Mustang Finale Limps to Conclusion
John Hoh
Sunday July 22, 2001
Referring to his prospects as head coach with the Milwaukee Mustangs (or whatever they will be called wherever next year), Rick Frazier simply stated that a meeting with management would be held on Tuesday. He would then call his players Tuesday evening and Wednesday to tell them what management decides. A press conference has not been scheduled.
It was stated that Chris Valozzi, Mustang general manager, had already made certain decisions but did not feel at liberty to disclose them.
“We didn’t win enough games to make the playoffs,” Coach Frazier said, “and I’m the guy responsible for that. Every free agent move we made didn’t pan out.
“We learned an important lesson in free agency. Whether we continue here in Milwaukee or elsewhere, we will build on what we learned in free agency.”
When asked to describe the season in one word, Frazier and game co-Ironman Kahlil Carter stated: “Tough.” Coach Frazier actually had another word, “But I can’t say it,” he rued.
As for the future of his coaching career with the Mustangs or the Mustangs’ future, Frazier gave the indication that renovations to the Bradley Center might include a room for the many rumors swirling around: “I’ve heard every rumor you can imagine—and some rumors you won’t believe!”
Carter’s assessment of the season came down to personnel. “We just never got that continuity. We never had a defensive leader. We played five rookies on defense.”
Carter was asked about the off-field distractions and he admitted, “At no time were we happy.” He emphasized that Coach Frazier was a great defensive coach and had the defense prepared to play in position. “Look how many times we kept the opponent to 14 points or less at halftime.” Carter also said the players had to take the blame, that they were paid professionals. And while Coach Frazier finally admitted the distractions hurt the team, he also said that each member of the team was a professional football player and was paid to play the game, not worry about the distractions.
Carter assessed the season as a learning experience, and while he would have preferred more playing time, he understood his position. “I’m watching the greatest players, [Gary] Compton and [Alvin] Ashley, in front of me—and I’m stealing all their stuff!”
Oh, yes, there was a game at the Bradley Center. But was it a game?
Arizona never looked back after a 12-point lead in the first quarter, but the play was uninspired. No doubt some players felt there was nothing to gain by risking it all on every play. The Bradley Center crowd — there was a crowd! — began to boo, although they booed as much at the refs and their flair for blowing the whistle. But when this writer begins noticing the little things, it’s not an inspiring game.
The press row was abuzz with the latest sales/moving rumors. Where is Chris Valozzi sitting now? Hey, are they placing the ball between quarters using a TAPE MEASURE? I thought they used the chains for that. Hmm, the Dodge Truck rotating banner on the scoreboard is still not fixed. Come to think of it, the scoreboard seemed a bit higher (maybe it was—Remy Hamilton didn’t kick the ball and hit the scoreboard; Rattler kicker Ignacio Brache did hit the scoreboard twice, though). And I wonder how the DJ never got flagged for playing the music a tad too long.
It took until well into the second quarter before a kicker split the uprights for a tally on the scoreboard.
The race between two ladies each rolling a tire was competitive, but watching it was tiring. Congratulations to Mary for winning a new set of treads for her mini-van.
Alvin Ashley appeared rattled when he fumbled a late third quarter kick off. Number 33 — wait, number 33 doesn’t appear on any printed roster here — recovers for the touchdown. After straining my neck I can record that the fumble recoverer went by the surname Peaua. So, was this guy a legal roster player?
The opening of the third quarter also seemed to rattle the ‘Stangs. On the first play from scrimmage, a fumble went into the end zone. While it appeared to be a sure Rattler TD, a Mustang lineman fell on it to keep the damage to a safety.
And it seemed the Rattlers had a running game reminiscent of the 1972 Dolphins as the Arizona runners cut through the Mustang front line.
Yet most players refused to give up. Three attempted on-sides kicks gave evidence of a team seeking another win, not packing it in.
“We didn’t win enough games to make the playoffs,” Coach Frazier said, “and I’m the guy responsible for that. Every free agent move we made didn’t pan out.” Silly me, I thought Chris Valozzi was the GM.
Yet it seems all but certain that the Mustangs have packed it in at Milwaukee. Where they’ll go is anyone’s guess. Who I’ll cover next year is an interesting question. And what better way for the night to end than for Gary Compton, the heart and soul of the Mustangs, to surpass the 9,000-yard-plateau and move into fourth place all-time in receiving yardage.
Stayed tuned for a final post-season look at the Mustangs. I’ll be able to get a head start on some of my colleagues. And stayed tuned to find out the future of the Milwaukee Mustangs.
It’s been a great year. I would have liked a few more wins, but I enjoyed another year of watching exciting Arenaball.
John L. Hoh, Jr., is a free-lance writer from Milwaukee who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, as an avid Dolphins fan. He followed Arena Football since its inception, at one point watching tape-delayed games on low-powered WAV-TV in Waukesha. His happiest day was when Milwaukee was awarded the Mustangs franchise; his saddest when the Mustangs were contracted out of the league. John is married to his wife Maija (13+ years) and has a young son, Matthew. John pines for the return of the Arena Football League to Milwaukee.
