Chicagoland Football League - The Chicago Chargers

The Chicago Chargers Semi-Pro Football Team is one of the premier teams in the Chicagoland Football League. Established in 1982 as a not-for-profit organization, the Chargers won the 1999 Chicagoland Football League (CFL) Championship and were named 1999 American Football Association "AA" National Champions. The Chargers had previously won the CFL Championship in 1988 and the American Football Association (AFA) National Championship in 1986. A perennial power in the league, the Chargers have appeared in the AFA top 50 rankings several times. The team looks to continue this success in the 2000 season.

The Chargers objective is to influence the individual player in a positive manner, while he is contributing to a structured team environment. Also, the Chargers are extending to the individual, the opportunity to play "organized American football" with the hope and possibility of advancement academically and/or athletically by either scholarship or professional venues. In addition to the individual focus comes the community focus. The Chargers' structured program gives today's youth an alternative to negative influences, while providing the extended community with a positive environment and affordable family entertainment.

The Chargers are led on the field by Quarterback Paul Ohm (the CFL MVP) and Wide Receiver Sean Jackson as well as and Defensive Back Joshua Jackson. Sean Jackson was the Chargers 1999 Offensive Most Valuable Player while Joshua Jackson was the Defensive Rookie of the Year. All were named as First Team 1999 CFL All League selections.

On the sidelines the Chargers are led by Head Coach John Pontikes and his staff. Assisting Coach Pontikes as Offensive Coordinator is Phil Fairweather. The Charger defensive unit is run by Defensive Coordinator Keith Murphy. As well, serving as Assistant Coaches are Tony Cheverette, Andrew Malicki and Matt Pitzer, Bob Kruse. Justin McGrath serves as Operations Director and Catherine Maher serves as Personnel Director.

Behind the scenes, the team is run by President John F. Kola, a former Charger player. In 1997, Kola was recognized for his efforts in working with the Chargers as he was named the CFL Executive of the Year and was inducted as part of the "Class of 2000" Minor League Hall of Fame. Kola was also named CFL General Manager of the Year from 1994 through 1996.

The Chargers are very active with their surrounding community and engage in numerous charity and community functions. This year, the team has volunteered to provide services to the International Traditional Karate Association, The American Cancer Society and the Fox Valley Park District. The team has also been featured in the local media, with coverage from WMAQ, WLS, WFLD, WGN and WBBM news programs as well as on the Ben Loves Chicago and Mancow TV television shows. The team is also covered by local radio stations and has been featured in articles in the Chicago Sun Times and other local newspapers and has broadcast a weekly Cable television show since 1996.

The Chargers play their home games at Hanson Stadium (located at the corner of Fullerton and Central) and conduct practice sessions at Portage Park in Chicago (located at Irving Park Rd. and Central Ave.) The team also has its own cheerleaders who perform routines at each home game and make appearances at numerous community events throughout the year. In addition to taking part in the Chicagoland Football League Awards Dinner, the Chargers will hold their own Awards Banquet.

The Chargers team motto is:

No Agents
No Contracts
No Endorsements
Just Pride in the Game

For more information about the Chicago Chargers,
please contact John Kola at:

Chicago Chargers
5812 West Dakin
Chicago, IL 60634
(312) 409-8877

John Kola, President and Jake	Championship Celebration
Dennis McKinnon	Shawn Sierra

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