The Crusaders hosted the Green Bay Blackjacks on Saturday May 21st. With spirits high, Officer Birkholz in their hearts, and the rain mysteriously stopping for the duration of the game, the Crusaders responded to the high expectations of head coach Andy Selgrad with a full four quarter effort; dominating from start to finish. 

     From the first snap, the Crusader defense, led by veterans Chad Kollmann, Justin Coulter, Michael "MJ" Jordan, four time IFL All Star Dray Boyington and reinforced with the key offseason acquisitions of free agents Marvin McCoy, Darryel White, William Hill, Riley "PJ" Greenwald, Noah Baker, and Jerome "Young Scraps" Coleman, set the tone with immediate, intense pressure resulting in an interception on the first drive.  They continued to smoother the Blackjacks racking up four sacks, two fumble recoveries, one more interception and holding the offense 152 yards of total offense and 7 points. 

      Feeding of the intensity of the defense, the Crusader offense demonstrated they are not the same squad from past few years; scoring 33 points with 342 yards of total offense.  The backfield trio of veterans Trentice Ashford, Coty Heimstra and rookie Chad Vanderzanden dominated throughout the game averaging over five yards a carry, 178 yards rushing, and two TD's.  In addition, free agent acquisition quarterback Ace Champion and rookie Chris Zanders, accounting for three touchdowns, proved they will be key to Crusader success this year.

     The night was made truly special as the team showed their support for the community with a halftime dedication to fallen Fond du Lac Police Officer Craig Birkholz and donation to the scholarship fund in his name.  Fond du Lac Police Chief Tony Barthuly, injured officer Ryan Williams and his police dog Grendel were on hand to receive almost $1000 in donations generated by ticket sales, concessions, and raffles to be added to the towards the Craig Birkholz Memorial Scholarship presented by retired player/owner Brian Thompson, and representatives from our major sponsors, Moxie Jersey, the Press Box, and Winnebago Lutheran High School.  In addition, the Fond du Lac Police Department received an Autographed Team Football as a show of the appreciation the Crusaders and everyone have for the risks the police offices take to keep the Fond du Lac Community safe.

Update July 2011

After 2 difficult season, the Crusaders organization decided to make a change as they continue to establish a premier Semi-Pro franchise in Fond du Lac.  With a heavy heart, owner John Bromley accepted Head Coach Andy Selgrad and Offensive Coordinator Ot Selgrad's resignation effective July 18, 2011.  During John's conversation with Andy and Ot, the two coaches clearly stated they would be  willing to finish the season.  John was saddened by the situation and after much deliberation decided it was best for the team to make a change immediately and focus on moving forward.  Assistsant coach Frank Hernandez assumed the helm as head coach for the remainder of the season. 

When asked about the future of head coaching position and coaching staff after the season, John said "Right now all I care about is ensuring the team is prepared each week to win.  Coach Hernandez has extensive experience and I have 100% confidence he will get the job done.  As for next season and the future, there has been no discussion or even thoughts about that.  Once the season is over, we'll immediately turn out attention to addressing those questions."

January 2011

After six years of owning and playing for the Fond du Lac Crusaders football team Brian Thompson has passed the baton to John Bromley, who has played middle linebacker for the team for the past three years.  While Brian will continue to be involved with the team as a consultant during this time of transition, John will assume full ownership / CEO responsibility beginning with the 2011 Ironman Football League season.

In assuming his role of owner, John expressed his thanks and appreciation for the leadership and dedication Brian displayed in his years as a player and owner.  John stated “In his six years with the team, Brian’s contribution carried the team through some unstable times and has ensured that the Fond du Lac Crusaders are on a path to success.  Brian Thompson is an important part of the Crusaders which will not be forgotten.”    

In assuming helm, John will retain the leadership staff that was established in the 2010 season, including Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Andy Selgrad, Offensive Coordinator Otmar “Ot” Selgrad, and their staff.  During this offseason, the leadership team is actively engaged in recruiting and mapping out the 2011 strategies necessary to ensure the Crusaders rise to glory.

August 2010

Gentleman, as many of you know I retired from playing last year, this year I am retiring as owner as well. I wanted to send you all a formal notification, that I have choose to hand over the the Crusaders to new ownership. It has been a great six years with the Crusaders and playing in the league for five. 
 
John Bromley has assumed the role of the new Crusaders owner and CEO. For those of you that don't know him, he has played middle linebacker for us the last 3 years, previous to that we played semi pro ball 7 years in southern cal. He has also been an intricate part of Crusaders operations on and off the field.   
 
John Bromley  fdlcrusaders_ceo@hotmail.com 
 
Sincerely , 
 
Brian Thompson
Fond du Lac Crusaders
www.fdlcrusaders.com

September 2010
Every September Main Street Fond du Lac is the location of Fondue Fest, a street fair featuring local vendors, organizations, restaurants, and of course delicious fondue.  At this year’s Fondue Fest the Fond du Lac Crusaders teamed up with the United Way to host a booth featuring football passing skills tests for kids ages 8-18.  Participants received some cool toys, and winners were given raffle tickets for a prize drawing.  Crusaders team members, including owner John Bromley, Head Coach Andy Selgrad, Assistant Coach Frank Hernandez, and Crusader Fan John Richter, volunteered their time to run the football passing portion of the booth.  In addition, team owner John Bromley was invited to the main stage by United Way Executive Director Tina Porter to speak to the crowd about the team and their involvement in the community.  See link to press release and pictures from the event.

In an email to the team, United Way Executive Director Tina Potter and her assistant Amber Kilawee expressed their appreciation for the support from the Crusaders.  Amber stated “Tina and I just wanted to say thank you again for helping us out on Saturday.  We couldn't have gotten things set up and running smoothly without your help.  All of your guys were simply wonderful and so good with kids especially Frank.  What a nice man!”  

Team owner John Bromley extends his thanks to the Crusader volunteers and the United Way.  The Fond du Lac Crusaders are committed to supporting the community and were honored to help the United Way at Fondue Fest.  We look forward to further opportunities to help the community.



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