Midwest Football League (1962–1978)

Midwest Football League
SportAmerican football
Founded1962
Ceased1979
Claim to fameThe last league to feature NFL farm teams
No. of teamsvaried (from 4 to 8)
Most titlesMacomb County / Pontiac / Michigan Arrows (6)

The Midwest Football League (MFL) was a low-level professional American football minor league that played games from 1962 to 1978. The league was based mainly in Michigan, until the collapse of the Continental Football League in 1969, when it became more of a regional league.[1]

During its lifetime, the MFL had a working relationship with the National Football League (NFL), as the NFL had the right to sign any player at any time from the league for $1000, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns had agreements with the Columbus Bucks and Youngstown Hardhats (respectively), and the Detroit Lions had agreements with both the Indy Caps and Lansing All Stars, to act as farm teams.

History

[edit]

Formation

[edit]

By April 1961, six cities had been approved for franchises in the Midwest Football League: Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Indianapolis; and Louisville, Kentucky.[2] Players were to be paid $50 salaries per game played, with 30 players on each team's roster.[2] The league played its games on Saturday nights.[2] George Gareff from Columbus was initially league commissioner,[2] with Homer VanHablenbeck from Detroit gaining the title by 1962.[3]

A group of Des Moines, Iowa, investors applied for a franchise in the league in April 1961.[2] New teams were to pay a $2,000 fee to join the league and send a $5,000 security deposit to ensure the full season would be played.[2] The Lakeview Athletic Club Bears joined the league on January 28, 1962.[3]

The six initial teams in the league were announced on January 31, 1962, as the Battle Creek Bears, Dearborn Vikings, Detroit Rockets, Lansing All Stars, Macomb County Arrows (also called the Mt. Clemens Arrows), and Toledo Thunderbirds.[4] The Lansing All Stars were an independent team in the 1961 season.[5] An application for a franchise from Dayton, Ohio, was approved on March 11, 1962.[6] The Battle Creek, Dayton, and Toledo franchises did not play in the 1962 season.

1962 season

[edit]

The 1962 season began on September 8, 1962,[6] with four teams participating. The Mt. Clemens/Macomb County Arrows were declared league champions for the 1962 season,[7] after beating the Dearborn Vikings 34–20 in the title game.[1]

1962 Midwest Football League standings[1]
Team W L T PCT
Mt. Clemens/Macomb County Arrows 5 1 0 .833
Dearborn Vikings 4 2 0 .666
Detroit Rockets 2 4 0 .333
Lansing All Stars 1 5 0 .167

 †  Midwest Football League champions.

1963 season

[edit]

The Spartan Athletic Club received approval to join the league in April 1963,[8] and they initially chose a team name of Dayton Spartans.[9] They were later called the Cedarville Spartans.[10] The Dayton franchise had previously played in the American Football Conference as the Dayton Triangles from 1959 to 1961.[11] The Battle Creek Bears (also known as the Cereal City Bears) joined for the 1963 season,[12] after initially being accepted into the league in 1962. Six teams participated in the 1963 season.[13]

The Arrows won the league championship for a second year in a row after posting a record of 13–1,[14] including a 9–1 record in league play.[1] The Spartans, who finished second in the league in 1963 after going 6–3–1, played against the Hudson Bar in a game called the Semi-Pro Bowl on December 14, 1963.[15] The All Stars placed third for the season with a record of 5–4–1.[16]

1963 Midwest Football League standings[1]
Team W L T PCT
Macomb County Arrows 9 1 0 .900
Cedarville Spartans[a 1] 6 3 1 .650
Lansing All Stars[a 2] 5 4 1 .550
Detroit Rockets 4 5 1 .450
Petersburg/Dearborn Vikings 2 8 0 .200
Cereal City Bears 1 9 0 .100

 †  Midwest Football League champions.

1964 season

[edit]

Ed McCracken from Dayton was elected league commissioner in March 1964.[17] The league also added teams in Toronto, Ohio, and Van Wert, Ohio.[17] The Van Wert team was named the Van Wert Tigers,[18] but they did not participate in the 1964 season.[a 3] The Toronto team was the Toronto Tigers.[20] The Cedarville Spartans became the Dayton Colts in 1964,[21] and the Cereal City Bears did not return after the 1963 season.[a 3]

The Association of Minor Football Leagues was formed in April 1964, with the Midwest Football League joining together with five of the other seven minor league football teams in the country.[22] The other leagues to join were the Atlantic Coast Football League, Central States Football League, New England Football Conference, Southern Football League, and United Football League.[22] McCracken was named secretary of the association.[22]

1964 Midwest Football League standings[1]
Team W L T PCT
Lansing All Stars 8 2 0 .800
Dearborn Vikings 7 3 0 .700
Dayton Colts 6 4 0 .600
Macomb County Arrows 6 4 0 .600
Detroit Rockets 2 8 0 .200
Toronto Tigers 1 9 0 .100

 †  Midwest Football League champions.[23]

The Lansing All-Stars played against the Central States Football League champion Racine Raiders in an exhibition game after the season on November 28, 1964.[24]

The Toronto team did not show up to a game against Lansing, and were subsequently removed from the league in the middle of the season.[25] The Detroit Rockets were removed from the league after the season after they did not adhere to financial protocols.[26]

1965 season

[edit]

In searching for two new teams to join the league for the 1965 season, following the expulsion of the Detroit and Toronto franchises, commissioner Ed McCracken asked for a $300 new team fee with a security deposit of $200.[27] The Macomb County Arrows became the Pontiac Arrows and the Dearborn Vikings became the Milan Vikings for the 1965 season.[28][29][30] A Flint, Michigan, team called the Flint Blue Devils joined the league.[28][29] A team from Sturgis, Michigan, played some games against league members in the hopes of joining the league for the 1966 season.[28]

Dayton was purchased by a new ownership group in 1965.[31]

1965 Midwest Football League standings
Team W L T PCT
Pontiac Arrows 6 2 0 .750
Dayton Colts 5 2 1 .688
Lansing All Stars 3 4 1 .438
Flint Blue Devils 2 4 2 .375
Milan Vikings 2 6 0 .250

 †  Midwest Football League champions.[32]

The Dayton Colts had to cancel and forfeit a game against Milan due to bad weather.[33] Dayton scheduled the game to be played at a local high school football field, but the school would not allow the game to be played, citing a long-standing policy about wet fields.[33] Dayton was placed a one-year probation by the league as punishment.[34]

