The 2012 season was certainly one to remember for the Pigskin Hooligans, and we'd like to conclude by taking a special look at the careers of 3 long-time Hooligans who have announced their retirement. Each of them has had a storied career with the franchise, and they've decided to go out on top after finally winning the title. We sat down for an interview with each of them, asking them a series of questions about their time as a Hooligan. We also tried our best to assemble their career stats, although information for some years is missing or incomplete. Seasons played: 3 (2010, 2011, 2012) Awards won: Breakout Player of the Year (2010), Gold Play of the Year (2011), Heart of the Hooligans (2012) Overall stats: 15 GP, 21 TDs, 7 PATs, 3 INTs Josh retires after 3 oustanding seasons on the Hooligans. He turned in a standout rookie year in 2010, serving as a consistent target with his solid route-running and pass-catching while winning Breakout Player of the Year for his efforts. Josh continued to be a dependable receiver his second year, making the Gold Play of the Year in the championship game by running through almost every defender on one reception and dragging a few of them along afterwards. This season he had to start on a different team to help the league get started and was then limited to one game by a concussion, but he won the Heart of the Hooligans Award for his perseverance. Q&A: Q: You retire as the franchise leader in touchdowns scored. What are your thoughts on your storied 3-year career with the Hooligans? A: I really enjoyed being a Hooligan. It was really great having the same QB for 3 years in Zach and seeing Mike every game. Being a Hooligan was one of the best experiences of my time at Concordia. I’d like to thank Mike and Zach for a great 3 years. Q: Given all the players graduating or retiring, what are your thoughts on the chances of the team repeating next year? A: Mike is so persistent, I am sure that he will fill out the roster just fine. The two hardest positions to fill will be QB and keeping/finding more girls. Zach was really consistent and didn’t throw many picks; the ball was always right on the money. Maybe Mike will use his baseball ties to find another guy with an arm. The girls gained us a ton of extra points with their 9 point touchdowns, so that will be key. The Hooligans weren’t always the quickest or best athletes, but we won consistently because we have heart. Whoever Mike finds will settle into a productive role on the team. Q: Do you have any advice or comments for future Hooligans? A: Future and prospective Hooligans: Enjoy your time on the Hooligans. I never had articles written about me for sports reasons in high school, but Mike makes sure to mention everyone in each of his articles, so appreciate him and all the work he does. Don’t get discouraged, because even when the team has down stretches, we always find a way to come back. Q: It was a shame we only got to see you in one game this year, is there any chance you'd consider unretirement next season even as a sub for a game? A: It would be a lot of fun, but I will not be making a return. By next season, I will be married, and living in a house in downtown Ann Arbor working at St. Paul Lutheran Church. I will work until 5 or 6 every day and won’t be able to make games. If I ever do get a chance, it will only be as a fan. I will keep in the loop on the Facebook page to watch my former teammates, including 3 year teammate Zach Milner and Captain Mike Russell. Seasons played: 5 (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) Awards won: Gold Play of the Year (2012) Overall stats: 25 GP, 4 pass TDs, 16 TDs, 13 PATs, 3 INTs Ryan retires having played in at least part of an astounding 5 seasons on the Hooligans. He first joined the team midway through the 2008 season, leaving the Flyin' Angels to bring a tall receiving presence to the team. Ryan returned for the entire 2009 season, helping the Hooligans make a championship game appearance. He was a midseason acquisition in 2010, tossing a few passing TDs and using his 6' 5" height again to make an impact as a receiver. Ryan was on and off the team in 2011, returning though for the playoffs and playing in the team's second championship appearance. Finally he played the entire 2012 season, making an impact on both sides of the football while collecting the Gold Play of the Year for his early season game-clinching pick 6. Q&A: Q: You've been a Hooligan for 5 years, second only to Captain Russell's 7. What are your thoughts on all the time you've spent as a Hooligan? A: Wow, only five seasons, feels like ages. I've been proud to be a member of the Hooligans for a long time, and it's nice to finally win a championship to add to the memories. You always dream of finishing on top, but the smile on Coach Russell's face made it 10 times more worth it. Q: Given all the players graduating or retiring, what are your thoughts on the chances of the team repeating next year? A: Repeats are hard to achieve, but Coach Russell has mastered the art of communication and really anchored the following of the Hooligans into Intramural history. He is probably the best recruiter around...I have faith knowing that he can search out new talents and put together a strong squad. Q: Do you have any advice or comments for future Hooligans? A: Play with Hooligan pride and have fun! Q: Is there any chance you'd consider unretiring for a 6th season next year, even just as a random sub for a game? A: As of this moment my retirement is final to spend time with my wife and work a little more often...Mike will try and find a good speech to bring me back though... Seasons played: 4 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
Awards won: MVP (2010), MVP (2011), MVP (2012) Overall stats: 30 GP, 113 pass TDs, 13 TDs, 12 PATs, 7 INTs Zach retires after a legendary career as a Hooligan. He has made a name for himself over the years as a quarterback, reading defenses well while providing a solid dual threat with his ability to run when blitzed, but he is also a stellar defender. Zach joined the team in 2009 and had a huge impact, splitting time between QB and receiver while using his speed to help on defense. He returned in 2010 and handled almost all of the QB duties, winning the team's first inaugural MVP award. Zach came back in 2011 and won MVP again for his steady QB presence, leading the team to the championship game. Finally he won MVP for the third time in a row in 2012, guiding the Hooligans to their first ever championship and a 7-0 undefeated season. If Zach has indeed played his last game he retires as a veritable Peyton Manning, and now leaves the Hooligans looking for their Andrew Luck. Q&A: Q: You leave quite a legacy at the QB position, helping to turn the franchise from a struggling underdog into a perennial championship contender. What are your thoughts on your 4 years with the Hooligans? A: I’ve had a lot of fun playing for the Hooligans for the last 4 years. I am thankful and so glad I could be a part of this franchise’s first Championship. Coach Mike puts in a lot of effort for the league and for the team and he deserves to be able to call himself a Champion. I am thankful I was able to do well as a Hooligan. My stats however are just stats though. It takes a team to win a championship! Q: Given all the players graduating or retiring, what are your thoughts on the chances of the team repeating next year? A: Even though a few Hooligans may have played their last game I have confidence in Coach Mike to bring in some fresh new recruits. Q: Do you have any advice or comments for future Hooligans? A: Just be proud to be a Hooligan. Coach Mike may come off tough at times wanting to make sure you’re there all the time but it’s only because he cares and wants to keep the franchise legacy alive. Don’t be afraid to be a HOOLIGAN! Q: Many Hooligans fans think that when that crisp, fall air comes around next year you might get the same "itch" to play again that Brett Favre did and make a comeback. Any chance you'd consider coming out of retirement, or even subbing in for a random game next season? A: When that crisp fall air hits who knows how I’ll feel. But my goal since becoming a Hooligan has always been to help Coach Mike and the team win their first Championship! After we were able to succeed this season I just felt it was time to hang up the cleats. I’ve always been an athlete and an extreme competitor and that will never leave me but at this very moment I don’t see myself coming out of retirement. I wish the Hooligans the best of luck in their future! ROLL HOOLIGANS The Hooligans would like to congratulate Josh, Ryan, and Zach on fine careers with the team. All three players have had storied careers and the team is glad to have had them! This concludes our coverage of the 2012 championship season. Captain Mike Russell will continue to evaluate talent throughout the offseason as the Hooligans now have the challenging task of repeating while having to replace many players. Until next year...ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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