Ironman Football League

IFL Timeline

1996 The Creation of the Ironman Football League

Summary

In the fall of 1995 Chris Chudada was playing tackle football with a group of friends without pads and equipment, during halftime when all the players were resting or drinking water he had a vision, an idea of a organized league with teams, uniforms, a stadium and the whole nine yards. He mentioned his idea to his friends as he thought out loud and told them he wanted to create the "working man's NFL" they all told him that it was a long shot at best and that something like that could not be done. Chris pondered the idea and told his father Joseph Chudada about his idea and that he was strongly considering forming the new league and needed his support. Joe being a loving father and knowing that football was his son's life agreed to help. The next day Chris put out flyers and advertisement all around his community, local colleges, grocery stores etc. Three weeks went by and the phone was ringing off the hook with players who were interested in the idea and wanted to play. Chris and a childhood friend, Jason Tomczyk, purchased helmets and shoulder pads and began playing at Brookfield Central High School on Sundays. They had two teams, the Navy-blue team and the White team and the Ironman Football League was born.

League Commissioner: Joseph Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 4th -October 27th
Teams: “Navy-blue” team and the “White” team

1997 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

In 1997 there were 6 charter teams in the league, being a young league and trying to keep the injuries down to a minimum, special teams were prohibited, the league also played nine man football on 80 yard football fields with a three man offensive and defensive line. The league got by with volunteer referees. The leagues games were played at Mukwonago Middle School and Iron Bowl I was held at Saint Johns Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Joseph Chudada became the league's first commissioner while his son, Chris, owned a franchise in the league called the Pewaukee Warhawks. Other pioneer teams of that year were the Portage Hitmen, Milwaukee Thunder, Mukwonago Bulldogs, Milwaukee Panthers and Waukesha Beavers. Sadly during the 1997 season, tragedy struck as Joe Chudada passes away with lung cancer at the young age of 57. Chris took on the role as commissioner and named the most coveted trophy the league has to offer the “Joseph Chudada Memorial Trophy” in honor of his father’s memory and his unwavering support and dedication to the league.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 30th - November 2nd
Teams: Portage Hitmen, Milwaukee Panthers, Mukwonago Bulldogs, Reinhart Raiders, Pewaukee Warhawks, Waukesha Beavers

Playoffs

Start Date: November 9th

Ironbowl

Date: November 16, 1997
Site: Saint Johns Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin
Champions: Portage Hitmen

1998 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

This year marked the league's third year and held many challenges for its young commissioner and member teams. The league had seven teams this year and played all its games at Jackson Park in Milwaukee. One of Chris' major objectives was to create stability and professionalism in the young league. With that idea in mind, he established a full custom rulebook and hired WIAA qualified referees to officiate every IFL game. The Mayville Maddawgs defeated the Pewaukee Warhawks 35-21 in Ironbowl II.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 16th - October 25th
Teams: Pewaukee Warhawks, Waukesha Devils, Milwaukee Thunder, Bay view Beast, Portage Hitmen, Mayville Maddawgs, Milwaukee Panthers

Playoffs

Start Date: October 31st

Ironbowl

Date: November 2, 1998
Site: Jackson Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Champions: Mayville Maddawgs

1999 Ironman Football League Season1999

Summary

The league had seven teams and for the third straight year, the league played all of its games at Jackson Park in Milwaukee. Chris organized a board of directors to help govern the league and to gain insight on day to day operations. This year also marked the birth of the official IFL logo (pictured right) designed by Chris' brother, Ryan Chudada. The logo was originally drawn on a napkin while Ryan was brainstorming for ideas to create a league brand. The Milwaukee Raiders finished their undefeated season with a 33-12 victory over the Bay view Beast in Ironbowl III.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 29th - October 31st
Teams: Pewaukee Warhawks, Waukesha Devils, Bay view Beast, Milwaukee Raiders, Madison Seminoles, Milwaukee Panthers, Racine Grizzlies

Playoffs

Start Date: November 13, 1999

Ironbowl

Date: November 21, 1999
Site: Jackson Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Champions: Milwaukee Raiders

2000 Ironman Football League Season

Sumamry

The league still maintained seven teams and played all of its regular season games at Jackson Park in Milwaukee. By this time, the league was gaining huge awareness in the area and Chris was meeting other league commissioners and owners to gather ideas and other perspectives on league advancement. League By-Laws were created and additional other league policies were implemented for quality purposes. Ironbowl IV was brought back to Saint Johns Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. On a cloudy afternoon in November the Milwaukee Panthers ruined the Milwaukee Raiders bid to win its second straight championship by beating them 36-28.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