The Pontiac Arrows were named league champions, and they went against players from the other four teams in an all-star game on November 13, 1965.[32]

1966 season

[edit]

John Abel from Pontiac was named commissioner of the league in January 1966, replacing McCracken, who resigned to be the head coach for the Dayton Colts.[35][36]

The Milan franchise was moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan,[37] to become the Ypsilanti Vikings.[38] The Detroit Rockets franchise rejoined the league in River Rouge, Michigan, as the River Rouge Steelers.[39][40] The Dayton Colts played an exhibition game of basketball with the National Football League's Cleveland Browns in March 1966 as a fundraiser.[41]

1966 Midwest Football League standings
Team W L T PCT
Pontiac Arrows 9 0 1 .950
Ypsilanti Vikings 7 3 0 .700
Dayton Colts[a 4] 6 4 0 .600
Flint Blue Devils 5 4 1 .550
Lansing All Stars 2 8 0 .200
River Rouge Steelers 0 10 0 .000

 †  Midwest Football League champions.[42]

The Pontiac Arrows were named league champions for the second straight season, and they went against players from the other five teams in an all-star game on November 12, 1966.[42]

1967 season

[edit]

The River Rouge Steelers became the Detroit Steelers,[43] the Flint Blue Devils became the Flint Wildcats,[44] and the Pontiac Arrows moved back to Mt. Clemens to become the Michigan Arrows for the 1967 season.[45] The Pontiac Firebirds joined the league as a new franchise.[45]

The Lansing All Stars signed their players to $1 per year contracts in 1967 due to financial constraints.[46] In October 1967, the NFL agreed to pay MFL teams $1,000 to sign a player off of their rosters.[47]

1967 Midwest Football League standings
Team W L T PCT
Michigan Arrows 11 1 0 .917
Pontiac Firebirds 10 2 0 .818
Ypsilanti Vikings 8 4 0 .727
Dayton Colts 7 5 0 .583
Flint Wildcats 2 9 1 .208
Lansing All Stars* 2 9 0 .182
Detroit Steelers* 0 10 1 .045

 †  Midwest Football League champions.[48][49]
* Record before final game of season.[50]

1968 season

[edit]

A franchise from Lackawanna, New York, joined the league in April 1968,[51] as the Lackawanna Lancers.[52] The Detroit Steelers moved to Hamtramck, Michigan, to become the Hamtramck Chargers for the 1968 season.[53] The Lansing All Stars team folded before the 1968 due to financial reasons.[54][55][56] The Dayton Colts were sold to Recreation Projects, Inc. in April 1968.[57] The Michigan Arrows were purchased by a group from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and subsequently relocated to the city to become the Fort Wayne Tigers.[54] The Flint franchise was part owned by Minnesota Vikings player Paul Krause.[58]

1968 Midwest Football League standings
Team W L T PCT
Dayton Colts[59] 12 0 0 1.000
Lackawanna Lancers* 6 2 0 .750
Flint Wildcats[60] 7 5 0 .583
Pontiac Firebirds* 5 4 0 .556
Hamtramck Chargers* 3 6 0 .333
Ypsilanti Vikings* 2 7 0 .222
Fort Wayne Tigers* 0 8 0 .000

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
* Record after eighth or ninth game of season.[61]

In the all-star game on November 16, 1968, the Dayton Colts beat the team of league all-stars, 43–0.[62] They were the first team in league history to go undefeated in a season after posting a 12–0 record.[59]

1969 season

[edit]

The Lansing All Stars rejoined the league for the 1969 season.[56] The Southwestern Michigan Hawks were accepted into the league in April 1969.[63] The Fort Wayne Tigers became the Grand Rapids Chiefs,[64][65] and Grand Rapids paid $1,000 as an entry fee.[66] The Hamtramck Chargers became the Detroit Cowboys for the 1969 season.[67][68] The Ypsilanti Vikings left the league before the season.[69]

A two-division structure of the league began in the 1969 season, with Dayton, Lackawanna, Grand Rapids, and Southwestern Michigan making up the Lakes division,[63] and Detroit, Flint, Lansing, and Pontiac being in the Central division.[66] Detroit was removed from the league in the middle of the season.[70]

1969 Midwest Football League standings
Central Division
Team W L T PCT
Lansing All Stars 12 1 1 .893
Pontiac Firebirds 10 3 1 .750
Flint Wildcats 2 12 0 .143
Detroit Cowboys 0 14 0 .000
Lakes Division
Team W L T PCT
Lackawanna Lancers 11 3 0 .786
Dayton Colts 10 4 0 .714
Southwestern Michigan Hawks 5 9 0 .357
Grand Rapids Chiefs 5 9 0 .357

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Won division.[69]

The Lansing All Stars won the Central Division with a record of 12–1–1 and the Lackawanna Lancers won the Lakes Division after going 11–3.[69] Lansing defeated Lackawanna, 20–8, in the first MFL Championship Game on November 8, 1969.[71] The All Stars received a championship bonus of $500 after the game.[72]

1970 season

[edit]

John Abel, the commissioner for the league, died in March 1970.[73] Keith Bacon became the new commissioner by July 1970.[74] The Dayton Colts were suspended for the season due to financial conditions,[75] but fielded an independent team and played games against members of the league.[76] The Flint Wildcats did not return for the 1970 season.[77] The Grand Rapids Chiefs became the Wyoming Chiefs,[78] and the Southwest Michigan Hawks were renamed the Michiana Hawks.[79] The Hawks played their home games in Buchanan, Michigan.[80]

A four-team playoff system was enacted for the season, with the regular season first-place team playing the third-place team and second place playing fourth place in the first round, and the winners of those games playing in a championship game.[81][82]

1970 Midwest Football League standings[83]
Team W L T PCT
Lansing All Stars 10 0 0 1.000
Pontiac Firebirds 8 2 0 .800
Michiana Hawks‡* 5 5 0 .500
Lackawanna Lancers‡* 5 5 0 .500
Wyoming Chiefs 1 9 0 .100
Detroit Cowboys 1 9 0 .100

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Playoff team.
* Tie in standings between Michiana and Lackawanna broken by a coin toss to determine playoff opponents. Michiana won and chose to face Pontiac in the first round of the playoffs.[84]

