Iowa Eagles | About

The Iowa Eagles, a Minor League football team formerly known as the Manson Eagles, is the second such organization to base itself out of Manson, Iowa, since 2006. The original squad, the Iowa Bruisers, were members of the prestigious North American Football League (N.A.F.L.) but disbanded after the 2006 season.

However, a group players desired to keep a team in Manson and from the Bruiser’s remnants the Manson Eagles were born. Josh Seltz became the new Team Owner/CEO and along with Marketing Director Kevin Wood, paired with veteran Head Coach Marty Hart to keep the dream alive.

In both 2007 and 2008, the Manson Eagles were members of the N.A.F.L. and played in Midwest Division which is affiliated with the Mid-America Football League (M.F.L.). At their peak, the 2007 Eagles had 46 players on their roster with experience in Division I, I-AA, II, III, or the Junior College ranks. Most notably, Fort Dodge native Alonzo Clayton—who played collegiately at Northern Iowa and in the N.F.L.—was on the team. As well, the team consisted of local (and former Manson players) such as Cory Simpson, Michael Johnson, and Cory Sanden.

The Eagles made their 2007 debut when they took on the Des Moines Threshers at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa, on June 16th; unfortunately, the Eagles lost the game, 28-14. The 2007 season was certainly a challenging one as the Eagles then tied their next (and first home) game, 20-20 in Overtime, against the Cedar Valley Vikings. Turnovers, injuries, and player attrition were the main setbacks during the Eagles' first season as the squad ended the 2007 campaign with a 0-11-1 record.

However challenging the 2007 season may have been, there were many successes. For instance, during the fourth game of the season against the then-ranked #12 Dakota Lawdawgs, the Eagles not only trailed, 13-6, for the majority of the game, but also squandered several chances to take the lead: an interception in the endzone and a fumble on the 1-yard line allowed the Lawdawgs to sneak away with a 20-6 victory. The game showed that the Eagles can play with—and against—anybody.

Post-season, six members of the Manson Eagles—Chris McNiel, Leon Williams,Brian Miller, John Elkin, Andy Sowle, and Tierre Pettigew—played in the All-American Bowl, an All-Star game that pitted Minor League football players against Division II and III athletes in the Metrodome in Minneapolis. As well, Sowle andoffensive tackle Josh Seltz earned 2nd Team Central Region All-American honors byMinor League Football News. These accomplishments, coupled with a core group of returning players, provided momentum for the Eagles going into the 2008 season.

In 2008, the Eagles—aided by the addition of new players such as quarterback Zac Lyons, running back Jake Thoma, and defensive end Jared Bell, proved their worth by standing toe-to-toe with every team they played. The Eagles eventually finished 3-7 which included the first-ever win in franchise history when they defeated the La Crosse Rough Riders, 22-19, during the final home game of the season.

The Eagles also nearly upset the Iowa Lighting: with just four minutes remaining in the game and down 13-7, Manson scored to tie the game; however, a missed extra point gave the Lightning just enough momentum and they eventually scored with just over a minute remaining to pull out the victory. As well, Manson gave the Twin Cities Lumberjacks all they could handle and against the Dakota Lawdawgs in the season finale—with the scored tied 6-6 after three quarters—nearly pulled off another upset. The Lightning, Lumberjacks, and Lawdawgs all won 9 or more games and all made it to at least the 2nd Round of the N.A.F.L. playoffs. Simply put, it would be an understatement to say that the Eagles made their presence known in 2008.

The 2008 squad witnessed great play and was illustrated by many players. For starters, Lyons passed for 1,140 yard and his main receivers were tight end Clint Foth (13 receptions for 341 yards, 4 touchdowns) and McNiel (40 receptions, 550 yards, 6 touchdowns) while on the ground Thoma churned out 493 yards on 125 carries and two touchdowns. Defensively, Elkin and Sowle once again were 1-2 in tackles and the duo combined for 97 tackles, 5 blocked passes, 2 quarterback sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and one interception and fumble recovery.

