Week 8 UIFL Players Of The Week

The Lakeland Raiders dominated Week 8 with an impressive win over the Sarasota Thunder as they sweep up all of the Player of the Week Spots.

Offensive Player of the Week - Lakeland Raiders QB Chris Walley throwing to 4 different WR for 6 TDs

Defensive Player of the Week - Lakeland Raiders DB DeAngelo Woodie with 3 INTs, 2 returned for a TD, and 2 tackles

Special Teams Player of the Week - Lakeland Raiders Tyler Batts with 3 2 pt conversions, 1 rushing TD, and 1 receiving TD

Missouri Monsters Win Cross League Game Against Marion 47 to 39

The Missouri Monsters (2-2) came through on ownership guaranteed victory by beating the visiting Marion Blue Racers 47 to 39 at the Family Arena in front of 2,710 fans.

Monsters Quarterback Tavares Woodley was 24 for 36 with 305 yards, and 5 touchdowns.  Wide Receiver Gary Johnson led the Monsters in receptions with 10 catches for 100 yards, and 2 touchdowns, while Dello Davis led the team in receiving yards with 126 yards on 7 catches.  Easton Knott had 5 catches for 51 yards and 1 touchdown, Kevin Brown added 2 catches for 28 yards.

Defensive Lineman Bernard Quinn led the defense with 5.5 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks.  Rodarious Whittier led in tackles with 6 tackles, 1 interception, and 2 fumble recoveries.

The Monsters face the defending UIFL Southern Conference Champions the Florida Tarpons on Sunday April 14th at the Family Arena.  Kickoff is set for 6:30 pm.

Missouri Monsters Challenge Marion Blue Racers From CIFL To Cross League Game

The Missouri Monsters of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL) have agreed to terms with the Marion Blue Racers of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) to play the first ever cross league game.

The game will be played on Saturday April 6th at the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm Central Time. The game will be streamed live at: http://new.livestream.com/missourimonsters

"Having gotten to know the Blue Racers owner LaMonte Coleman over the past few years, there isn't an owner in this business that I will have more pleasure in beating. He left our league to go to a lower league, and he thinks he can compete with us? Thats just crazy. There is NO chance they beat us. I do respect Mr. Coleman for accepting the challenge when several other teams in his league didn't." Said Monsters Owner Andrew Haines.

"I'm so confident that the Monsters will win, that I guarantee it! If we lose, everyone in attendance will receive a FREE ticket voucher they can use for any of the remaining regular season home games." Added Haines.

The Marion Blue Racers are currently in their 3rd season of play. In 2012 the Blue Racers were members of the UIFL Northern Conference, and reach the playoffs. They lost in the first round of the postseason to the Erie Explosion in the first UIFL Outdoor Game. The team is located in Marion, OH, and are the only professional football team in Central OH.

"I want to thank the Missouri Monsters for inviting us to play them in their city. Mr. Andrew Haines is always working on ways to make the game fun for the fans," expressed CEO and Head Coach LaMonte Coleman.

"Andrew and I have been working on a game like this for about a year now. It will be fun to play against some of my former players but I want them to see that it was a mistake to leave my organization. My goal is to win the game and show why I chose to play in the CIFL. If my team loses, which I know that we won't, I will make a small donation to a charity that Andrew currently supports." Add Coleman.

Blue Racers Team captain Thomas "Tmac" McKenzie and other players are excited to play against some of their former teammates.

"There is no doubt that I am going for the sack record against them. Who do they have that can block me - Said Tmac.

The Missouri Monsters are currently in their first season of play. In May of 2012 the Monsters were announced as an expansion team in the Ultimate Indoor Football League.

Both teams are struggling to get wins, as the Blue Racers are 1-5, with their lone win coming by way of forfeit. The Monsters are 0-2 and looking for the first win of the season. Each team has made head coaching changes, and Monsters new Head Coach Martino Theus started the 2013 season as the Blue Racers Head Coach.

