Getting up close and personal with the Gladiators
March 18, 2008
Beloit, WI – The Rock County Gladiators became an official member of the Ironman Football League back in early October of last year. With their arrival comes a young and hungry team who is very talented and determined to win a championship. But little is known to fans of the IFL in just who the Gladiators really are. With every new team comes a new story and for all the die hard IFL fans, we here at the Ironman Insider provide just that. Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with the owner of the Gladiators Carter Linneman to ask him a few questions and to get his take on the new membership and his expectations for the future. Here’s what we found out.
Your team played in the N.I.F.L. last year going 11-0 and eventually won the league championship, all in just your first year of becoming a franchise. What are your goals and expectations for 2008 now that you are a part of the Ironman Football League?
We were happy to have played in the N.I.F.L last year, and winning the championship was just icing on the cake. We came out each game to play, no matter what team we were facing and it payed out in the end.
From what I know about the IFL and from the teams we played last year (Blue Devils, Rush, and Venom), we are not expecting any blowouts or dominations from any team. I see every game coming down to the wire. As for goals for 08, I expect us to be in playoff contention, but what team in the IFL doesn’t. But our main goal is to be the team with the target on their back. The team that everyone want to play for, but not against.
What kind of offense can the fans of the IFL expect from the Gladiators? Do you consider your team a power running team or do you like to air it out most of the time?
Anyone that has seen our team play knows that we are not afraid to put the ball in the air at anytime and push any defense. This year we have added some real depth and size to our backfield so teams shouldn’t always expect the pass.
Who are the Game breakers on your team? Those special kinds of player(s) who you turn to when you need a big play.
We have a couple of game breakers that really broke out last year and we are expecting the same this season. Our QB, Danny Roberts, will not only beat you with his arm, he can outrun most defensive backs. At the WR spots we have two speedsters who we can trust will come down with the ball for either a first down or touchdown, if and when we need it. Those two are Jemar Ayers and Chez Range. Then behind Danny is a tremendous backfield with plenty of size, speed, and talent. Starting off with Preston Parker and Tyler Honeck. And then you got guys like Tobias Tyler and Adam Carlson ready to step in and show you what they have to offer. On the defensive side of the ball we have playmakers all over and it starts with our big guys in the trenches. AJ Albrecht, Issac Welch, Larry Phillips and Trevor Bruegger are gonna be hard to move. All while the Linebacking crew of Deandre Harrell, Tony Goth, Chris Woody, and Scott Stluka will be waiting to play some smash mouth. When teams try to put the ball into the air, that is when our DBs will take over. With Shane Martin, Ben McDonald, and Deejay Spencer coming out to play catch with opposing teams QBs.
What inspired you to join the Ironman Football League?
After looking at all the leagues in the area and what each had to offer, the IFL was the only choice. The IFL has to be the most prestigious league in the Mid-West. We liked how competitive it is no matter what team you are playing. We think it will be a good home for us.
What is your background in semi-pro football and what inspired you to start a team from scratch?
I have played and coached semi-pro football for about 6 years and after looking at all the talent being unused in the Rock County area asked myself why not. After talking it over with a few guys I gave it a shot. It seems to be working ok for us so far.
What’s been the most difficult thing you have or had to do in operating a team?
I would have to say recruitment. But if you get the players with the right attitude and talent, everything else takes care of itself.
When naming your franchise, why did you pick “Gladiators”?
I played for a coach that owned a team called the Gladiators once and it seemed to stick with me. We had a couple of other choices, and we wanted something that meant heart and desire as well as a name that says never give up. That is what a Gladiator is all about.
Your team is in the tough AFC, with the perennial powerhouse Roscoe Rush and the up and coming Burlington Blue Devils and the McHenry County Pirates to name a few, How well do you think your team will fair in Conference play?
Last year we played both the Blue Devils and Rush in pre-season games, so I know that they will definitely bring a team ready to play football. I think we should give any team a hard time when they play us. And we will be coming to each and every game we play to win. I see hard fought games being played in the AFC and cant wait.
A lot of teams have a three year plan or a five year plan, depending on recruiting or the time it takes to coaching their system to their players to gage when their team will win a championship. How long do you personally project that an Iron Bowl Championship is in reach for the Gladiators?
I would have to say that it may take a year or two to make it to the Iron Bowl, but I also believe that we are a team that could be in the contention as well. So don’t be surprised if see us in the Championship in ‘08.
In the off-season, where is your biggest recruiting base located? Do you recruit just in Beloit or do you venture out?
Most of our recruitment this past year was done in Rock County area overall. A lot of our last year players brought in some fantastic players for this season, but after winning a championship in the N.I.F.L last year we got a lot of calls from guys who wanted to play for us. The hardest part that any coach will tell you though is sorting out the real players from the want to be’s. That is where the real recruiting begins.
What teams in the AFC do you see your team establishing a rivalry with?
I see us having a direct rivalry with both Burlington and Roscoe. I feel that all three of our teams will be pushing to be the top seed every year. Plus with the close proximity of all of our teams definitely helps. I honestly believe we may have started this last year in pre-season.
All in all we are glad to be playing in the IFL and cant wait for the season to begin. Because we come in as a new team and have already won a championship, I know that we will have that target already on our back. We like that and will be ready. I know that this is a much harder league than what we played in last season, but we come to play ball and show everyone what the Rock County Gladiators have and to win games.