The Coaches Poll also honored a total of eleven Eagles with Midwest Region All-American honors ranging from the 2nd Team to the Honorable Mention squad. Earning 2nd Team honors were Thoma, McNiel, Gilbert, and Elkin while 3rd Team accolades went to Foth, offensive tackle Josh Seltz, Miller, and Sowle. Finally, landing on the Honorable Mention squad was Lyons, offensive guard Jeff Hedman, and Utility Player Tim Rusch. The entity, Minor League Football News, also honored a multitude of Eagles with All-American honors: Gilbert was a 1st Team Selection—an impressive feat considering the Eagles overall record—and was joined by 2nd team selections Seltz and Miller while Thoma, Foth, McNiel, Smith, Elkin, and Sowle all earned Honorable Mention kudos.

Despite the apparent ascension of the Eagles, at the conclusion of the 2008 season Front Office officials decided to switch leagues in order to compete with teams similar in size and demographics. Such that, the Eagles initially became members of the Central States Football League (C.S.F.L.) which soon thereafter merged with the World Football League (W.F.L.). The Eagles will play in the Heartland Division against teams such at the Iowa Sharks (Paulina, IA), the Glenwood Renegades (Glenwood, IA), and the Quad City Stallions (Davenport, IA), and the Southside Saints (Omaha, NE). As well, in early 2009, Manson Eagle Team Officials also decided to change the name from “Manson” to “Iowa” to make it more regional to better serve both sponsors and players.

The Eagles play all home games in Fort Dodge at the legendary Dodger Stadium. For the past three seasons, the Eagles (and former Bruisers) have enjoyed great support from the Manson-Northwest Webster School District, the town of Manson, and all surrounding communities. Moreover, the Iowa Eagles are pleased to present high quality family entertainment for citizens of the North Central Iowa Region while also providing men ages 18-45 a positive outlet as they revisit the gridiron of America’s favorite sport.

The 2009 Eagles are looking to not only improve their overall record, but to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with as new members of the W.F.L..

If you are interested in playing for the Iowa Eagles, please contact Team President/CEO Josh Seltz or Head Coach Marty Hart. As well, don't be intimidated or think you cannot play at this level: if you played football in high school or college and have said to yourself, "I wish I could just play one more game!" here is your chance... take advantage of it!