REgular Season

Duration: August 20th - October 29th
Teams: Milwaukee Raiders, Bay View Beast, Racine Grizzlies, Waukesha Devils, Madison Seminoles, Pewaukee Crusaders, Milwaukee Panthers

Playoffs

Start Date: November 5th

Ironbowl

Date: November 10, 2000
Site: Saint Johns Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin
Champions: Milwaukee Panthers

2001 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

The league expanded to ten teams and all of its games were played at First Base Bar and Grill in Germantown Wisconsin. This also was the year when the leagues very first merchandise line was produced and sold at league games. This year was also very important for Chris because he met and hired a man that had over 35 years of experience at running professional leagues on a national level. His name was Pete Narrai, better known as "Pudgy." Chris told Pudgy about his idea and visions that he had just five years ago and they talked for hours about what needed to be done to get the league where Chris wanted it. The league also purchased its own goalposts and made custom IFL uniforms for its referees. This also marked the first time that the IFL All-Stars were announced. Chris also improved the Iron Bowl by upgrading to a more expensive and professional looking trophy. The Milwaukee Bulldogs succumbed to the mighty Madison Seminoles losing 38-20 in Ironbowl V.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 18th - October 21st
Teams: Menomonee Falls Crusaders, Milwaukee Panthers, West Milwaukee Mean Machines, Milwaukee Rattlers, Milwaukee Raiders, Racine Reapers, Racine Grizzlies, Madison Seminoles, Milwaukee Bulldogs, Waukesha Devils, Oostburg Rebels

Playoffs

Start Date: October 27th

Ironbowl

Date: November 11, 2001
Site: First Base Bar and Grill in Germantown Wisconsin
Champions: Madison Seminoles

Awards

DEFENSIVE MVP: Taren Johnson
OFFENSIVE MVP: Tom Roach
IRONMAN OF THE YEAR: Rick Hartman

2002 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

The league swelled to twelve teams and played all of its games at KP Classics in Big Bend, Wisconsin. This was a banner year for the IFL which included the first annual league awards banquet, the birth of the league website, and also its first large newspaper write-up. With Chris' ambition for a professional league, each team was mandated to dress in full matching uniform, and the league's first conference logos were designed and trademarked. The Bay view Beast returned to the Ironbowl for the second time in team history this time defeating the Oostburg Rebels 38-27 in Ironbowl VI.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 25th - October 13th
Teams:
- American Conference: Milwaukee Panthers, Racine Threat*, Bay View Beast*, Milwaukee Bulldogs*, Waukesha Devils, Milwaukee Gladiators
- National Conference: Menomonee Falls Crusaders*, West Milwaukee Mean Machines, Madison Seminoles*, Milwaukee Venom, Racine Fire, Oostburg Rebels*

Playoffs

Start Date: October 20th
National Conference Champion: Oostburg Rebels
American Conference Champion: Bay view Beast

Ironbowl

Date: November 3, 2002
Site: KP Classics in Big Bend, Wisconsin
Champions: Bay view Beast

Awards

LEAGUE MVP: Tom Roach
DEFENSIVE MVP: Pat McGettigan
OFFENSIVE MVP: Kevin Lyles
FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR: Milwaukee Venom
IRONMAN OF THE YEAR: Dennis Podelesnik
COACH OF THE YEAR: Matt Kalin

2003 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

This year, the IFL implemented special teams play and games were played under Saturday night lights. To maintain the quality of the league, the teams of the IFL held a successful fundraiser to sell Pizza Hut cards to their families and fans with the goal of purchasing the leagues first electronic scoreboard. This year also marked the leagues first highlight video as team logos were aggressively marketed and advertised. The league also went back to a ten-team format. Ironbowl VII became a one-sided affair as the emotionally charged New Berlin Lunatics shutout the Muskego Hitmen 19-0.

League Commissioner: Chris Chudada

Regular Season

Duration: August 9th - October 5th
Teams:
- American Conference: Milwaukee Bulldogs*, Waukesha Devils, Racine Threat, Mukwonago Soldiers*, New Berlin Lunatics*
- National Conference: Madison Seminoles*, Menomonee Falls Crusaders*, Milwaukee Venom, Milwaukee Gladiators, Muskego Hitmen*

Playoffs

Start Date: October 12th
National Conference Champion: Muskego Hitmen
American Conference Champion: New Berlin Lunatics

Ironbowl

Date: October 26, 2003
Site: KP Classics in Big Bend, Wisconsin
Champions: New Berlin Lunatics

