From the Front Row: Inside the Steeldogs
Chris Yow
Sunday February 25, 2007
Alabama Steeldogs: Do or Die in Season 8
Did you have the pleasure of watching the first game ever to kick off in the history of the af2? I did. Me and 14,780 other people did. And the only people that walked out happy were sitting in the upper deck in the corner of the end zone—Tennessee Valley Vipers fans. That was March 31, 2000. Almost seven years ago when the Steeldogs played the first game at the BJCC.
That season was a season of firsts—for everyone. The football capital of the south witnessed a brand of football that was never imagined in most Alabamian’s minds. Bobby Humphrey coached a football team that had never heard of this game—heck, he’d barely heard of it! But a 7-9 record seemed to be good enough for a first time team.
The 2001 season was a real success. The team went on to a 12-4 record, but lost in the playoffs to Richmond—who barely lost to Quad City in the Arena Cup. The excitement of a good football team had finally arrived in the Magic City.
In 2002 the Steeldogs made a real run at the league’s championship, going 11-5 in the regular season, beating their hated rivals Tennessee Valley for the first time ever—at Tennessee Valley. Then defeating number one-seeded Tulsa Talons on the road as well, before falling at home to eventual champion Peoria in the conference championship game. Posting a 13-6 record really did wonders for fans and the staff.
2003 rolled in and the Steeldogs rolled out—or over. They played dead most of the year, matching their first season’s record at 7-9. This did not set well with the fans of Birmingham, and the city soon let that be known.
After taking a beat down at the hands of Bossier City in week one of the 2004 campaign, the Steeldogs reeled off eight straight wins, including the first win against Tennessee Valley in the BJCC; only to fall to the Columbus Wardogs the next week. After falling to Cape Fear in the first round of the playoffs, the Steeldogs were sitting at 10-7 and going downhill fast.
2005 saw a lot of coaching changes, and we will leave this season behind with the burned jerseys. 2-14 was not good enough, and Coach Bobby Humphrey paid the ultimate price—his job.
A new leaf was turned over in the Ron Selesky era. Selesky assembled one of the most talented teams in the af2, however the team never gelled together and that led to a disappointing 7-9 finish, including two losses to Tennessee Valley who finished the season 3-13.
Now 2007 is just around the corner, and as it approaches the talk gets louder and more frequent. “Can the Steeldogs be a playoff team?” “Who is coming back?” All of these questions must be answered, but the one that matters the most is, “Can the Steeldogs stay around any longer?”
It’s now do-or-die time for the Alabama Steeldogs organization. The front office has assembled the best staff that they can, and are happy with the production. But the success obviously can’t stop there. The coaching staff has been up and out recruiting and scouting. Players are being contacted and are ready for the season to begin. Fans are trying to make up their minds if they even want to be a part of a franchise that is almost in shambles.
However, everything can be fixed with one letter, “W”. If you put a “W” in the column more times than not—you are a success. And that is what this city is all about. If the team isn’t winning, they aren’t coming.
So if you’re looking forward to Steeldogs football, hope it’s a winner. Because if not, the last straw that is holding up the fort may fold.