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	The Iowa Eagles, a Minor League football team formerly known as the Manson Eagles, is the second such organization to base itself out of Manson, Iowa, since 2006. The original squad, the Iowa Bruisers, were members of the prestigious North American Football League (N.A.F.L.) but disbanded after the 2006 season. However, a group players desired to keep a team in Manson and from the Bruiser’s remnants the Manson Eagles were born. Josh Seltz became the new Team Owner/CEO and along with Marketing Director Kevin Wood, paired with veteran Head Coach Marty Hart to keep the dream alive. In both 2007 and 2008, the Manson Eagles were members of the N.A.F.L. and played in Midwest Division which is affiliated with the Mid-America Football League (M.F.L.). At their peak, the 2007 Eagles had 46 players on their roster with experience in Division I, I-AA, II, III, or the Junior College ranks. Most notably, Fort Dodge native Alonzo Clayton—who played collegiately at Northern Iowa and in the N.F.L.—was on the team. As well, the team consisted of local (and former Manson players) such as Cory Simpson, Michael Johnson, and Cory Sanden. The Eagles made their 2007 debut when they took on the Des Moines Threshers at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa, on June 16th; unfortunately, the Eagles lost the game, 28-14. The 2007 season was certainly a challenging one as the Eagles then tied their next (and first home) game, 20-20 in Overtime, against the Cedar Valley Vikings. Turnovers, injuries, and player attrition were the main setbacks during the Eagles' first season as the squad ended the 2007 campaign with a 0-11-1 record. However challenging the 2007 season may have been, there were many successes. For instance, during the fourth game of the season against the then-ranked #12 Dakota Lawdawgs, the Eagles not only trailed, 13-6, for the majority of the game, but also squandered several chances to take the lead: an interception in the endzone and a fumble on the 1-yard line allowed the Lawdawgs to sneak away with a 20-6 victory. The game showed that the Eagles can play with—and against—anybody. Post-season, six members of the Manson Eagles—Chris McNiel, Leon Williams,Brian Miller, John Elkin, Andy Sowle, and Tierre Pettigew—played in the All-American Bowl, an All-Star game that pitted Minor League football players against Division II and III athletes in the Metrodome in Minneapolis. As well, Sowle andoffensive tackle Josh Seltz earned 2nd Team Central Region All-American honors byMinor League Football News. These accomplishments, coupled with a core group of returning players, provided momentum for the Eagles going into the 2008 season. In 2008, the Eagles—aided by the addition of new players such as quarterback Zac Lyons, running back Jake Thoma, and defensive end Jared Bell, proved their worth by standing toe-to-toe with every team they played. The Eagles eventually finished 3-7 which included the first-ever win in franchise history when they defeated the La Crosse Rough Riders, 22-19, during the final home game of the season. The Eagles also nearly upset the Iowa Lighting: with just four minutes remaining in the game and down 13-7, Manson scored to tie the game; however, a missed extra point gave the Lightning just enough momentum and they eventually scored with just over a minute remaining to pull out the victory. As well, Manson gave the Twin Cities Lumberjacks all they could handle and against the Dakota Lawdawgs in the season finale—with the scored tied 6-6 after three quarters—nearly pulled off another upset. The Lightning, Lumberjacks, and Lawdawgs all won 9 or more games and all made it to at least the 2nd Round of the N.A.F.L. playoffs. Simply put, it would be an understatement to say that the Eagles made their presence known in 2008. The 2008 squad witnessed great play and was illustrated by many players. For starters, Lyons passed for 1,140 yard and his main receivers were tight end Clint Foth (13 receptions for 341 yards, 4 touchdowns) and McNiel (40 receptions, 550 yards, 6 touchdowns) while on the ground Thoma churned out 493 yards on 125 carries and two touchdowns. Defensively, Elkin and Sowle once again were 1-2 in tackles and the duo combined for 97 tackles, 5 blocked passes, 2 quarterback sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and one interception and fumble recovery. The Coaches Poll also honored a total of eleven Eagles with Midwest Region All-American honors ranging from the 2nd Team to the Honorable Mention squad. Earning 2nd Team honors were Thoma, McNiel, Gilbert, and Elkin while 3rd Team accolades went to Foth, offensive tackle Josh Seltz, Miller, and Sowle. Finally, landing on the Honorable Mention squad was Lyons, offensive guard Jeff Hedman, and Utility Player Tim Rusch. The entity, Minor League Football News, also honored a multitude of Eagles with All-American honors: Gilbert was a 1st Team Selection—an impressive feat considering the Eagles overall record—and was joined by 2nd team selections Seltz and Miller while Thoma, Foth, McNiel, Smith, Elkin, and Sowle all earned Honorable Mention kudos. Despite the apparent ascension of the Eagles, at the conclusion of the 2008 season Front Office officials decided to switch leagues in order to compete with teams similar in size and demographics. Such that, the Eagles initially became members of the Central States Football League (C.S.F.L.) which soon thereafter merged with the World Football League (W.F.L.). The Eagles will play in the Heartland Division against teams such at the Iowa Sharks (Paulina, IA), the Glenwood Renegades (Glenwood, IA), and the Quad City Stallions (Davenport, IA), and the Southside Saints (Omaha, NE). As well, in early 2009, Manson Eagle Team Officials also decided to change the name from “Manson” to “Iowa” to make it more regional to better serve both sponsors and players. The Eagles play all home games in Fort Dodge at the legendary Dodger Stadium. For the past three seasons, the Eagles (and former Bruisers) have enjoyed great support from the Manson-Northwest Webster School District, the town of Manson, and all surrounding communities. Moreover, the Iowa Eagles are pleased to present high quality family entertainment for citizens of the North Central Iowa Region while also providing men ages 18-45 a positive outlet as they revisit the gridiron of America’s favorite sport. The 2009 Eagles are looking to not only improve their overall record, but to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with as new members of the W.F.L.. If you are interested in playing for the Iowa Eagles, please contact Team President/CEO Josh Seltz or Head Coach Marty Hart. As well, don't be intimidated or think you cannot play at this level: if you played football in high school or college and have said to yourself, "I wish I could just play one more game!" here is your chance... take advantage of it!