directors includes founder Chris Chudada, Pete Narrai, Ron Hart, Jordan Kopac, and Dan Greene. Referees in the IFL are paid and WIAA certified. The IFL currently plays by most NFL rules, however not all NFL rules are incorporated into the league rules in order to keep injuries to a minimum. IFL teams and players are commonly involved with local charity events and various activities within the community in order to help out those in need. The IFL has a signed contract with Wisconsin on Demand and is currently the only semi-pro league in Wisconsin to have televised football games.

Every year the IFL continues to grow by offering its team members unbeatable advantages. The IFL is never satisfied with its accomplishments instead it continually strives to improve and acquire more benefits for its teams and players alike. Here is a list of just a few recent benefits that have been acquired by the IFL for its team members:

  1. Television Contract
  2. Affordable player accident insurance
  3. Acquiring an exclusive vitamin and supplement provider for performance and health
  4. Games played at quality local high school and college stadium venues
  5. Certified by the American Football Association as a (AAA) league
  6. League owned Hall of Fame to honor and award players who are inducted
  7. A high level of competition on the field
  8. Discounted equipment and apparel for all team members
  9. A true opportunity for its players to advance to the professional ranks

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Former IFL Teams

''' Many teams have been a part of the IFL, only to be disbanded or relocated due to insufficient players or funds, or an overall lack of competitiveness from the team. These teams include:

Bayview Beast
Waukesha Beavers
Milwaukee Bulldogs
Mukwonago Bulldogs
Lake Country Cyclones
Waukesha Devils
Racine Fire
West Milwaukee Gladiators
Racine Grizzlies
Portage Hitmen
New Berlin Lunatics
Mayville Maddawgs
Milwaukee Maniacs
West Milwaukee Mean Machines
Franklin Outlaws
Milwaukee Panthers
Milwaukee Raiders
Milwaukee Rattlers
Racine Reapers
Oostburg Rebels
Madison Seminoles
Waukesha County Soldiers
Racine Threat
Milwaukee Thunder
Verona Trojans
Pewaukee Warhawks
Menomonee Falls Warriors

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Ironbowl Champions

''' 1997 Portage Hitmen over Pewaukee Warhawks: 28-14
1998 Mayville Maddawgs over Pewaukee Warhawks: 35-21
1999 Milwaukee Raiders over Bayview Beast: 33-12
2000 Milwaukee Panthers over Milwaukee Raiders: 36-28
2001 Madison Seminoles over Milwaukee Bulldogs: 38-20
2002 Bayview Beast over Oostburg Rebels: 38-27
2003 New Berlin Lunatics over Muskego Hitmen: 19-0
2004 Muskego Hitmen over Milwaukee Bulldogs: 14-0
2005 Milwaukee Bulldogs over Madison Seminoles: 3-0
2006 Milwaukee Bulldogs over Verona Trojans: 14-0
2007 Franklin Outlaws over Muskego Hitmen: 20-17
2008 Madison Mustangs over Roscoe Rush: 23-13

References