The Ironman Football League is embarking on its fourteenth season. What is equally impressive is that for thirteen of those years, there has been a Madison franchise in the league, making it the longest running franchise in the IFL to date. The Madison franchise has a wonderful and prestigious history in the Ironman Football League, dating back to 1998 when the franchise was founded.

In 1998, Brent Harris a Madison native formed a new team in the IFL called the Pardeeville Seminoles. The Seminoles were highly respected throughout the league because they were by far the furthest team away and traveled the most, coming down to Milwaukee every Sunday just to play the game they love. Back then, the IFL had one flagship stadium that everyone played at; teams did not have home fields.

In 1999, the Seminoles compiled a respectable record. They made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2000. In 2001, the franchise changed and moved from Pardeeville to Madison to become the Madison Seminoles. Also in that year, the Seminoles established themselves as a powerhouse as they destroyed their opponents, going 6-1 and winning their first ever championship, Ironbowl V.

Since then, the franchise has constantly showcased raw talent and a strong desire for winning. In 2005, the Seminoles again dominated their opponents. They raced out to an impressive 10-2 record and again, made an appearance in the league’s biggest game, this time Ironbowl IX. But the Seminoles lost to the Milwaukee Bulldogs in a muddy and wet defensive war, 3-0.

In 2006, the franchise was taken over by Bob Gingras and its future never looked brighter. Gingras improved every aspect of the franchise and strengthened its recruiting base. Without missing a beat, the team again appeared in the league championship, Ironbowl X. Once again, they faced the Milwaukee Bulldogs. But as fate would have it, Madison lost, this time 14-0.

In 2007, the franchise became what it is today, the Madison Mustangs. The Mustangs lost to the Hitmen in the National Conference Championship game 13-7 in triple over-time and finished with a 6-4-1 record. The team was presented with the Franchise of the Year award by the league, which is given to the franchise that is not only successful on the field, but off as well in their business endeavors.

In 2008 the Madison Mustangs dominated the IFL, winning Ironbowl XII with an undefeated 12-0 record, finishing ranked as the #1 team in WI., and #12 nationally, and won IFL Franchise of the Year for the second consecutive season.

In 2009 the Mustangs continued their dominance. The Stangs were the first team in IFL history to post back-to-back undefeated championship seasons winning Ironbowl XIII 17-14 in overtime over the Wauwatosa Spartans. The Mustangs finished the season ranked as the #3 ranked team in the Country.

Team Accomplishments:

• - 3 IFL Championships (IFL)
• - 5 Ironbowl appearances (IFL)
• - 5 National Conference Titles (IFL)
• - 75-32-1 Franchise record (IFL)
• - 106-32-2 Franchise record ’64-’74 (CSL)
• - (.723) All-time winning percentage
• - 41 League All-stars (IFL)
• - 1 IFL MVP
• - 2 IFL Hall of Famers

Written by IFL Founder and CEO Chris Chudada