"First, I want to thank Lamonte for the opportunity to coach his organization, be apart of such a good city, and great people in Marion. Now I'm head coaching for a great owner, team. It's just straight business with the team. We know we have better athletes, talent all around. I love being able to coach against a good friend of mine (Mr. LaMonte Coleman) of fourteen years. This win will be big for our organization and fans plus some former players that are with us now. I know they are ready to play against Marion for sure. We will be ready as a team to beat Marion." Said Monsters Head Coach Martino Theus.

Tickets for the game start at $7.00 and can be purchased at the Family Arena Box Office, and through www.metrotix.com. Suites are available for the game, contact the team office for more information 636-395-0896 or email andrew@missourimonsters.com.

Missouri Monsters Make Coaching Change

The Missouri Monsters have began making changes on Tuesday morning to the football operations at the Head Coaching position, with the firing of John Parker.  Martino Theus the team director of football operations has been named his replacement effective immediately.

“I’d like to thank Coach Parker for his contributions to the organization.  I felt in the best interest of the Missouri Monsters both short and long term that a change was needed.  We wish Coach Parker the best in his future endeavors.”  Said Monsters Owner Andrew Haines.

Theus played college football at Lambuth University and was 1st team all mid south conference in 1997, and 1st team honorable mention in 1998.

“Its a true blessing to be back coaching with a great organization that has a lot of talent.  I appreciate the opportunity, and will make sure we continue to improve as a team.  It is great to back working with Andrew, and between the two of us, the future is bright.”  Said Head Coach Martino Theus.

After college Theus played indoor and arena football from 2000 to 2006.  After playing he joined the Bossier –Shreveport Battle Wings in the af2 as their defensive backs coach.  In 2010 Theus was the defensive coordinator of the Battle Wings in the Arena Football League.

He served as Head Coach of the Mississipi Hound Dogs, and Marion Blue Racers as well.

The Monsters (0-2) return home to the Family Arena on Monday April 1st to face the Windy City Hitmen which is a non-league game.

UIFL Terminates Miami Sting

The Ultimate Indoor Football League has announced the Miami Sting will not compete in 2013. Do to unforeseen circumstances; the ownership group of the Miami Sting is currently not meeting all the obligations of the UIFL territory agreements. As a result of these circumstances, the UIFL has elected to terminate the ownership groups affiliation with the league. This formal release is effective immediately. The UIFL has worked diligently to find a new ownership group to allow the Sting to play this year. The UIFL was unable to secure new ownership in time to be competitively prepared for the 2013 season. The first game affected by the change is the Corpus Christi Fury, which will now travel to Missouri to take on the Missouri Monsters on Friday March 8th. The league has released the full revised schedule at http://www.uiflfootball.com.

Missouri Monsters & Exit 6 Brewery Launch Purple People Wheater Beer

The Missouri Monsters announced the launching of the Purple People Wheater beer on Saturday February 23rd. The party is from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Exit 6 Brewery in Cottlesville, MO.
Come out and meet some of the Monsters players, coaches and front office staff. Rib City will be on hand selling pulled pork sandwiches, and St. Louis style ribs. The event is open to the public for everyone 21 years old, and older.
Exit 6 Brewery is located at 5055 Hwy N, Cottleville, MO. Owner Jeff Britton added, "As a sports fan, I love the thought of teaming up with a professional sports team, especially one from my home town. I love to keep things local and how can you go wrong with St. Charles beer, and St. Charles football -
About Exit 6 Brewery:
St Charles first nano-brewery, Exit 6, is located in Cottleville at 5055 Hwy N .
They offer 70 different craft beers and 5 made right in house. They are non smoking and do not have a kitchen. However, if you're hungry, you can bring food with you or they have a bunch of menus of places that will deliver right to the bar.

