Midwest Rampage

History
The Midwest Rampage was officially formed in December 2009 and is owned and operated by its Board of Directors. Based out of Webster City, Iowa the team consisted of many former Minor League players, many of whom had collegiate experience in Division I, II, III, or Junior College ranks.
Soon thereafter, the Board named its new Head Coach in Chris Hansen a former Division II, II, and NAIA coach. Hansen's coaching experience included stints at Loras College, Doane College, St. Cloud State, and Austin College.
In January 2010, the Rampage held several different tryouts to fill its 50-man roster. In all, 64 people from 31 different Iowa towns and cities tried out for the team; the squad's final roster for 2010 had 48 players from 21 cities in Iowa.
The Rampage's inaugural contained many experienced players and a large portion of them had previously played for the Iowa Eagles from Manson, Iowa. Several of these players had played in All-Star games run by notable leagues such as the North American Football League or the World Football League.
The 2010 Rampage roster also consisted of several individuals who had been named as All-Americans by either Minor League Football News or the Coaches Poll such as offensive tackle Joe Gilbert, running back Jake Thoma, defensive tackle Brian Miller, and safety Andy Sowle.
As well, one Rampage player, middle linebacker John Elkin (who also serves as the team's President/CEO, was a 2009 national finalist for both the Linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year awards named Minor League Football News and Hall of Fame.
In their inaugural 2010 season, the Rampage joined the World Football League and finished finished 3-6. A total of 9 players earned All-WFL honors including 1st Team honorees defensive end Jared Bell along with Miller, Elkin, and Sowle. 2nd team selections included offensive tackle Travis Schutt, offensive guard Caleb Schweiger, Thoma, running back Dan Schaa, and cornerback Dirk Timm.
During and after the season, the Rampage also participated in many charitable or community events such as the "Fight Cancer!" benefit operated by Relay for Life. The squad also participated in the Hamilton County Fair Parade and the city of Williams Independence Day parade. In December 2010, the Rampage also co-sponsored a Toy Drive to benefit local underprivileged kids.
In December 2010, the Rampage collaborated with the Des Moines Blaze and formed the Midwest Football Alliance.
Logo
The Rampage's logo is a black rhinoceros which was custom-designed for the team.
Rampage Highlights
* On Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Rampage played its first game of the season at home against the Nebraska Wildcats with over 450 in attendance. After building a 15-point lead, the Wildcats ended up winning, 22-15, after the Rampage committed 7 turnovers. Quarterback Clint Howard completed 15 of 26 passes for 226 yards for 2 touchdowns including a 70-yard strike to wide receiver Kevin Kannuan who finished the game with 4 receptions for 101 yards and 2 TDs.
* On Saturday, May 15, 2010, the Rampage (0-2) took on the Capital City Crush (2-0) and although they led, 6-0, for 3 quarters, found themselves down, 18-6, after committing mishandling several punts. However, an announced crowd of 355 witnessed the Rampage score two touchdowns—one fueled by a key interception by Timm—to win 20-18 for the franchise's first-ever victory. Howard was 10/29 for 153 yards and 3 touchdowns while Thoma had 30 carries for 127 yards.
* On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Rampage (1-2) traveled to Rock Island, Illinois to take on the Quad City Stallions (1-2) at Augustana College. On the Rampage's first drive Howard was sacked in the endzone which allowed the Stallions to take an early 2-0 lead. However, for the next 55 minutes over 600 fans witnessed a back-and-forth chess match and with just under four minutes left in the game, Schaa scored from two yards out; Howard then completed a pass to tight end Zach Klaver for two points and the Rampage held on to win 8-2. Thoma rushed for 85 yards while defensively Sowle and Elkin collected 14 tackles each.
* On Saturday, June 26, 2010, the Stallions visited the Rampage at their home venue, Stampede Stadium, and in 106 degree weather, scored on their first possession to take a 6-0 lead over the Rampage. The Rampage then took a 20-6 halftime and eventually won, 33-6. Thoma rushed for 101 yards and 2 TDs while Kannuan—who had been moved to tailback the previous game—had 118 yards. Schaa, now playing quarterback after a season-ending injury to Howard occurred, added 90 yards on the ground and was 3/5 for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air including a 55-yard strike to wide receiver Andy Goeb.
Venue location and front office
The Midwest Rampage play at Stampede Stadium, which is located inside of the Bob Buckley Track at Webster City High School.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu