JANESVILLE 10 MESSENGER ■ Sunday, July 27, 2008 communityshoppers.com SPORTS JIM IM CHEADLE HEADLE SCALES AND TAILS ACTING THEIR AGE New rules in place for this year’s wild-turkey hunt As July draws to a close, it’s time to remind everyone that applications for fall turkey, Horicon or Collins Zone goose, Exterior Zone goose and sharp-tailed grouse must be filed by midnight Friday. I also have some important news to pass on about changes in the turkey-hunting zones. There now are just seven zones that cover the entire state. I hope this eventually will increase the chances of procuring a permit. Rock County now lies in Zone 2. This new zone runs from the Stateline in the south to just north of Green Bay. Looking east and west, its southern portion extends from central Dane County to Lake Michigan. The zone then angles northeast, and includes most of Door County. Special zones include Governor Dodge, Devils Lake, Wyalusing, Wildcat Mountain, Mirror Lake, Buckhorn, Newport, Interstate and Willow River state parks. Special disabled-only zones include Natural Bridge, Nelson Dewey, Belmont Mound, New Glarus Woods and Rocky Arbor state parks, as well as Loew Lake Unit and Kettle Moraine State Forest. There are several ways to apply for a permit. You can go to a local license vendor, send it via mail or apply online; however, the deadline for each is midnight Friday. You may apply for up to four wild-turkey zones, but keep in mind that applying for a specific zone multiple times will not increase your chances. If your name is drawn, you will receive a notice in about six weeks. For Canada goose, you must apply for your preferred zone and time period. If you receive an Exterior Zone permit, you are ineligible to apply for Collins or Horicon. ***** Wisconsin has joined 28 other states in the Wildlife Violator Compact. If an individual’s hunting, fishing or trapping privileges are suspended in one state, that person may not obtain a license or permit in the other states. If a nonresident hunter is cited in Wisconsin and fails to pay or appear in court, state officials will notify the person’s <strong>home</strong> state for revocation action. Any conviction will be relayed to all participating states. ***** John Trossen at Pier Bait in Lake Geneva said bluegill are biting at about 25 feet, and walleye can be found over the weeds with crawler harnesses, even during the day. Deep weed edges are holding some northern pike, so try Lindy rigs with suckers. Early in the day, I like to throw No. 5 Mepps spinners along the weeds for those “gators.” ***** An upcoming event I’m happy to promote is Operation Ooh-Rah, a benefit concert for the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd LAAD Battalion and their families. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Afton Pub and Park. Along with music from End Fight Scene, Pistol Pete with Zach Johns and Dynamite Society, there will be a biker rodeo, watermelon-eating contest and clowns. There also will be raffles and food catered by Friendly Village. Pick up your tickets at Stateline Cycle, Marine Corps League, Hammy’s Roadside Bar, Skip’s Friendly Village or Afton Pub and Park. The Wild Goose says: Once again, exercise caution on any moving water system. While shore fishing along the banks, I’ve seen some huge floaters, including trees more than 20-feet long. Editor’s note: Write Jim Cheadle at 4108 W. Spring Creek, Beloit WI 53511. Call him at (608) 365-5280. E-mail him at jcheadle@inwave.com. Gladiators linemen prove you’re only as old as you feel BY SAM KILLIAN STAFF WRITER JANESVILLE — For Todd Livingston, joining the Rock County Gladiators was a chance to move up a rung on the football ladder. For A.J. Albrecht Sr., it was a second chance to play the game he loves. Janesville residents Albrecht, 46, an offensive lineman, and Livingston, 41, a defensive lineman, are the oldest players on the Gladiators roster. The semiprofessional team is finishing their <strong>first</strong> season in the Ironman Football League (see related story) Albrecht joined the team for its inaugural season in 2007; Livingston hooked on this year as the Gladiators moved to the IFL. Both relish the opportunity to play with teammates and opponents of any age. “Every day was going to be a learning experience, but this is exactly what we expected,” Livingston said. Albrecht, a correctional officer in Walworth County, sustained a knee injury during high school. Over time, he underwent 22 surgeries, which regularly kept him off the gridiron. However, a high-tech knee brace has allowed him to get back on the field after nearly 25 years. “It was something I never thought I’d get a chance to do again,” Albrecht said. “You always think about how nice it would be to strap on the gear and play again, (but) never actually thinking it would happen.” His wife, Lisa, was worried about the prospect of her husband playing again, but now is glad she didn’t discourage him from joining the team. “If I would have said ‘no,’ I think it would have cost him,” she said. “He’ll just have a huge smile from playing football.” Livingston, who works for DaCon Concrete Construction in Edgerton, played in flag-football leagues for a number of years, but decided he wanted to compete at the next level. “It’s what I was hoping for, to get some competition,” he said. BY SAM KILLIAN STAFF WRITER JANESVILLE — The Rock County Gladiators have had to make a number of adjustments during their <strong>first</strong> season in a new league, but players and coaches say they are happy to face improved competition. The team spent its inaugural season