1970 playoffs

[edit]

The Lansing All Stars defeated the Lackawanna Lancers, 60–0, and the Pontiac Firebirds beat the Michiana Hawks, 35–14, in the first round of the playoffs on October 24, 1970.[85][86] Lansing won over Pontiac in the championship game, 28–6, on October 31, 1970, for their second straight championship win.[87]

Semi-finals Championship game
      
1 All Stars 60
3 Lancers 0
1 All Stars 28
2 Firebirds 6
2 Firebirds 35
4 Hawks 14

Lansing later scheduled two games against the champions of the Midwest Professional Football League, the Joliet Chargers, one on each team's field, following their MWL championship win.[88] The first game was called the "Champions Bowl".[89] Lansing won the first matchup on November 14, 1970, with a score of 33–7.[90] Joliet won the second game on November 21, 1970, going up 21–3.[91]

1971 season

[edit]

The Lackawanna Lancers moved to Niagara Falls, New York,[92] as the Niagara Falls Lancers,[93] and the Detroit Cowboys moved back to Hamtramck to become the Hamtramck Chargers again.[40] The Flint Wildcats returned for the 1971 season.[92] The Wyoming Chiefs became the Wyoming Cowboys in 1971.[94] The Dayton Colts returned to the league in 1971, moved to Columbus, Ohio, in April,[95] and became the Columbus Bucks.[96][97][98]

The teams were divided into two divisions again for the season.[95] The Central Division comprised Flint, Hamtramck, Lansing, and Wyoming, while the Lakes Division was made from Columbus, Michiana, Niagara Falls, and Pontiac.[95] A divisional round of the playoffs was reinstated for the 1971 season.[95] The league prevented players being paid salaries for 1971 after financial struggles the previous season.[99] Bill Byrne, president of the Bucks, was elected vice president of the league in September 1971.[100]

1971 Midwest Football League standings[101]
Central Division
Team W L T PCT
Lansing All Stars 12 1 1 .893
Flint Wildcats 8 6 0 .571
Hamtramck Chargers[a 5] 3 11 0 .214
Wyoming Cowboys 1 12 1 .107
Lakes Division
Team W L T PCT
Columbus Bucks 13 0 1 .964
Niagara Falls Lancers 9 5 0 .643
Pontiac Firebirds 7 7 0 .500
Michiana Hawks 1 12 1 .107

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Playoff team.

1971 playoffs

[edit]

The Lansing All Stars won the Central Division and the Columbus Bucks won the Lakes Division.[101] The Bucks were scheduled to play the second-place team in the Central Division, the Flint Wildcats, in the first round of the playoffs, but the opponent was replaced by the Michigan Barons due to eligibility concerns with Flint's roster.[102] The Barons were made up of players from the Flint and Pontiac rosters.[103] In the divisional round of the playoffs, Lansing defeated the Niagara Falls Lancers, 17–0, while Columbus beat the Barons, 34–0, on November 6, 1971.[104] On November 13, 1971, Columbus won the league championship with a win over Lansing, by a score of 20–17.[105]

Semi-finals Championship game
      
C1 All Stars 17
L2 Lancers 0
C1 All Stars 17
L1 Bucks 20
L1 Bucks 34
C2 Barons 0

After the championship game, Lansing and Columbus played against the Pennsylvania Bruins of the Interstate League.[106] The Columbus–Pennsylvania game was called the "Ohio Mini Super Bowl",[107] with Columbus winning 44–13 in the November 20 game.[108] Lansing won the November 26 game, 32–14.[109]

1972 season

[edit]

In September 1971, the league announced franchises in Indianapolis; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Dayton, Ohio; and Massillon, Ohio.[110] The Indianapolis franchise was called the Indiana Caps, which competed in the Atlantic Coast Football League in 1970 as the Indianapolis Capitols.[111] A team from Joliet, Illinois, was expected to join the league in 1972.[112] Franchises in Youngstown, Ohio; Indianapolis; and Warren, Michigan, were accepted into the league in December 1971.[113] The Youngstown franchise was called the Youngstown Hardhats.[114] Dayton and Louisville were prospective cities for new franchises in January 1972.[114] The Michiana Hawks took a leave of absence from the league for the 1972 season due to financial problems.[115] The Wyoming Cowboys and Pontiac Firebirds left the league, and the Hamtrmack Chargers moved back to Detroit before the season[115] to become the Detroit Warriors.[116] The Niagara Falls Lancers also left the league before the season.[117] The Flint Wildcats became the Flint Sabres.[118]

Youngstown had an agreement with the Cleveland Browns to act as their farm team for the 1972 season.[119] In March 1972, the MFL joined the Independent Professional Football Leagues of America, which included the Midwest Professional Football League, Central States Football League, Southwestern Football League, Seaboard Football League, and Texas League.[120]

The 1972 season began on July 8, 1972.[121] Players earned between $50 and $200 per game in 1972.[122][123] On September 1, 1972, the Lansing All Stars were purchased by Ed Dubaj, Joe Cox, and three other buyers, from Gene Howard for a sale price of $18,500.[123] League commissioner Keith Bacon resigned on November 12, 1972.[124]

1972 Midwest Football League standings[1]
Team W L T PCT
Indiana Caps 8 2 0 .800
Youngstown Hardhats 8 2 0 .800
Columbus Bucks 7 3 0 .700
Lansing All Stars 5 5 0 .500
Flint Sabres 2 8 0 .200
Detroit Warriors 0 10 0 .000

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Playoff team.

