Franchise ResourcesIFL Honor Roll Grows with Class of 2010
On Saturday May 15, 2010, during the halftime of the IFL Hall of Fame Game, seven more IFL legends will be immortalized into the IFL Hall of Fame. The class of 2010 will include Jason Blawat (coach), Dale Medrano (owner), Ken Kaiser (player), Reggie Lawrence (player), Jason Tomczyk (player), Dennis Podlesnik (player), and Mike Petesch (contributor).
The seven-man class was elected by the IFL Hall of Fame’s 5-member Selection Committee who evaluated and examined every nomination. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 17 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee.
Here is a brief detail on the seven newest inductees:
Jason Blawat
Jason Blawat coached the Muskego Hitmen from midway through the 2003 season up until he retired in 2009. During his coaching tenure, Blawat guided his teams to seven consecutive playoff births, two undefeated seasons, three National Conference titles, three Ironbowl appearances, and one Ironbowl Championship.
Dale Medrano
Milwaukee Venom fans can thank Dale Medrano along with his brother and fellow team co-owner James Medrano, as the two men who elevated the struggling expansion Venom franchise to Championship status. Dale has built perennial losers into playoff contenders in a stellar career as one of the IFL’s most respected executives. Dale now joins his brother James in the IFL Hall of Fame.
Ken Kaiser
Kaiser was the backbone of the Crusader’s defense from 2000 to 2005. He played the middle linebacker position with a drive, meanness, and a consuming desire to pursue, tackle, and manhandle - anything to destroy the enemy on every play. Still, he was a clean player, totally devoted to his career, a man who played every game as though it was his last one.
Reggie Lawrence
During his exceptional seven year career as the featured running back on five Ironbowl Championship teams, Reggie Lawrence established himself as one of the most feared ball carriers in the history of the Ironman Football League. Lawrence was not a big running back, but what he lacked in size he made up for with heart. His hard running opened the passing lanes for fellow Hall of Famer and former teammate, Tom Roach. Lawrence was tough and was not afraid to play with pain, earning the nickname “Mr. Dependable”.
Jason Tomczyk
Jason Tomczyk played most of his career with the Pewaukee Warhawks and Menomonee Falls Crusaders at the running back and wide receiver positions. Jason’s versatility, speed, and quickness made him one of the League’s formidable game breakers while his toughness and passion for the game made him a winner. Throughout his superstar career, Jason remained a dangerous threat to put points on the board every time he touched the ball.
Dennis Podlesnik
Podlesnik was the Milwaukee Bulldog’s original captain and co-team founder back in 2001. He excelled at linebacker until an injury forced him to move to center in 2003. This two-time Ironbowl Champion was best known for his run blocking skills, but was also an effective and overpowering pass blocker. Podlesnik has won numerous honors throughout his playing career such as being named to the All-Star team twice and becoming the League’s Ironman of the year in 2002.
Mike Petesch
Mike Petesch served as a respectable sales representative for a local sporting goods supplier in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was instrumental in helping and assisting Chris Chudada with equipment when he first founded the Ironman Football League back in 1996. From day one, Petesch believed in the concept of the Ironman Football League and believed in Chudada to get it done. Petesch continued to be a League contributor until he passed away on April 27, 2009, at the age of 61 years old. His character, integrity, and sense of humor will never be forgotten and his legacy will endure forever in the IFL Hall of Fame.
IFL Hall of Fame alumni and various League representatives plan to welcome the Class of 2010 when they are officially honored during the halftime of the IFL Hall of Fame Game on Saturday, May 15, 2010. The 2010 IFL Hall of Fame Game, which pits the Muskego Hitmen versus the Milwaukee Venom, will kickoff at 7PM and will be played at the Milwaukee Sports Complex located at 6000 W. Ryan Road in Franklin, Wisconsin.