last year dominating the Northwest Indiana Football League — the Gladiators finished 13-0 and won the league championship. After making the jump to the Ironman Football League, the Gladiators have a 2-5 record, although one victory came via forfeit. The team has been involved in several close games and tough losses, including last-minute losses to the Roscoe Rush in overtime June 7 and the McHenry County Pirates July 5. “It’s been a little bit of a heartbreaking season, but I think we just need one or two tweaks and we’ll be there,” said team co-owner and head coach Carter Linneman. Despite his team’s losing record, coowner Brian Worth remains positive. Photos courtesy of Rock County Gladiators Above, Rock County Gladiators defensive lineman Todd Livingston (67) makes a tackle during a recent game. Below, offensive lineman A.J. Albrecht Sr., walks off the field after a win July 19 over the Fond du Lac Crusaders. Livingston, 41, and Albrecht, 46, are the oldest members on the Gladiators roster. IFL owner and Commissioner Pete Narrai said 30 to 40 of the league’s 1,100 players are between the ages of 35 and 45. “These guys are strong,” Narrai said. “There are still guys out there that are willing to put it on the line just for the sake of playing the game.” Gladiators co-owner Carter Linneman said his team’s older, more experienced players mentor the younger players. “They are able to patrol things on the field, while (the coaching staff) patrols things on the sideline,” Linneman said. Co-owner Brian Worth agreed. “Todd and A.J. bring an experience and maturity level to our team that is second to none,” he said. “The veteran “I’m very happy with the new league,” he said. “It makes for a much more exciting game for our fans.” The IFL was founded in 1996, and includes teams from southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. League owner and Commissioner Pete Narrai believes the Gladiators are a leadership that we have from them and others really helps on the field more than us as coaches can do from the sidelines.” Quarterback Dan Roberts said he has Livingston learned a lot from Albrecht and Livingston. “At <strong>first</strong>, we were questioning their skills a little, but once you see them on the field they are all business,” Roberts said. “If anyone needs to say anything to calm us down or get us to focus, they’re the ones to say it.” Livingston said he just tries to teach younger players consistency and how to avoid penalties. Albrecht said he learns just as much from the younger players as they learn from him. “Twenty-five years is a long time to go between college to playing again,” he said. “I pick up a ton of stuff.” Playing with Livingston also has helped Albrecht grow as a player. “You want to think you’re 25, 26 (years old) on the field, but you’re not,” Albrecht said. “Seeing Todd going through the same things I do really helps.” Livingston agreed. ”When you’re over 40, it takes a lot longer to heal,” he said. “It’s like Saturday-to-Saturday aching.” GROWING PAINS: TEAM ADJUSTING TO NEW LEAGUE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD Results so far from the Rock County Gladiators’ inaugural IFL season: ■ June 7: Roscoe 30, Gladiators 24 (OT) ■ June 14: Muskego 22, Gladiators 14 ■ Gladiators 7, Oak Creek 0 (forfeit) ■ June 28: Burlington 39, Gladiators 28 ■ July 5: McHenry Co. 46, Gladiators 38 ■ July 12: Madison 54, Gladiators 7 ■ July 19: Gladiators 26, Fond du Lac 20 For further updates, visit www.rcgladiators.com or www.ironmanfootballleague.com. good fit in the highly competitive IFL. “I predict that by next year, the Gladiators will be right up there on top,” Narrai said. “They have one of Worth the better organizations.” The Gladiators recently signed a five-year deal to stay in the IFL. “It was getting boring for some of our fans (last year) when we’d blow people out from week to week,” Worth said. Offensive lineman A.J. Albrecht Sr. agreed. “The level of competition is five times greater than it was last year,” he said. “You come off completely drained, but it’s worth it.” The Gladiators played Saturday (July 26), and close out the season Sunday (Aug. 3) on the road against the St. Francis Monarchs. Currently the Gladiators are in 10th place in the 13-team league. Eight teams make the playoffs, which begin Aug. 16.
communityshoppers.com A BLUE-RIBBON EVENT SCENES CAPTURED DURING THE 2008 ROCK COUNTY 4-H FAIR Sarah Zeller/staff 4-H Cloverbud member Max Kisting, 8, of Janesville, talks to judge Kelli Viele Tuesday about his projects. Kisting entered a scrapbook, a birdhouse and a hand-tied blanket. Cloverbuds, the youngest 4-H’ers, are <strong>first</strong>- and second-graders. Sarah Zeller/staff Above, Patrick Jones, 4, of Janesville, enjoys his ride down the giant slide, located on the midway at the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds. Below, Hannah McBride, 10, of Milwaukee, does a mid-air flip while on a bungee-cord ride. Above: Sarah Zeller/staff; right: Sam Killian/staff Above, 3-yearold Olivia Mueller, of Janesville, plays in a “cornbox” located in the Ag Business Council of Rock County tent. At right, Robinson’s Racing Pigs leave the gate during a pig race Tuesday. JANESVILLE MESSENGER ■ Sunday, July 27, 2008 11 Sam Killian/staff Above, 2008 Rock County Fair King Tom Schambow, of Consolidated 4-H, and Queen Julia Van Veldhuisen, of Badger 4-H, pose for pictures after being crowned Tuesday on the grandstand stage. Below, 10-year-old La Prairie 4-H’er Brenna Steed, of Janesville, cleans her sheep pen Tuesday.
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