The Indiana Caps and Youngstown Hardhats each finished with 8–2 records during the regular season, and played each other in a playoff for the championship on October 14, 1972.[125] Indiana won, 26–14.[126]

1973 season

[edit]

Ted Plascik was named new league commissioner by January 1973.[127] The league filed a lawsuit against its former commissioner Keith Bacon in May 1973 for $15,000 for financial fraud during his time as head of the league.[124]

The West Virginia Hillbillies were granted a franchise in the league for the 1973 season in May 1972,[128] but backed out of the league in August 1972.[129] A team from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was going to join the league.[130] The Michiana Hawks rejoined the league for the 1973 season.[131] The Columbus Bucks became the Columbus Brewers before the season,[132] and then later the Columbus Barons.[133] The Indiana Caps became the Hoosier Caps in April 1973, but were renamed again in June as the Indy Caps.[132][134] The Detroit Warriors became the Detroit Giants and left the league.[135]

Three teams had agreements with National Football League (NFL) teams to act as farm teams: Columbus with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hoosier with the Detroit Lions, and Youngstown with the Cleveland Browns.[136] Lansing negotiated with the Lions to have a similar deal in February 1973,[123] and agreed to a player exchange deal with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in May 1973.[137] By August 1973, the NFL had sent $11,000 to MFL teams during the season in exchange for being able to sign 11 of their players.[138]

1973 Midwest Football League standings[1]
Team W L T PCT
Indy Caps 8 2 0 .800
Youngstown Hardhats 8 2 0 .800
Flint Sabres 7 2 1 .750
Columbus Barons 3 7 0 .300
Lansing All Stars 2 7 1 .250
Michiana Hawks 1 9 0 .100

 †  Midwest Football League champions.[139]

The Indy Caps and Youngstown Hardhats finished the regular season with the same record and were going to face each other in a playoff for the championship.[140] Instead, Indy was named champion after a coin toss,[139] and they played against the Fort Wayne Champions the following week and won, 41–0.[141]

1974 season

[edit]

The Pontiac Arrows and the Detroit Warriors franchises returned to the league in 1974.[a 6] The Columbus Barons left the league before the start of the regular season,[145][98] and the Michiana Hawks did not return.[a 7] The league was divided into two divisions for the 1974 season: Division A was Indy, Lansing, and Pontiac; Division B was Detroit, Flint, and Youngstown.[142] Division A later became the Capitol Division and Division B turned into the Lakes Division.[146] The MFL made an agreement with the World Football League (WFL) that the WFL would send MFL teams $500 for each player it signed away.[147]

1974 Midwest Football League standings[148]
Capitol Division
Team W L T PCT
Indy Caps 9 1 0 .900
Pontiac Arrows 4 6 0 .400
Lansing All Stars 2 8 0 .200
Lakes Division
Team W L T PCT
Flint Sabres 9 1 0 .900
Youngstown Hardhats* 5 4 0 .600
Detroit Warriors* 0 9 0 .000

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Won division.
* The final game of the season between Detroit and Youngstown was canceled.[148]

The championship game was called the "1974 Midwest Mini-Super Bowl" between the leaders of each division, the Indy Caps and Flint Sabres.[149] Flint won the game on September 28, 1974, by a score of 15–2.[150]

1975 season

[edit]

The Lansing All Stars were renamed as the Lansing Professional Football Club under new ownership immediately following the 1974 season,[151] then to the Lansing Capitals in June 1975.[152] The Youngstown Hardhats folded after the 1974 season, the Indy Caps withdrew from the league,[153] and the Detroit Warriors left the league.[154] The Dayton Colts were brought back to the league for the 1975 season.[155] The Pontiac Arrows became the Oakland Arrows for the 1975 season, and the Michigan Indians and Cleveland Academes joined the league,[156][157] with the Academes serving as a farm team for the Cleveland Browns.[158]

Turf Kauffman was elected league commissioner following the ouster of Ted Piascik by June 1975.[159]

1975 Midwest Football League standings[1][160]
Central Division
Team W L T PCT
Flint Sabres 9 1 0 .900
Dayton Colts 5 5 0 .500
Lansing Capitals 4 6 0 .400
Lakes Division
Team W L T PCT
Oakland Arrows 8 2 0 .800
Cleveland Academes 4 6 0 .400
Michigan Indians 0 10 0 .000

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Playoff team.

The Flint Sabres and Oakland Arrows won their divisions and played each other in a championship game on November 1, 1975.[161] Flint won its second straight championship in the 35–13 victory.[160]

1976 season

[edit]

In December 1975, a potential merger between the MFL and Central States Football League was discussed,[162] but no agreement was made.[163] Turf Kauffman resigned as league commissioner in April 1976 to become head coach for the Pontiac Arrows, with Steve Graves named acting commissioner.[164]

The Oakland Arrows became the Pontiac Arrows again,[165] and the Youngstown Hardhats returned for the 1976 season.[166] The Dayton Colts folded before the 1976 season.[167] The Flint Sabres, after winning their opening game, dropped out of the league due to financial issues and forfeited the rest of their games.[168]

1976 Midwest Football League standings[1]
Central Division
Team W L T PCT
Lansing Capitals 6 4 0 .600
Michigan Indians 2 8 0 .200
Flint Sabres 1 9 0 .100
Lakes Division
Team W L T PCT
Pontiac Arrows 10 0 0 1.000
Youngstown Hardhats 8 2 0 .800
Cleveland Academes 3 7 0 .300

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Won division.

No championship game was played after the 1976 regular season due to Flint's withdrawal in the middle of the season,[169] and Pontiac was named the champion.[170]

1977 season

[edit]

The Lansing Capitals and Michigan Indians returned for the 1977 season.[171][170] The Columbus Stingers and Indy Superstars joined the league in 1977.[171][169][172] The Cleveland Academes and Pontiac Arrows left the league after the 1976 season,[171][173] and the Youngstown Hardhats moved to the Mid-Atlantic Football League.[174]

1977 Midwest Football League standings[175][176]
Team W L T PCT
Columbus Stingers 6 0 0 1.000
Lansing Capitals 4 2 0 .667
Indy Superstars 2 4 0 .333
Michigan Indians 0 6 0 .000

 †  Midwest Football League champions.

1978 season

[edit]

The Wyoming Cobras and Kalamazoo All-Stars were new franchises in 1978,[177] while the Columbus Metros replaced the Stingers on May 9, 1978.[178] The Indy Superstars became the Indy Kaps for the 1978 season.[179] The Northern Division was made up of the Lansing Capitals, Michigan Indians, and Wyoming Cobras; the Southern Division comprised Columbus Metros, Indy Kaps, and Kalamazoo All-Stars.[177] A four-team playoff was established for the postseason.[180] The Metros had a budget of $100,000 for the season.[178]

The Indians forfeited a game against the Metros on August 12 for not having a playing field, and the team folded during the 1978 season.[178]

1978 Midwest Football League standings[181]
Northern Division
Team W L T PCT
Lansing Capitals 4 6 0 .400
Michigan Indians Unknown
Wyoming Cobras Unknown
Southern Division
Team W L T PCT
Kalamazoo All-Stars 9 1 0 .900
Columbus Metros[178] 6 1 0 .857
Indy Kaps 6 4 0 .600

 †  Midwest Football League champions.
 ‡  Playoff team.