Awards

2003 LEAGUE MVP: Tom Roach
DEFENSIVE MVP: Troy Dyzak
OFFENSIVE MVP: Kevin Lyles
FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR: Milwaukee Bulldogs
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Brad Guettel
IRONMAN OF THE YEAR: Pat Mace

2004 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

This was a historic year for the Ironman Football League. It marked the birth of 11-man football with full NFL rules and played on a regulation 100 yard football field. The league also produced its first exclusive merchandising contract with Burghardt Sporting Goods located in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The league formed a biding contract with the Milwaukee County Parks to play all its games at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex located in Franklin, Wisconsin. This venue included locker rooms, concessions, 15-tier bleachers, a professional stadium atmosphere, and best of all, a professional playing field. With this midseason move, the league was able to charge admission and advertise in three major area newspapers. This year also marked the birth of the Ironman Football League Hall of Fame with Pat Mace be named its first director. The Ironbowl trophy was upgraded and the first Ironbowl logo was created and marketed. Chris was also recognized nationally for his accomplishments by the Minor League Football News by electing him 2004 Commissioner of the year (Wisconsin).

League Commissioner: Pete Narrai

Regular Season

Duration: August 14th - October 17th
Teams:
- American Conference: Milwaukee Bulldogs*, Milwaukee Cyclones, Mukwonago Soldiers*, New Berlin Lunatics*
- National Conference: Madison Seminoles*, Menomonee Falls Crusaders, Milwaukee Venom, Muskego Hitmen*, West Milwaukee Gladiators*

Playoffs

Start Date: October 24th
National Conference Champion: Muskego Hitmen
American Conference Champion: Milwaukee Bulldogs

Ironbowl

Date: November 7, 2004
Site: Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin
Champions: Muskego Hitmen

Awards

2004 LEAGUE MVP: Andy Richards
OFFENSIVE MVP: Andy Richards
FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR: Muskego Hitmen
DEFENSIVE MVP: Nick Ross
IRONMAN OF THE YEAR: Jimmy Medrano

2005 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

The Ironman Football League celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. The IFL continued its commitment to improve and strive to be the best semi-pro league in the Midwest. In this year, the IFL signed it first television contract with Wisconsin on Demand through Time Warner Cable which was a huge step up as the Ironman Football League became the only semi-pro league in Wisconsin to have televised games. The teams of the IFL enjoyed another great season as the IFL was considered by the American Football Association (AFA) a class (AA) league. The IFL made considerable upgrades to its league website with added features and an overall professional look. The IFL also signed a radio contract with Clear Channel as all of its games were advertised on the air all though out the season. 2005 also marked the first year in which the IFL participated in a major charity game with all the proceeds going to a major charity. There were 11 member teams in the league and also some rule changes were made for competitive purposes. The Ironbowl IX was a historic defensive battle, and set a record as the lowest scoring game in Ironbowl history. In the end, the Milwaukee Bulldogs recorded their 9th shutout of the season and defeated the Madison Seminoles 3-0 to win their first Ironbowl championship. The Ironbowl trophy was also upgraded and made considerably larger.

League Commissioner: Pete Narrai

Regular Season

Duration: August 5th - October 16th
Teams:
- American Conference: Milwaukee Bulldogs*, Waukesha County Soldiers*, Milwaukee Cyclones*, Fond du Lac Crusaders, Milwaukee Maniacs, West allis Predators
- National Conference: Muskego Hitmen*, Madison Seminoles*, Milwaukee Venom, West Milwaukee Gladiators, Lake Country Cyclones*

Playoffs

Start Date: October 23rd
National Conference Champion: Madison Seminoles
American Conference Champion: Milwaukee Bulldogs

Ironbowl

Date: November 5, 2005
Site: Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin
Champions: Milwaukee Bulldogs

Awards

2005 League MVP: Jason Huckstorf & George Randolph
Coach of the year: Jason Blawat
Franchise of the Year: Milwaukee Cyclones
Ironman of the Year: Kevin Busch

2006 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

In its eleventh season, the Ironman Football League went to a new format in which it began its season in June instead of late August. The move to become a summer league was strictly made to not interfere with college and professional football, as well as making the season more fan-friendly because of the beautiful weather conditions. The league expanded to 14 teams and saw a large increase in its fan base. In the seasons ninth week, the city of Franklin celebrated its 100th birthday and the festivities took place at the Milwaukee Sports Complex. Three thousand people came and celebrated all day long and into the night. Then they were treated to an IFL game which featured its home team, the Franklin Outlaws. The Mayor of Franklin sang the National Anthem and fans saw the game go into the league's first overtime of the season where Franklin's team eventually won a thriller. 2006 also marked the first time the league played games outside its flagship stadium, hosting games at Waukesha South High School, Muskego High School, Hartland Arrowhead High School, Fond du Lac Springs High School, Karcher Field in Southern Lakes and some games in Roscoe, Illinois. The Milwaukee Bulldogs defeated the Verona Trojans 14-0 in Ironbowl X making the Bulldogs the first team in Ironman Football League history to win back-to-back Ironbowl championships.

