IFL welcomes new staff member
August 29 , 2007
Monday morning, a day after witnessing a very exciting Iron Bowl XI game, Chris Chudada Owner/CEO of the Ironman Football League wasted no time and proudly announced that he has hired a new board member. Angel Lopez joins the IFL with the official title of “Talent Scout Director.”
Lopez will not only be in charge of bringing talented football players from across the Midwest to the Ironman Football League, but he will also help them get to the next level. Lopez who has excellent qualifications is a member of the NFL minority coaching program and has been a training camp coach for the Green Bay Packers since 2004.
Chudada has been very selective in who he brings to the league staff and says Lopez is a great addition. “After talking with Angel in length, I realized he not only has the qualifications to this job but he has the same vision as I do. That’s important!” Chudada says. Lopez will work side by side with Chudada and the league commissioner Pete Narrai on the league’s new order of business.
Lopez attended Southern Illinois University where he has a master in (Curriculum & Instruction) and is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist/ Athletic trainer. He is also certified in (Interscholastic Coaches Education Program) as he coached football at a variety of different schools such as Whitefish bay H.S in Wisconsin and Weber High School in Chicago.
Lopez brings professional experience and knowledge from the professional ranks to the Ironman Football League. The IFL is currently in the process of creating developmental camps for its players, a coaching academy and clinic for its coaches and with the help of Lopez, recruiting talented players from all over and developing their skills while playing in the Ironman Football League. With Lopez’s connections with the Green Bay Packers, he will structure the leagues new ventures just like the National Football League does. The new ventures include player combines, clinics and a new recruiting process.
Lopez already has a handful of players he personally brought to the IFL just this past year. One player that sticks out is Markell Thompson #89, in his rookie season in the IFL the ex-Florida Gator and former Milwaukee Dominican High School Standout has become the best tight end in the league. Markell was an unstoppable receiving threat as he helped the Muskego Hitmen make their third Iron Bowl appearance in franchise history. Markell already has five professional teams interested in his services for next season.
“This is what I want to do! I want to bring talented and quality football players to this league and help them get to the next level. I also want to help existing players and coaches in this league to be successful on the field.” Lopez said. “What impressed me about the Ironman Football League is that it is a very quality and professional football league”. Lopez added, “Seldom do you see that kind of professionalism and quality in semi-pro football, that’s why I’m proud to be a part of this great organization.”