1978 playoffs

[edit]

In the first round of the playoffs, the Columbus Metros beat the short-handed Lansing Capitals 50–7; after the game it was discovered that Lansing came to the game with less than 15 players, which was below the league minimum of 25, and, to make up the difference, several trainers and players from Columbus were enlisted as Capitals players.[178] In the other semifinal game, the Kalamazoo All-Stars won over the Indy Kaps, 38–28.[182] Columbus defeated Kalamazoo, 38–6, in the championship game.[183]

Semi-finals Championship game
      
1 All-Stars 38
4 Kaps 28
1 All-Stars 6
3 Metros 38
2 Capitals 7
3 Metros 50

After the season, the Metros played four more exhibition games in an attempt to be named "National Semi-Professional Champions" by Pro Football Weekly.[178] Despite winning all four, including a win against the then-No. 1-ranked team Delavan Red Devils from the Northern States Football League, Columbus finished the season at second place in the rankings.[178]

Post-league

[edit]

The Indy Kaps moved to the Northern States Football League (NSFL) after the 1978 season to become the Indianapolis Caps again.[184][185] The Kalamazoo All-Stars and Wyoming Cobras also joined the NSFL by 1980.[186] The Lansing Capitals withdrew from the league in 1979,[187] and opted to join the Michigan Charity Football League in 1980.[188] The Columbus Metros joined the Mid-Atlantic Football League in 1979.[178]

