The Journey Begins

For the Muskego Hitmen, each season begins the day after our last game. We clean house, re-evaulate talent, coaches, and try to determine what needs to be done to secure a championship in the uncoming season. One of the most important tasks is securing new players. Every year, people step away from the Hitmen for various reason. Because virtually everyone on the roster plays a big role for the team, we need to find someon to fill that spot.

However, The Muskego Hitmen evaluate players a little bit differently than most other teams. For the Hitmen, it isn't about how big, how strong, or your 'credentials'. No, The Hitmen look for, obviously, ability and talent, but most importantly, character. While The Hitmen record times during the tryouts, the numbers are rarely used as the determining factor if a player is considered to stay on the team or not.

Not only does a player need to be able to be able to perform physically, but they also need to, buy into and feed the Hitmen Philosophy of team success be for individual success. The Hitmen have turned away D-1 college players, former IFL All-Stars, arena players and others simply becuase of their attitude towards the team or league. And this shows on the field as the Hitmen are, as a team, one of the smallest collection of players in the IFL. However, their track record of success speaks for itself. The continue to win despite their lack of 'Big Name" players.

For the past few years The Hitmen have held an open try-out before the season to find players to fill spots and add to the roster. Anyone, and everyone shows up - Even familiar IFL Faces. They are tested on their speed, quickness, agility, and football ability. All the while current players are assessing their willingness to play a specific role on the team, how committed are the hopefuls and if they fit into the Hitmen philosophy.

Many teams around the league are much the opposite. Trying to play the numbers game with massive rosters. Or trying to compile a roster of All-stars and big time players from around the league. Some teams like to go after D-1 College players and rely on their previous expereince and talent in an effort to overwhelm opposing teams. The Hitmen have never done any of these things. In fact, they try to keep a short roster and rarely seek out players from other teams.

No, The Hitmen open the doors to whoever has the desire to win at whatever cost. And with those select few players who make the first cut, The Muskego Hitmen make due with what comes to them. The Hitmen don't make any promises to individual players when they come one, in fact, the Hitmen don't even want players to sign a contract.

Why? The Hitmen feel that if a player is unhappy with us and wants to play else where, holding them to a contract will only make the situation worse. Bottom line - If you don't want to play with the Hitmen, the Hitmen don't want you to play with them! But as a team, the Musekgo Hitmen can promise that if everyone understands their role on the team and does what is asked of them - We will be winning a lot of football games.