Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BRUISERS
BRUISERS. A semi-pro football team in Dubuque, the Bruisers had their inaugural season in 2009. Coached by Peter Staranko, the team began with twenty men who showed up on March 21st to tryout for a slot on the team which would be a member of the North American Football League. The league described as having nearly 100 "adult amateur football teams." The league was founded by Robert F. Licopoli in 1999 to link the fragmented semi-pro teams across the country. (1) In November, Dubuque Bruisers quarterback Jermar Jackson led the North to a 24-21 victory over the South and earned a Most Valuable Player designation. Runnersup for MVP honors were Dubuque's Thoni Oriental (5 tackles) and Adam Kaiser (two interceptions, four passes defended). Jackson and Dominick Locascio were scheduled to play in the All-American Bowl in Minneapolis. (2)
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Source:
1. Blanchard, Courtney, "Football Team Holds Tryouts," Telegraph Herald, March 22, 2009, p. 13
2. Bruiser's Jackson Scores All-Star MVP Honors," Telegraph Herald, November 26, 2009, p. 10