League Commissioner: Pete Narrai

Regular Season

Duration: June 24th - August 26th
Teams:
- American Conference: Milwaukee Bulldogs*, Oak Creek Cyclones*, West Allis Predators, Franklin Outlaws*, Southern Lakes Blue Devils, Milwaukee Maniacs, Roscoe Rush*
- National Conference: Muskego Hitmen*, Lake Country Cyclones*, Milwaukee Venom*, Fond du Lac Crusaders, Menomonee Falls Warriors, Verona Trojans*, Milwaukee Panthers

Playoffs

Start Date: September 3rd
National Conference Champion: Verona Trojans
American Conference Champion: Milwaukee Bulldogs

Ironbowl

Date: September 16, 2006
Site: Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin
Champions: Milwaukee Bulldogs

Awards

2006 League MVP: Solomon Cabell
Coaching staff of the year: Milwaukee Venom
Franchise of the Year: Southern Lakes Blue Devils
Ironman of the Year: Johnny Bridgewater

2007 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

The twelfth season of the Ironman Football League marked another successful year in which the league made multiple improvements and additions to its already prestigious list of accomplishments. The league line-up totaled 14 teams, and as competition continued to increase on the field, the league saw its ever-growing fan base continue to swell throughout the entire regular season. During the playoffs, attendance doubled as the IFL continued to draw interest from neighboring communities and beyond. 2007 also marked the birth of the league's first ever All-Star Game, courtesy of its first corporate sponsor, Nautilus. The All-Star game pitted the National Conference All-Stars against the American Conference All-Stars, and the American Conference prevailed by a score of 13-7. This special year also marked the induction of the league's owner and founder Chris Chudada into the American Football Associations Hall of Fame (AFA); he became one of the youngest executives ever to receive such an honor. IFL commissioner Pete Narrai also received a career award; he was inducted into the Minor League Football News Hall of Fame. These two prestigious inductions are a testament to the dedication of the two individuals, who continue to spend countless hours and endless effort on the game of football. The addition of Ameche Field was also an important step forward in the improvement of league venues. The Franklin Outlaws defeated the Muskego Hitmen 20-17 in Ironbowl XI.

League Commissioner: Pete Narrai

Regular Season

Duration: June 9th - August 5th
Teams:
- American Conference: Southern Lakes Blue devils*, Franklin Outlaws*, McHenry County Pirates*, Roscoe Rush*, Windy City Buccaneers, Milwaukee Maniacs
- National Conference: Muskego Hitmen*, Madison Mustangs*, Milwaukee Venom, Lake Country Cyclones*, West Allis Predators*, Milwaukee Panthers, Fond du Lac Crusaders

Playoffs

Start Date: August 12th
National Conference Champion: Muskego Hitmen
American Conference Champion: Franklin Outlaws

Ironbowl

Date: August 27 , 2007
Site: Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin
Champions: Franklin Outlaws

Awards

2007 League MVP: Markell Thompson
Franchise of the Year: Madison Mustangs
Ironman of the Year: Corey Geise

2008

The Ironman Football League celebrated its thirteenth season this year. Such longevity is a attribute to the league's overwhelming prestigious reputation and ever lasting professionalism. The long trend of acquiring professional stadium venues continued as the league was able to sign contracts with two newly developed field turf facilities in both Wisconsin Lutheran College and Carroll College. The competition of the league also improved as three franchise teams were nationally ranked in the top ten at one time or another. For the first time in league history, the IFL adopted full NFL rules with minor exceptions due to player safety. Another first in league history was the creation of a league combine. Its purpose was to advance player skills and technique; it also served as a recruiting tool as rookies showcased their talents in front of eager team owners looking for new recruits. League CEO Chris Chudada, was inducted into the American Football News Hall of Fame as he was recognized yet again for his relentless dedication and vast accomplishments in the world of semi-pro football. IFL Director of Officiating Ron Hart also was inducted into the AFN Hall of Fame for his career achievements as well. Madison, Wisconsin's bid to host Ironbowl XII was approved and was followed with successful results. Ironbowl XII broke league attendance records as over 3,500 fans packed Middleton High School's Breitenbach stadium to watch the leagues biggest game. 2008 also marked the birth of Smash Mouth magazine the leagues first official publication that offers fans information about everything there is to know about the IFL and their favorite teams. After another successful year in the books the IFL looks very energized to the future and the 2009 campaign.

