Horse play: Janesville Mustangs seek spot in 8-man football league
Like the U.S. Marines, Topher Diehl is looking for a few good men.
Diehl, 23, is trying to launch the Janesville Mustangs as an expansion franchise in the Wisconsin-based Gridiron Football League, a 10-team organization that plays full-contact, eight-man football.
At Wednesday night’s league meeting, the Mustangs were granted associate member status in the league instead of full-fledged membership. The GFL already has 10 teams and a complete 2009 schedule. Should one of the 10 teams have trouble filling its roster and fold, the Mustangs will be added to the 2009 schedule.
Diehl is now trying to schedule games for his team and build an official team Web site.
“All of the owners were receptive to us and said ‘Hey, we want you in.’ We’ve got a very good shot at one of the other teams falling out,” Diehl said.
“I’m looking for people who are determined that they want to have fun, but want to win,” Diehl said. “I want somebody who wants to play the game and play it hard. That’s what I’m looking for.”
The GFL season runs from June through the first week in September. Each team plays five home games and five away games. The league will also have postseason playoffs and an all-star game.
If the Mustangs can attract enough players—Diehl says he needs at least 25 for a full roster—they will play their games at Monterey Field behind Wilson Elementary School. Seventeen players have already signed up. The league requires teams to have a minimum of 18 players.
For now, Diehl is relying on word of mouth to attract potential players.
Aug 11, 2009 at 1:50 a.m.
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rcgladiators, I heard from a player on the Mustangs that you may have been trying to sabotage their team from even starting up this year, and have even tried to recruit some of their players for your team, Is that true? Not that you'd admit it, I suppose, :) but what are your thoughts on a new team in the area? Do you think they could hurt your recruiting chances for next year?
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:08 a.m.
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The Gladiators will be playing 2 games insided Monterey Stadium. May 2nd and May 9th.
Mar 21, 2009 at 6:26 p.m.
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Thank you jvlean
Mar 21, 2009 at 12:27 p.m.
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The Rock County Gladiators are still playing, ethylene58 -- just in Beloit.
http://www.rcgladiators.com/
Mar 21, 2009 at 6:55 a.m.
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What ever happened to the Gladiators? I thought they played some good football.
Mar 20, 2009 at 12:31 p.m.
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Is this the Stadium or is it the park outside of the Stadium? How can any team play football outside of the Stadium? It is not a full field now that the new shot put and discus pits were installed let alone the sidewalk put in on the East side. Is there a website for this team?
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