Missouri Monsters Name Justin Madden General Manager

The Missouri Monsters announced Justin Madden as team General Manager. Madden will oversee the day to day business operations, and will report directly to team ownership.
“We interviewed many highly qualified candidates for the position. I feel that Justin shares similar values with us, and will be an important asset to our business operations, as we grow closer to our season, and beyond.” Said Monsters Owner Andrew Haines.
Madden is from DeSoto, MO, and graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from Missouri Baptist University. While attending Missouri Baptist Madden played all four years on the Basketball team, and was a captain of the team. He was voted MVP his Junior and Senior seasons. In addition to basketball Justin was involved with the Campus Ministry "AMP".
Currently Justin is a worship leader at SOS Church in St. Louis.
"I'm excited to join the Monsters family, and look forward to making the Monsters a household name in the Greater St. Charles/St. Louis areas." said Monsters General Manager Justin Madden.
Justin will begin with building a team internship program, and increasing the team appearances in the community right away.

Ownership Group Of Missouri Monsters Expands

Will and Shelly Clark, of St. Charles, have joined the team ownership group of the indoor football team, the Missouri Monsters. The Missouri Monsters will begin its season in March at the Family Arena.
The Clarks started Cardinal Surveying in 2003 and are celebrating 10 years this year as being a successful family-owned and -operated business. Will Clark has an associate degree in CAD and is a professional land surveyor, holding a license in Missouri. Shelly Clark has a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University.
“It’s great to have Will and Shelly as part of the ownership group,” said team owner Andrew Haines. “With them living, and owning another business in the community, it will be a big asset to the team.”
Will and Shelly Clark held prior ownership in an Arena Football team and hope their passion for the game and the community that they live and work in now brings a fun family venue for St. Charles County families to come together
“In a town that thrives on sports and whose fans have been loyal through the ages, we’re excited to be a part of a new tradition,” said Shelly Clark. “The Missouri Monsters bring another family friendly event to the Family Arena.”

Missouri Monster’s Name John Johnson Offensive Coordinator And Coordinator And Director Of Player Personnel

St. Louis native John Johnson has been named offensive coordinator and director of player personnel for the Missouri Monsters, it was announced by head coach John Parker.
Johnson played running back at Parkway West High School and at Iowa Central College. Locally, he has played for the St. Louis Bulldogs, and indoor football with the River City Renegades and River City Rage.
He has coached running backs and receivers at Kirkwood High School as well as running backs and defensive backs for the Elite Football Academy.
Parker said, ”He has a great deal of experience at this level and is highly enthusiastic about the position. I look forward to having him on the staff.”
About the Missouri Monsters:
The Missouri Monsters are proud members of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL).  The Monsters have a multi-year lease with the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Training camp begins in February, 2013.  Season ticket prices start at $42.00 and only $7.00 for single game tickets.
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com or call 636-395-0896.
Like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/missourimonsters and Follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/monstersfball

Missouri Monster’s End Of The Year Review

As the new year approaches and holiday plans are in full force, the Missouri Monsters of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL) are also gearing up for their inaugural season that begins in March. Training camp is just two months away.
“It’s an exciting time,” said owner Andrew Haines. “The response from the community has been great, and we are all ready to step on the accelerator when the calendar turns to 2013.”
Haines is so committed to the St. Charles/St. Louis market that he sold his interest in both the UIFL and the Florida UIFL team he owned last season to devote his full attention to the Monsters. The season rent for the Family Arena in St. Charles is already more than 40 percent paid.
A dedicated and passionate staff led by Howard Balzer, senior vice president of operations; Jeff Vernetti, director of marketing; Brian Klimaski, assistant director of operations and sales manager Scott Johnson, have been lining up sponsorships and selling season tickets for the seven-game home season that begins March 8.
Johnson continues to develop a sales staff that has deep roots in the community, along with a call center that is making contacts for additional local business support.
The team has donated 1,000 season tickets to those that have served in the military and is working on theme nights for games that will accentuate the commitment to the community.
On the football side, head coach John Parker is finalizing his coaching staff with an eye on experienced local coaches as well as players from the St. Louis area.
Two tryouts have already been held under Parker’s watch with another expected to be scheduled in early January.
It’s always good to know that an indoor football season is just around the corner.
About the Missouri Monsters:
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com
Like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/missourimonsters and Follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/monstersfball
2013 MISSOURI MONSTERS SCHEDULE
March 2 (Sat.)          at Sarasota
March 8 (Fri.)           FLORIDA
March 16                  OPEN WEEK
March 25 (Mon.)      at Georgia
April 1 (Mon.)           CENTRAL FLORIDA
April 6 (Sat.)             TBD
April 14 (Sun.)          GEORGIA
April 19 (Fri.)            at Florida
April 27 (Sat.)           SARASOTA
May 3 (Fri.)              MIAMI
May 11 (Sat.)           at Corpus Christi
May 18 (Sat.)           at Lakeland
May 24 (Fri.)            CORPUS CHRISTI

