It’s that time of year again! For women’s football tryouts that is…
Alright, let me break down the concept of women’s pro football for you. It is basically the same as the NFL, except with women. This is hard-hitting, full padding, tackle football, and it is no joke! Last year I even broke my arm during our last game against Chicago (soooo mad!). Here are some basics:
League: Independent Women’s Football League IWFLsports.com
Teams: 43 teams in 2008, maybe more in ‘09
Location: headquarters in Texas, teams all across the nation
Rules: Basically the same as the NFL except that we use a smaller ball, we kick off from the 40yrd line, along with a few minor blocking rules.
Season: Spring/Summer, typically April-July
Athletes: There are some crazy strong women in this league, some measuring over 6’4” and pushing 350lbs. Here are some of last years strongest and fastest…
IWFL Strongest Women- Bench Press most reps of 150lbs
1st Place # Team Reps Bonus
Megan Maurer 72 Chicago Force 26 $1000
2nd Place
Nadine Vela 99 Sacramento Sirens 25 $500
3rd Place
Jessica Springer 46 Dallas Diamonds 23 $250
IWFL Fastest Woman- 40 yard dash
1st Place # Team Time Bonus
Adrienne Wilson 9 Seattle Majestics 4.83 $1000
2nd Place
Crystal Brown 2 Seattle Majestics 4.84 $500
3rd Place
Jessica Springer 46 Dallas Diamonds 4.88 $250
So how does someone like me stand a chance? Technique and speed. There are actually a number of girls who are smaller than I am who have become real threats on the field. You have to be able to outrun the bigger girls, make better cuts, tackle lower, and come to terms with the fact that you are going to walk away with some serious bruises. Here’s my favorite from last year…
And that wasn’t even from a hit! Our QB throws a rocket and I let a low pass slip through my fingertips.
Anyway, this year our WI Wolves team ran into some serious financial troubles, so it doesn’t look like they’ll be in for the ’09 season. Not to worry though because there is a team in the Kenosha/Milwaukee area called the WI Warriors that has tryouts the Sunday, 10am, at Dretzka Park (12020 West Bradley Road in Milwaukee). So I’ll be there, hopefully not too hurt after the Halloween weekend. As far as switching to another rival team, I am not trying to be a traitor…I just want to play! I still love all my WI Wolves! Know of anyone who might want to play?? Have them check out the Warriors’ website or shoot me an email (brigid@yourgridirongirl.com). Check back after the weekend for Halloween pics and updates on the tryouts. Wish me luck!-your Gridiron Girl