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Football Tryouts:

Any questions or concerns please call Tom Hawkins at 262.716.1147

The Southern Lakes Blue Devils are preparing for another season as one of the Ironman Football League’s elite teams. The IFL has announced the addition of one new competitor in the Antioch Sting. The IFL is expected to announce several more highly regarded teams over the next two months. With over twelve finalists for the league to choose from, up to two more of the most competitive and established local semi-professional organizations will be accepted. The addition of the new teams will provide another unique challenge for the Blue Devils as they will have to prepare for competition against unfamiliar opponents. After 5 consecutive play-off seasons, an AFC championship (2010), a Mid- States championship resulting in a trip to the National Bowl Weekend (2010) , and a runner up in the Mid-States tournament (2011), the Blue Devils are likely on every local teams’ radar now.

Though they fell short of their season goal of an Iron Bowl Championship, Blue Devils’ owner Tom Hawkins said that in no way is the team interested in a “rebuilding season”. Meaning simply that he expects the Blue Devils to once again compete for the league championship. “Although we have many postions available, to replace players who have moved on or to upgrade at certain positions, we still have our core guys in place. With the addition of players with experience in the IFL, as well as new athletes discovered through our scouting team and try-outs, we intend to dethrone the Madison Mustangs”, added Hawkins.

Madison, winners of four straight IFL championships, has been at the top of the league and virtually untouchable since their undefeated run began over 3 years ago. The Blue Devils were on the Mustang’s heels during the 2010 season when they met in the Iron Bowl. The Blue Devils’ only loss during the season and post season came to Madison. With every intention of dethroning them in 2011, the Blue Devils made some changes to their coaching staff. Unfortunately the coaching changes never seemed to mesh well, and trouble replacing a few key players on the defense stopped the Blue Devils short of their goal. Veteran defensive coordinator Duane Gietzel commented, “It was definitely an experience the entire organization learned from. Quality depth in both staff and player personnel is crucial. We have added some personnel, both coaches and players that we are extremely proud to have on our squad. The experience and enthusiasm that some of our new coaches, as well as players, bring to the table will put us over the top; we will be competitive from day one.”

Gietzel was promoted to the team’s General Manager position during the off season. He will continue as a defensive assistant but says he is currently focused on working, along with team owner Tom Hawkins, on filling the roster with the best talent available to ensure the new coaching staff’s success. Gietzel said that the new coaches will be announced once the entire staff has been hired.

Returning players as well as new prospects looking to earn a roster spot will have several more chances to be seen by the new staff. The two most prominent events will be the team try-outs on Jan. 29^th and Feb 11^th. The team has several positions to fill, including Q.B. for the anticipated departure of all- star Q.B. Warren Arnold, as well as coaching and staff needs they intend to interview for.

The Jan 29^th try-out will be held at the Sturtevant Sportsplex located @10116 Stellar ave., Sturtevant WI. Registration will begin @ 9:00 am with try-outs from 9:30-11:00 am. Events will include the bench press, shuttle timing, 20 yd & 40 yd dash, standing long & vertical jumps, cone drills, and followed with position testing. The Feb 11^th try-out will be held at the Milwaukee Sports Complex located at 6000 W.Ryan rd., Franklin WI. The try-out registration fee is $20.00 and will cover both events. Players are encouraged to attend both if possible to give the coaches plenty of opportunity to become familiar with them. Call Tom Hawkins (262)-716-1147 to reserve your try-out spot.

For any information regarding the try-outs or staff position needs, call Team Owner Tom Hawkins (262)-716-1147 or General Manager Duane Gietzel (262)-716-3285.