Notable players

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The Dayton Daily News reported the Cedarville Spartans' record for 1963 as 6–3–1,[15] while Outsiders II stated they had a 5–2–2 record with a note about missing information.[1]
  2. ^ The Lansing State Journal reported the Lansing All Stars' record for 1963 as 5–4–1,[16] while Outsiders II stated they had a 6–3–1 record.[1]
  3. ^ a b According to 1964 league standings.[19]
  4. ^ The Lansing State Journal reported the Dayton Colts' final record as 5–4–1, which would be the third tie in the standings.[42] It is impossible for an odd-number of total ties to have occurred, and Outsiders II shows the Colts' record for 1966 as 6–4–0.[1]
  5. ^ Outsiders II shows the Chargers' record for 1971 as 2–12–0.[1]
  6. ^ The Indianapolis Star reported in May 1974 that the Pontiac Firebirds and Detroit were members of the league for the 1974 season.[142] Pontiac later changed its name to the Pontiac Arrows[143] and the Detroit franchise was the returning Detroit Warriors team that had an independent schedule in 1973.[144] It is not known whether the Pontiac Arrows are the franchise known as the Pontiac Firebirds from 1967 to 1971, the Arrows franchise that was in the league under various names from 1962 to 1971, or a new club.
  7. ^ The team was not listed as a member of the league for the 1974 season.[142]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Gill, Maher & Brainerd 2010, pp. 113–116.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Cordaro, Tony (April 13, 1961). "Des Moines Seeks Pro Grid Berth". Des Moines Tribune. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b "Lakeview Bears Join Midwest Pro Grid League". Battle Creek Enquirer. January 28, 1962. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "All-Stars Join New Grid Loop". Lansing State Journal. January 31, 1962. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Lansing All Star '11' Looks for Good Year". Lansing State Journal. September 2, 1962. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b "Lansing All-Stars Plan 'Home' Football Sked". Lansing State Journal. March 12, 1962. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Lansing All-Stars Open Home Season Saturday". Lansing State Journal. September 12, 1963. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Spartans the Name". Dayton Daily News. April 3, 1963. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Olesky, John (April 28, 1963). "Dolphins Double In Coaching Brass". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  10. ^ "Cedarville Home Tonight". Dayton Daily News. October 5, 1963. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Clark, Jan (November 15, 1967). "Minor League Pro Grid Game To Be Played Here Nov. 25". Palladium-Item. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Cereal City Bears Pick 1963 Officers". Battle Creek Enquirer. April 23, 1963. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Bears Handed A 48–13 Defeat". Battle Creek Enquirer. October 14, 1963. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Marysville Eyes Grid Exhibition". The Times Herald. August 13, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ a b "Hudson, Spartans In Semi-Pro Bowl". Dayton Daily News. December 5, 1963. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ a b Wallington, Jim (September 6, 1964). "Lansing All Stars Face Quarterback Problem". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ a b "McCracken Heads Loop". Dayton Daily News. March 18, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ Dell, Chuck (May 1, 1964). "Sports Scope". The Lima News. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Colts Face Detroit Tonight". The Journal Herald. October 24, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Former Township Gridder Pilots Pros". Shamokin News-Dispatch. August 10, 1964. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Dayton To Field Team In Midwest Grid Loop". The Journal Herald. August 15, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ a b c "Six Of Nation's Minor Pro Grid Loops Combine". The Indianapolis Star. April 27, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "Leaders Fall To Colts, 20–7". The Journal Herald. November 17, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ Papara, Cam (November 22, 1964). "Raiders Whip Elmhurst 7–0". The Racine Journal-Times Sunday Bulletin. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "All-Stars Hoping To 'Scare' Detroit Rockets Saturday". Lansing State Journal. October 30, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "Colts' Grid Loop Drops 2 Teams". The Journal Herald. December 9, 1964. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "MFL Seeks New Franchises". The Lima News. February 17, 1965. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ a b c Wallington, Jim (August 22, 1965). "Lansing All-Stars Eye League Opener Sept. 4". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ a b "Slate Exhibition". The Holland Evening Sentinel. August 11, 1965. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "All-Stars Top Milan, 13–10". Lansing State Journal. September 19, 1965. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ Wohlfarth, Dave (October 6, 1965). "Ambitious Colts Seeking Loftier Status In 1966". The Journal Herald. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ a b "7 Lansing Gridders in All-Star Tilt". Lansing State Journal. November 11, 1965. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b Carroll, Tom (September 12, 1965). "No Playing Field Available; Colts May Lose Franchise". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Midwest League Places Colts On Probation". The Journal Herald. September 13, 1965. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Abel Named MFL Commissioner". Petosky News-Review. January 6, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ Carroll, Tom (January 9, 1966). "McCracken Quits As Commissioner". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Dayton Colts Final Cut Set Today". Dayton Daily News. August 14, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Ypsi Gridders Hoist Lid Under Ex-Lion". Detroit Free Press. August 31, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Stars Kick Off 1966 Grid Year". Lansing State Journal. September 2, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ a b Vincent, Charlie (May 20, 1971). "Help for Hamtramck ... Chargers to the Rescue!". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Colts To Play Browns "5"". The Journal Herald. March 7, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ a b c "4 All-Stars Place High In Stats". Lansing State Journal. November 12, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ Carroll, Tom (August 24, 1967). "Colts Steeling For 1st Game". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Arrows Risk Lead". Detroit Free Press. October 21, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ a b "'Stars' Await League Debut". Lansing State Journal. August 29, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Kletke Keeps All Stars Solid". Lansing State Journal. August 25, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Colts Plan To Finish Campaign". The Journal Herald. October 30, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ "Colts Finish 7–5". The Journal Herald. November 27, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "Colts Facing Better Test In Ypsilanti on Saturday". Dayton Daily News. August 8, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "Colts Eye Spoiler Role Vs. Michigan Tonight". The Journal Herald. November 25, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ "Lackawanna Joins MPFL". Dayton Daily News. April 2, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ^ "Chargers Play". Detroit Free Press. August 31, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "Pro Gridder New Home: Hamtramck". Detroit American. May 5, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ^ a b "2 New Cities In Grid Loop". The Journal Herald. May 6, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ^ "All Stars Plan Sunday Drills". Lansing State Journal. July 26, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ^ a b Hill, John (July 18, 1969). "All Stars' Offense Sharp". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  57. ^ "Dayton Football Franchise Is Sold". The Cincinnati Enquirer. April 10, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  58. ^ "Vikings". Star Tribune. September 20, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^ a b Carroll, Tom (November 10, 1968). "McElligott MVP As 5 Colts Make Midwest All-Star Team". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ "Hawks to Open Midwest Grid Play Saturday". The South Bend Tribune. July 30, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ^ "Standings". Dayton Daily News. October 12, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ^ "Colts Make Big Point, Rip Stars". Dayton Daily News. November 17, 1968. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ a b "Hawks Get League OK". The News-Palladium. April 14, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ "Homeless Colts Open Grid Practice Today". Dayton Daily News. July 20, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ^ a b "Untitled". The Escanaba Daily Press. July 7, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ^ a b "Grand Rapids '11' In Midwest League". Battle Creek Enquirer. April 18, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ "New Grid Team Seeking Players". Detroit Free Press. April 11, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ^ Carroll, Tom (May 11, 1969). "McCracken Returning To Coach Dayton Colts". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ^ a b c "Lansing 'Stars Face Lackawanna in Playoff". Lansing State Journal. November 3, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  70. ^ Carroll, Tom (October 8, 1969). "9-Man Committee Pumps New Life Into Dayton Colts". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ Hill, John (November 9, 1969). "All Stars MFL Champs, 20–8". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  72. ^ Hoerner, Bob (December 3, 1969). "Duker Goes First Class". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  73. ^ "John Abel Dies At 54". The News-Palladium. March 7, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  74. ^ "MFL Boss Authorizes Player Loan". Lansing State Journal. July 17, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ^ "Tri-City Apollos Join Midwest Football League". Lansing State Journal. April 9, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  76. ^ "Coach to Present Independent Colts". Dayton Daily News. July 5, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  77. ^ "Lansing All Stars Plan Tryouts July 6". Lansing State Journal. July 3, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  78. ^ "Ex-Spartan Feraco Hawk Quarterback". The News-Palladium. July 22, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  79. ^ "Michiana Will Test Improved Cowboys". The News-Palladium. August 14, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  80. ^ "Hawks Ready 'Surprises' For Joliet". The Herald Press. July 31, 1970. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  81. ^ "All Stars Keep Commitment". Lansing State Journal. October 2, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  82. ^ "Hawks Host Trojans In Charity Contest". The News-Palladium. October 2, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  83. ^ "Hawks' Fate On Flip Now". The News-Palladium. October 19, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  84. ^ "Hawks Open Playoffs At Pontiac Saturday". The News-Palladium. October 23, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  85. ^ Stabley, Fred Jr. (October 24, 1970). "All Stars Advance to Title Game". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  86. ^ "Will 4th Meeting Prove Difficult?". Lansing State Journal. October 28, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ^ "All Stars Playoff Champs". Lansing State Journal. November 1, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  88. ^ Stabley, Fred Jr. (November 4, 1970). "All Stars To Test Joliet". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  89. ^ "Stars' Defense Faces Test". Lansing State Journal. November 11, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  90. ^ Stabley, Fred Jr. (November 15, 1970). "Stars Win Easily". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ^ "All Stars Upset by Joliet, 21–3". Lansing State Journal. November 23, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  92. ^ a b "Midwest Grid Loop OKs Divisional Play". Lansing State Journal. April 14, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  93. ^ Vanden Reede, John (June 24, 1971). "Quarterback Problem Hits Hawks". The News-Palladium. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  94. ^ Senyczko, Ed (July 30, 1971). "Cowboys Spoiling for Fight". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  95. ^ a b c d "League adds two teams". The South Bend Tribune. April 5, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  96. ^ "Walet Foresakes Pro Grid". The Town Talk. June 30, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ^ "Columbus Bucks Open On Sunday". Dayton Daily News. June 28, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  98. ^ a b Long, Dave (August 25, 1974). "Pro Football Back in Town". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  99. ^ Senyczko, Ed (July 29, 1971). "All Stars Question Pay Rule". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  100. ^ "Byrne Elected Midwest Football Vice President". The Circleville Herald. September 10, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  101. ^ a b "Midwest Football League (Final Standings)". Lansing State Journal. November 4, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  102. ^ Senyczko, Ed (November 6, 1971). "Stars Host Niagara". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  103. ^ Senyczko, Ed (November 11, 1971). "All Stars Bid for Third MFL Title". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  104. ^ "It's Stars, Columbus In Finals". Lansing State Journal. November 7, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  105. ^ "Columbus Unseats All Stars". Lansing State Journal. November 14, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  106. ^ "Lansing All Stars Not Through Yet". Lansing State Journal. November 18, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  107. ^ "Penna. Bruins Play Saturday At Columbus". Lebanon Daily News. November 19, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  108. ^ "Columbus Team Easily Defeats Penna. Bruins". Lebanon Daily News. November 22, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  109. ^ Hoerner, Bob (December 1, 1971). "'Stars' Finale A Snowy Flop". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  110. ^ "All Stars Hope for Rematch ..." Lansing State Journal. September 20, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  111. ^ Stultz, Max (July 7, 1972). "Caps Start Anew; New League, Town". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  112. ^ Moore, Bill (October 1, 1971). "Hawks Battle For Survival". The News-Palladium. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  113. ^ "Youngstown to Join Midwest League". News Journal. December 16, 1971. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  114. ^ a b "Rodak Named To Coach Youngstown's Pro Team". The Evening Review. January 3, 1972. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  115. ^ a b "Hawks Will Sit Out 1972". The News-Palladium. February 16, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  116. ^ "It's Grid Time". Detroit Free Press. July 7, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  117. ^ Paladino, Larry (April 6, 1972). "'Great Future' Seen For Midwest Football League". The News-Palladium. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  118. ^ Senyczko, Ed (July 14, 1972). "All Stars Approach New Season Saturday With High Optimism". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  119. ^ Lindstrom, Don (July 22, 1972). "Mustangs Have Tough Assignment". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  120. ^ "New Grid Group; D.M. A Member". Des Moines Tribune. May 12, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  121. ^ Zitrin, Rich (January 9, 1972). "He's Bucking 'NFL Monopoly'". The Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  122. ^ Phillips, John (March 22, 1972). "Team Handball An Exciting, Unique Sport". The Indiana Gazette. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  123. ^ a b c d e Cooper, Bob (February 21, 1973). "It's summer football time!: One of the best semi-pro football teams is owned, operated and coached by Livingston county people". Livingston County Daily Press and Argus. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  124. ^ a b "Midwest Football League Suing Ex-Commissioner". Lansing State Journal. May 4, 1973. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  125. ^ "8–2 Caps Still Eye Title". The Indianapolis News. October 9, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  126. ^ "Caps Win MFL Title". The Indianapolis Star. October 15, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  127. ^ Senyczko, Ed (January 21, 1973). "Lansing All Stars Map Plans For 1973 Season". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  128. ^ Hager, Don (May 6, 1972). "Football Returns". The Charleston Daily Mail. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  129. ^ "West Virginia cancels plans to field Midwest pro team". The Courier-Journal. August 29, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  130. ^ Senyczko, Ed (October 11, 1972). "Fort Wayne Gets Look at MFL Teams". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  131. ^ Moore, Bill (March 23, 1973). "Michiana Hawks Coming Out Of Hibernation". The News-Palladium. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  132. ^ a b "Grid Caps Back In Business Again". The Indianapolis News. April 23, 1973. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  133. ^ Long, Dave (September 2, 1973). "Barons Still Feature Dayton Area Gridders". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  134. ^ Angelopoulos, Jimmie (July 11, 1973). "Caps Play For The Love Of It". The Indianapolis News. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  135. ^ "Detroit Giants Nip Lions, 16–13". Detroit Free Press. July 1, 1973. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  136. ^ "Ed Dubaj Fills Role of Grid Coach With 2 Teams". Lansing State Journal. May 20, 1973. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  137. ^ Senyczko, Ed (May 1, 1973). "New Look About MFL". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  138. ^ "Hawks Seeking Field, Gate Wins". The News-Palladium. August 24, 1973. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  139. ^ a b Fortner, Larry (May 31, 1974). "Caps Say 'We're For Real'". The Indianapolis News. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  140. ^ "Caps Win; Gain Midwest Playoff". The Indianapolis News. September 17, 1973. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  141. ^ "Indy Caps Triumph In Fort Wayne Tilt". The Indianapolis Star. September 24, 1973. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  142. ^ a b c "Caps To Open MFL Title Defense At Detroit July 13". The Indianapolis Star. May 31, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  143. ^ "Lansing All Stars Drop Opener, 24–0". Lansing State Journal. July 14, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  144. ^ "Has No Hope". Detroit Free Press. July 14, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  145. ^ "Sub Passer Stalls Pontiac". The Indianapolis News. July 29, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  146. ^ "Midwest Football League standings". Lansing State Journal. July 31, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  147. ^ "Lansing's An All Star Town—Terres". Lansing State Journal. June 23, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  148. ^ a b "Midwest Football League (Final Standings)". Lansing State Journal. September 18, 1974. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  149. ^ "Caps Host Flint In Season Finale". The Indianapolis News. September 14, 1974. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  150. ^ "Caps Drop 15–2 Playoff Battle". The Indianapolis Star. September 29, 1974. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  151. ^ "Credibility Goal Of Lansing Team". Lansing State Journal. September 19, 1974. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  152. ^ Walkden, Jack (June 11, 1975). "Now It's Capitals". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  153. ^ Myers, Mike (July 23, 1975). "'Sleeping' Caps Eye '76 Awakening". The Indianapolis News. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  154. ^ Tempest, Rone (September 28, 1975). "Incredible Losing Machine Does It With Style". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  155. ^ "Dayton Colts Return". Dayton Daily News. June 6, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  156. ^ "Capitals' Kickoff Tonight". Lansing State Journal. July 26, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  157. ^ "Arrows Win... They're Now 4–1". Detroit Free Press. August 25, 1973. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  158. ^ Booker, Bill (October 6, 1975). "Colts Choke Academes 20–2, Former Wave Marshall 'Felt'". The Daily Advocate. Retrieved April 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  159. ^ "Capitals Continue Tryouts". Lansing State Journal. June 19, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  160. ^ a b "MFL title game termed a rousing success". Lansing State Journal. November 4, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  161. ^ "Mini-Super Bowl game to settle MFL crown". Lansing State Journal. October 31, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  162. ^ Richmond, Dennis (December 6, 1975). "Central States-Midwest Merger Looms". Manitowoc Herald-Times. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  163. ^ "No Merger For CSFL, Midwest". Manitowoc Herald-Times. December 8, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  164. ^ "Kauffman resigns MFL post". Lansing State Journal. April 8, 1976. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  165. ^ Benagh, Jim (August 10, 1976). "Football Arrows: That 'Other' Pro Team In City of Pontiac". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  166. ^ "Hardhats To Face Michigan Indians". The Salem News. July 30, 1976. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  167. ^ "It's a labor of love". The Journal Herald. July 9, 1976. Retrieved May 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  168. ^ Henning, Lynn (July 22, 1976). "Capitals lose Saturday game, Flint quits MFL". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  169. ^ a b c Senyczko, Ed (July 31, 1977). "A new MFL returns". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  170. ^ a b "Capitals doorway to pros?". Lansing State Journal. August 7, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  171. ^ a b c "Caps to hold grid tryouts". Lansing State Journal. July 29, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  172. ^ "'Superstars' Eye MPFL Battle". The Indianapolis Star. August 24, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  173. ^ "Foeless Jets sit out another". Press and Sun Bulletin. September 28, 1977. Retrieved April 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  174. ^ "Jets stun Hardhats, 29–21". Press and Sun-Bulletin. October 23, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  175. ^ "Midwest Football League standings". Lansing State Journal. October 16, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  176. ^ "Columbus 'bombs' Caps". Lansing State Journal. October 18, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  177. ^ a b "Wyoming Cobras play". Casper Star-Tribune. May 10, 1978. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  178. ^ a b c d e f g h McCray, Kevin B. (1982). "The Columbus Metros: Forced to Punt" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. 4 (1): 1–4. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  179. ^ "Kaps Host Kalamazoo". The Indianapolis News. July 14, 1978. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  180. ^ "Indy passer too much for Capitals". Lansing State Journal. August 14, 1978. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  181. ^ "MFL playoffs begin". Lansing State Journal. September 13, 1978. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  182. ^ "Caps crushed by Columbus". Lansing State Journal. September 19, 1978. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  183. ^ Senyczko, Ed (October 1, 1978). "NFL officials slipping?". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  184. ^ Hurt, Murray (May 17, 1979). "Black Hawks to tour Europe". The Rock Island Argus. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  185. ^ "Caps". The Indianapolis Star. July 28, 1980. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  186. ^ Senyczko, Ed (June 29, 1980). "It was the game they loved". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  187. ^ Senyczko, Ed (August 12, 1979). "Cobb shaking off the label". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  188. ^ "Lansing joins charity football league in '80". Lansing State Journal. November 22, 1979. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  189. ^ "Colts Hoping For Turnabout At Ypsilanti Tomorrow". The Journal Herald. September 1, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  190. ^ Senyczko, Ed (October 8, 1971). "Stars Lose Beard To AFL Broncos". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  191. ^ Senyczko, Ed (September 15, 1972). "All Stars End Home Season". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  192. ^ a b "Behrman Joins Capitals For Dayton Game". Lansing State Journal. July 25, 1975. Retrieved April 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  193. ^ "Notes...off the cuff". The Plain Dealer. April 8, 1972. Retrieved May 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  194. ^ "All Stars Don't Act Like Losers". Lansing State Journal. August 2, 1974. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  195. ^ "Exhibition Game Has Added Import". Dayton Daily News. August 19, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  196. ^ "Behrman, Coin, Olson Play Against Hawks Saturday". The News-Palladium. July 27, 1973. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  197. ^ Senyczko, Ed (July 6, 1973). "All Stars' Defense Faces Test". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  198. ^ Carroll, Tom (September 10, 1965). "Ferguson Menace to Own Colts Teammates in Drill". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  199. ^ "All Stars Seeking Offensive Punch". Lansing State Journal. September 15, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  200. ^ "Caps set sights for MFL revenge". Lansing State Journal. August 18, 1978. Retrieved April 17, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  201. ^ Hill, John (September 19, 1969). "No 'Wait Until 1970' For Lansing 'Stars". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  202. ^ Senyczko, Ed (July 20, 1974). "Sabres Have Look of a Real Powerhouse". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 17, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  203. ^ "Third Win Is Sought By Hardhats". The Weirton Daily Times. July 15, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  204. ^ "Indy Caps To Host Columbus Saturday". The Indianapolis Star. July 24, 1973. Retrieved April 18, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  205. ^ Senyczko, Ed (July 25, 1976). "MFL woes tied to owners". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  206. ^ Lamm, Corky (April 24, 1973). "'City Needs Us,' Says Cap Boss". The Indianapolis News. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  207. ^ "All Stars Need To Stop Juday". Lansing State Journal. October 6, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  208. ^ a b Boone, Ernie (September 30, 1966). "'Stars' Bank on New Passer". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  209. ^ "Colts' Passing Attack Hobbled By Injuries". The Journal Herald. October 6, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  210. ^ Shepherd, Buster (August 5, 1972). "Caps Tangle With Detroit". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  211. ^ "Determined Lowry finds NFL niche". The Marion Star. August 26, 1983. Retrieved May 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  212. ^ "Emphasis On PAT, Passes In Colts' Contest Tonight?". The Journal Herald. October 16, 1965. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  213. ^ "Hawks Leap In Fire Against Lackawanna". The News-Palladium. August 15, 1969. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  214. ^ "Unbeatens To Clash". Dayton Daily News. September 10, 1966. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  215. ^ "All Stars OK Charity Game". Lansing State Journal. June 26, 1973. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  216. ^ Anastor, Herb (November 25, 1983). "Piccone's Pro Career Feared in Jeopardy". The Millville Daily. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  217. ^ Hill, John (July 31, 1970). "Defense Stingiest". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  218. ^ "Ruling Leaves 5 Players Property of All Stars". Lansing State Journal. July 18, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  219. ^ Zitrin, Rich (July 14, 1972). "Spencer Irked By Demotion". The Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  220. ^ "Grid Arrows Sign Tillotson, Thomann". Traverse City Record Eagle. June 13, 1967. Retrieved April 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  221. ^ "'Lansing Super Bowl,' That's Right, Saturday". Lansing State Journal. September 19, 1970. Retrieved April 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  222. ^ "Couple of pro football pioneers renew friendship". The Galveston Daily News. February 24, 1984. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  223. ^ Kennedy, Sarge (1988). "The Continental Football League" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. 10 (5): 11. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  224. ^ "Watson Kicks 56-Yard FG, Hardhats Roll". The Evening Review. July 9, 1974. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  225. ^ Hill, John (July 30, 1970). "'Stars in Home Test". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  226. ^ Carroll, Tom (March 2, 1969). "You Don't See Double; Officials Are Brothers". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Gill, Bob; Maher, Tod; Brainerd, Steve (2010). Outsiders II: Minor League and Independent Football 1951–1985. St. Johann Press. ISBN 9781878282651.