Missouri Monsters Announces Final Player Tryout

The Missouri Monsters professional football team will be holding their FINAL open player tryouts on Saturday January 12t at the St. Louis Sports Arena.
The tryout is open to anyone 18 years old or older.
Who/what: Missouri Monsters (UIFL) Player Tryouts/Combine
When: Saturday January 12th, 2013
Time: Registration begins at 1:15pm, and tryout begins at 2pm
Cost: $50.00 pre-registered
Where: St. Louis Sports Arena, 6727 Langley Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63123
Surface: Field turf
Players will be tested in combine style tests, individual position drills, and group drills. To register click the PAY NOW button below:
About the Missouri Monsters:
The Missouri Monsters are proud members of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). The Monsters have a multi-year lease with the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Training camp begins in February, 2013. Season ticket prices start at $42.00 and only $7.00 for single game tickets.
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com or call 636-395-0896.

Get to Know the Players: Lakeland Raiders' Travis Anderson

If you look in the UIFL record book, you will see Easter Kentucky's Maurice Douse listed as the most prolific runner in the league. In seven games last season, Douse ran for a total of 191 yards. Which is all well and good, until you consider the Lakeland Raiders Travis Anderson and his 296 rushing yards. Anderson's total rushing yards eclipsed the next closest Running Back by over 100 yards. His 13 rushing touchdowns were second in the league and his 74 rushing yards per game was absolutely off the charts. But because Anderson suffered a serious injury that cost him more than half the season, he did not play the requisite six games and is ineligible for the UIFL record book.
In a league known for passing, Anderson managed the nearly impossible, in large part because Lakeland Raiders Head Coach Mike Mink's philosophy strays from the norm.
"I like running the ball in Indoor (football). My backs typically are among the league leaders on my teams." In 2012, Anderson's ground performance was so far above the "league leaders" that he practically deserved his own category.
Anderson grew up in nearby Avon Park. He tried his hand at peewee football but his career lasted just one game before his parents pulled him out in order to keep young Travis focused on his schoolwork. It wouldn't be until his Sophomore year in High School until Anderson had another chance to play organized football. As a rookie, Anderson was forced to sit behind older Running Backs on his team until an injury opened up an opportunity, an opportunity that Anderson did not let go to waste. He scored the game winning touchdown in his first action at RB and became the starter from that day onward.
Eligibility issues following multiple transfers limited the amount of action that Anderson saw in college. When he did get to play, the coach shifted him to Fullback from his more natural Running Back position. "The Fullback has to take on a lot of pass blocking, lead blocking responsibility," Anderson explains. "In high school I didn't have to block much. The Fullback blocks more than he runs."
Asked whether he feared being put in a similar block-first, run-occasionally position on the Lakeland Raiders, Anderson expressed confidence in his coach's play calling and his own ability.
"Any time Coach Mink gave me an opportunity I was going to make the most of it and give it my best," he says. "I felt that there's always room for talent. Your talent is going to speak out for you. There is room for a Running Back in the arena."
Just a month after achieving his goal of playing professional football, Travis went down during a routine practice, sidelining him for five weeks. "We lost Travis the night before a critical game against the Tarpons during walk through," recalls Coach Mink. "It was a freak accident but was major set back."
Anderson spent the down time working feverishly to return in time for the playoffs. "I got up at 3 or 4 AM and I got to work on the treadmill," Travis says of his rehab time. "I was almost in tears because of the pain but I had to suck it up. I returned to the field at about 85%. I had to be a man, not a mouse, and take one for the team." Coach Mink remembers Travis' work ethic as he rehabbed from injury. "Travis is a solid young man who works hard as anyone in the gym. He is a fierce competitor."
Now, eight months removed from injury, Anderson says he is "100% and ready to go." Like everyone you talk to around the Raiders office at the Lakeland Center, Travis has high expectations for the team in 2013. "I want a championship. We signed (QB) BJ (Hall). I think our chemistry is going to be awesome. We're already working as a team. Everyone is dedicated and hungry for a championship."
His personal goals are no less lofty than his hopes for the team overall. "I am ready to carry the load at Running Back," he says. "I want to have a breakout year, to open the eyes of some scouts. I'm trying to make a statement to the NFL. I am ready to go to the next level after this year."
As for the team's nemesis, the Florida Tarpons, Anderson thinks they may be surprised when come to town in 2013. "The Tarpons are a great team but this year it will be a whole lot more challenging for them. All the recruits we picked up - the QB, the DBs - we've got the talent this year."
The fans can expect great things from Anderson and the Raiders in 2013. "We're going to make Lakeland proud, make the fans happy," Anderson says. Foremost among the many Travis Anderson fans in the community are his wife, Sherlonda, and the couple's three young children. "I'm dedicating this year to the fans and to my family and supporters."
In the offseason, Anderson is a Paraeducator for Ridge Community High School where he also serves as a trainer and mentor for the school's athletes. "I'm like a role model for those guys," he says of the Ridge Community football team. "They look at me and think "˜I do have a chance'". His advice to aspiring athletes? "Stay humble. Good will come to the person who stays humble."
Somehow between a full-time job, a family that includes a newborn baby at home, keeping in shape, and playing professional football, Anderson finds time for what he calls his "second passion" (football being first, of course) - playing drums. It is an art Travis has been honing since he was seven years old. Currently, he plays on the praise team at Trinity Worship Center in Haines City where his brother, Clinton Anderson, serves as Minister of Music.