2008 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

The Ironman Football League celebrated its thirteenth season this year. Such longevity is a attribute to the league's overwhelming prestigious reputation and ever lasting professionalism. The long trend of acquiring professional stadium venues continued as the league was able to sign contracts with two newly developed field turf facilities in both Wisconsin Lutheran College and Carroll College. The competition of the league also improved as three franchise teams were nationally ranked in the top ten at one time or another. For the first time in league history, the IFL adopted full NFL rules with minor exceptions due to player safety. Another first in league history was the creation of a league combine. Its purpose was to advance player skills and technique; it also served as a recruiting tool as rookies showcased their talents in front of eager team owners looking for new recruits. League CEO Chris Chudada, was inducted into the American Football News Hall of Fame as was Director of Officiating Ron Hart. Pete Narrai was inducted into the AFA Hall of Fame for his dedication to the sport. Madison, Wisconsin's bid to host Ironbowl XII was approved and was followed with successful results. Ironbowl XII broke league attendance records as over 3,500 fans packed Middleton High School's Breitenbach stadium to watch the leagues biggest game. 2008 also marked the birth of Smash Mouth magazine the leagues first official publication that offers fans information about everything there is to know about the IFL and their favorite teams.

League Commissioner: Pete Narrai

Regular Season

Duration: June 7th - August 3rd

Playoffs

Start Date: August 9th
National Conference Champion: Madison Mustangs
American Conference Champion: Roscoe Rush

Ironbowl

Date: September 6, 2008
Site: Breitenbach stadium in Middleton, Wisconsin
Champions: Madison Mustangs

Awards

Tommy Roach Field General Award: Marques Korpela
Coaching Staff of the year: Milwaukee Venom
Ironman of the year: Dan Greene
Franchise of the Year: Madison Mustangs

2009 Ironman Football League Season

Summary

Another year, another successful campaign! The oldest league in Wisconsin celebrated its fourteenth season as 2009 proved to be an exciting and historic year for the Ironman Football League. The IFL staff continued its long trend of successfully improving the league with numerous upgrades as a result of relentless hard work during the off-season. One major noteworthy accomplishment made in 2009 was the introduction of marketing campaigns (Kickoff '09 and IFL Playoffs promotion) that were designed specifically to promote and advertise weekly match-ups in order to help increase team revenues and advance league awareness. The IFL also formed a partnership with ex-Packer and Super Bowl champion LeRoy Butler, to help increase breast cancer awareness through the LeRoy Butler Foundation. The IFL aided the LeRoy Butler Foundation by donating a dollar from each game ticket sold at several games throughout the season, helping many families in their time of need. In 2009, this number of venues increased through the acquisitions of three professional Field Turf facilities - Shorewood High School, Greendale High School and Hart Park. The league was also very productive in 2009 in its many business ventures. Jordan Kopac, a well respected and legendary football coach, became a minority owner of the IFL and joined the league's administrative board to further league advancement. Ironbowl XIII in the Wisconsin Dells was the first IFL game played under a climate controlled dome, and also gave players and their families the opportunity to enjoy Ironbowl weekend at a five star resort. The game proved to be by most observers the best Ironbowl ever played. Ironbowl XIII was ultimately decided by a 30 yard field goal in overtime that ensured the Madison Mustangs a place in IFL history by winning back to back championships with an undefeated record.

In 2009 the IFL also slightly modified the version of its league logo. Since 1996 everyone has come to recognize the tilted red football with the three letters I F L in the middle. While the league stays true to the original design, the updated red football background offers a darker red with a thicker boarder design. The football background has also been modified and changed to look more professional and modern. The font style stayed the same but the font outline will display a darker blue color.

League Commissioner: Pete Narrai

Regular Season

Duration: May 30th - August 8th

Playoffs

Start Date: August 22nd
National Conference Champion: Madison Mustangs
American Conference Champion: Wauwatosa Spartans

Ironbowl

Date: September 12th, 2009
Site: Wisconsin Dells Center, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Champions: Madison Mustangs

Awards

2009 League MVP: Solomon Cabell
Tom Roach Field General Award: David Pietrowiak
Ironman of the Year Award: Derek Diehl
Franchise of the Year: Madison Mustangs

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