Corpus Christi Announces Team Name and Logo

 The Ultimate Indoor Football League’s new team in Corpus Christi has chosen its name and created its logo. The team has chosen Fury as the team’s name, chosen for the intense spirit and strength the team will have on the field. The team logo is a fierce and furious Dragon surrounded by flames representative of the burning desire to bring championship football to Corpus Christi. The team colors are Navy, Kelly Green, and Silver.
The name was selected from over 100 different suggestions that were submitted through the team website. The winner of the name the team contest is Robert Quintero. He will receive a pair of front row season tickets for life.
The Fury would also like to announce recent partnerships will several businesses in the Coastal Bend area. The Fury has partnered with MSI/ Dixie Iron Works, Gold Master Jewelers, Muniz Electric Masters, and Roggeman Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. MSI is an oilfield equipment supplier located in Alice and will be partnering with the team on a special charity game during the 2013 season. Gold Master Jewelers is the Official Gold Buyer and Jewelry Store of the Fury with locations at Ayers and Baldwin, Rockport, and Xpress locations in the Copperfield Shopping Center at Staples and Holly and in the Hamlin Shopping Center at Weber and Staples. Muniz Electric Masters is a full service commercial electrical contractor in Corpus Christi. Roggeman Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is located in Portland.
The Corpus Christi Fury also plan to release the 2013 schedule within the next 2 weeks. The season will kick off on March 2013. All home games will be played in the state of the art American Bank Center. Arena. Season Tickets are on sale now and start at only $75. For more information about season tickets or the many partnership opportunities available for the 2013 season, call 361-356-1111 or visit www.ccfury.com. The Fury will play in the Ultimate Indoor Football League which was founded in 2010 and has teams in Texas, Missouri, Georgia, and Florida.

UIFL Welcomes The Addition Of The Chicago Pythons

The UIFL has announce the addition of the Chicago Python in the 2013 season. The Pythons last year were a part of the CIFL and have agreed to join the UIFL for the 2013 season.

Missouri Monsters Announced Senior Front Office Management

The Missouri Monsters of the Ultimate Indoor Football League have announced their senior management team with the addition of two well-known local media personalities.
Howard Balzer, a long-time fixture in the St. Louis market has been named Senior Vice President of Operations, while Jeff Vernetti will be Senior Vice President of Marketing.
The announcement was made by club owner owner Andrew Haines. "We are thrilled to have Jeff and Howard as part of the Monsters Senior Management team. Their experience and contacts in the community will be a big reason why the Monsters are successful."
Balzer is in his 36th year covering professional football as a writer, editor and broadcaster. Currently, in addition to his work with The Sports Xchange, Balzer is the senior editor for Lindy's pro football magazine, a position he has held since 1992; and a talk-show host for SiriusXM NFL Radio and KFNS Radio. He is also one of 44 voting members on the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee.
Balzer is also no stranger to indoor football. In 1986, while with The Sporting News, he wrote the first published story on the sport after a demonstration game in Rockford, Ill. Balzer did national broadcasts for Arena Football from 1988-91 and was part of the television broadcast team for several years for the St. Charles-based River City Rage and Renegades. He was also the public relations director for the Arena Football League in 1993.
A 1974 graduate of Hofstra University, Balzer was the sports information director at the school while a student and after graduation worked as director of public relations for the National Wheelchair Athletic Association, director of public relations and promotions for the Long Island Tomahawks of the National Lacrosse League and director of public relations for the Continental Basketball Association.
In the community, Balzer is currently a board member for Athletes & Entertainers Circle of Influence and has hosted the unique Celebrity Karaoke event for seven years that has raised funds for local charities. He was also on the original board for the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis and was a longtime committee member for the Gateway Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
"This will be a unique challenge and one I am very excited about," Balzer said. "I have always been interested in team operations and look forward to helping create a championship organization with the Monsters."
Vernetti joined the KFNS staff in August of 2007 and has worked in radio in a number of on-air roles. He has hosted the daily talk show "The Sports Edge" on both 590 the Fan and Sports Radio 1380 and worked for two years on 1380 ESPN. He and Balzer currently co-host "The Sports Edge" each day on KFNS from 2-3 p.m.
In addition to his hosting duties, he has covered a number of major events, from the World Series to NCAA Championship games to the MLB All-Star Game. He has covered five Super Bowls as a host and reporter and traveled with the Rams in both 2006 and 2008.
He has done regular play-by-play work, serving as the voice for the Indoor Football League team the RiverCity Rage for two seasons, where he was nominated for broadcaster of the year both seasons. In addition, he has handled the call of numerous Missouri Valley Conference tournament games, high school football and basketball, collegiate basketball and baseball, and minor league baseball.
Vernetti is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and spent five years in marketing before returning to radio in St. Louis.
He owns and operates two Balls n Strikes baseball training centers in the St. Louis area, one in Westport and one in Fenton.

Missouri Monsters Make Coaching Changes

The Missouri Monsters have made a coaching change, announcing the hiring of 24-year veteran coach, John Parker as head coach for the 2013 season. Parker has coached at the professional, college, and high school football levels.
Said Monsters owner Andrew Haines, "I am excited to have John Parker as our head coach for the upcoming season. He has significant football experience, a proven track record as a head coach, and community leader. We wanted the best person both on and off the field to represent the Monsters."
Added Howard Balzer, Monsters senior vice president of operations, "John will bring an unparalleled energy to the job as head coach. Football at any level is about commitment and passion, and John will instill that in his team."
Prior to joining the Monsters, Parker held head coaching positions at Cumberland University (2004 -2006), Cheyney University (1998-2002), and the University of Minnesota-Morris (1995-1998). In 2008, Parker retired as an assistant coach at Tennessee State University.
Known for his ability to build and rebuild programs from the ground up, Parker snapped a NCAA-record 29-game losing streak in his first season at Minnesota-Morris. He did it again in his first season at Cheyney, snapping a NCAA-record 52-game winless drought, which included a 39-game losing streak.. With over 24 years of experience, Parker has held numerous assistant positions with the National Indoor Football League's Show-Believers, Washington and Lee University, East Tennessee State University, The University of Nebraska-Omaha, Michigan Tech University, MacMurry University, and started his college coaching career locally at Washington University in St. Louis, under the tutelage of current head coach Larry Kindbom.
He has also served in the NFL, and has twice interned as a coach with the Philadelphia Eagles under former head coach Ray Rhodes and with the Tampa Buccaneers under former head coach Tony Dungy. He has tutored some top NFL players such as Donnie Abraham (second-round draft choice, 11-year veteran with Tampa Bay, New York Jets), and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (first-round draft choice, Arizona Cardinals, currently with the Philadelphia Eagles).
Parker has held additional service positions, and sits on the Board of Directors of several local organizations such as Athletes & Entertainers Circle of Influence, The Adoption Exchange, AHA Unlimited, and The Viral Cancer Research Foundation. He is a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the United Way. He is a member of the African American Leadership Society, and the former vice president of The Black Coaches and Administrators Association. He is a 25-year member of The American Football Coaches Association. He has received numerous awards in his career including being named by American Football Monthly Magazine as one of the top coaches in the country.
Parker played college football at Ball State University and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Valley College, and a Masters of Science from the United States Sports Academy. He is the father of two children; daughter, Andrea 14, and son, Jordan 12.

Missouri Monsters Coaches, Scout Resign

Today the Monsters announced the resignation of the team's coaching staff and director of college scouting.
The staff included; Jarrod Rogol (Head Coach), Jeff Hunt (Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator), J.T. Thompson (Offensive Coordinator), Charles Edmunds (Line Coach), and Ondra Berry II (Director of College Scouting).
About the Missouri Monsters:
The Missouri Monsters are members of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). The UIFL was founded in 2010 by Andrew Haines & Michael Taylor. 2013 will be the 3rd season for the league. The Monsters have a multi-year lease with the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Training camp begins in February 2013!
For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com

UIFL Concludes Annual League Meetings

On Friday and Saturday the Ultimate Indoor Football League held its annual league meetings in Fort Myers, FL. The meetings were very productive, and the 2013 season is shaping up to be very solid.
Items that came from the meetings;

• Playoff format - three (3) teams will make the post season, top team in the regular season will host the Ultimate Bowl 3. Team 3 will travel to Team 2, with the winner advancing to the UB2.
• Extended our agreement with WatchGameFilm.com for our league wide film exchange.
• Changed game film rule to: teams have 48 hours after the game to have the film uploaded, or face a $500 fine, and loss of on field privileges for coaching staff during the next game, 2nd offense same, 3rd offense Head Coach is suspended one game plus a $500 fine.
• Changed Stats rule to: teams have 24 hours after the game to have the stats sent to the league office, or face a $500 fine, and loss of on field privileges for coaching staff during the next game, 2nd offense same, 3rd offense Head Coach is suspended one game plus a $500 fine.
• Agreed to terms with Insane Sportswear as the Official Uniform Supplier of the UIFL.
• Will be creating an appeal process for teams to appeal sanctions
• Teams will have a league schedule of five (5) home, and five (5) away games that will count toward the post season.
• Teams can hold up to four (4), two day mini camps from now until February 1st.
• Training camp can start on February 15th or later.
• Teams can dress a "19th" man for any regular season game, as long as they haven't played professional football in the last 8 years, or college football in the last 8 years. 19th Man was designed as a marketing position to help gain more exposure or revenue. (examples are, radio personalities, celebrities, sponsors, etc)
• Approved the relocation of the Sting, location to be announced soon.
• Approved two (2) additional expansion teams for the 2013 season with a time restraint on finalizing arena deals, otherwise the team(s) will begin play in 2014.
• Approved the removal of the Indianapolis Panthers from the UIFL for failing to meet league obligations.
• UIFL will play with 6-8 teams for the 2013 season
• Schedule to be completed in October.

Ultimate Indoor Football League adds Sarasota team

The Ultimate Indoor Football League added the Sarasota Thunder at its third expansion team for the 2013 season.
The Thunder will play 7 home games at Robarts Arena in Sarasota, FL.
The Thunder join the Missouri Monsters (St. Charles, MO), and Indianapolis Panthers (Indianapolis, IN) as expansion teams for the 2013 season.  The UIFL will be announcing the final expansion teams over the next 60 days.