Of the four kids in my family, I was probably the most athletic, even growing up with three brothers. In rural Wisconsin, there wasn't a lot to do in the summers or after school other than play sports. I played Little League Baseball until someone organized girls softball and went to one or two basketball camps every summer. Basketball and softball are the sources of some of my best childhood memories. But every fall, while my teammates played volleyball or tennis, I stood aside enviously as the boys were able to play the one sport I wanted to play the most: football.
I wasn't in athletics in college, but I haven't forgotten my athletic roots. Until now, I haven't had the opportunity to fill the part of me that's been missing since I played my last softball game my senior year of high school. Until now, I haven't had the opportunity to play that one sport that has been designated as "boys only." Until now.
Yes, now I have a team. A women's tackle football team, to be exact, and it's a damn good one. Did you even know that women's tackle football existed? I play Defensive End for the Minnesota Machine, which is one of 64 teams in the Women's Football Alliance ("WFA"). Nope, we are NOT the girls who run around in our underwear, playing 7-v- 7 and getting MTV airtime.
Our team is comprised of women from the age of 18 to the upper 40s. We represent women of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethnicities, backgrounds, and experience. We help each other grow, learn, mature, and develop as players, but even more importantly, as individuals. We have grown from strangers to acquaintances; from friends into a family. Throughout it all, however, we have had one thing in common: the desire to COMPETE.
We play full pads, full uniforms, 11-v-11, by NFL rules. We have coaches who are former NFL, semi-professional and college athletes. Many of our very own players are former Division 1 and II college athletes who participated in sports such as soccer, hockey and basketball. And then there are some who hadn't played anything since high school, like myself, but still have the ambition. Still have the drive to succeed. Still have the desire to compete in something that we were previously denied.
I see football as the final frontier in our battle for equality in sports. Football has replaced baseball as America's game; it's the ultimate form of aggression and masculinity. (Except for maybe mixed martial arts, which some of our women are also involved with.) Women are redefining football as something that showcases femininity at its strongest.
Have you ever seen a girl out-jump her defenders to pull in a ball with one hand a la Larry Fitzgerald? Then you haven't met Becky Bouwman. Would you expect a former college soccer star, having never touched a football in her life to stiff-arm defenders and rush for 147 yards in her second game? See: Sara Wolf. And then there's Heather Baker, our two time All-American line(wo)men, who's been warned for "excessive blocking." We regularly surprise the refs.
Our first game is on Saturday, April 21st at 7pm in the Twin Cities. Please check the website for the location. We won't be on MTV, but I bet you and your kids would still love to watch.
Want to play? Or sponsor? Volunteer or just check us out? Email us at info@mnmachine.com, look us up on Facebook, or find us on the web at www.mnmachine.com.
After seeing one of our games, I guarantee you'll never think of the phrase "Play like a girl" the same again.
--by Nell Gelhaus, Part #41
Pictures by Don Ackerman
January 2nd, 2012
MN Machine 2012 Schedules Released
The WFA 2012 season schedule has been released! Find your MN Machine 2012 schedule
here.
Find the entire WFA season schedule
here, then select Schedule.
The MN Machine practice schedule has also been released! Find the practice schedule
here. Check back often as practice times and locations are subject to change.
October 20th, 2011
Machine 2011 Highlight Video
A big thanks to Mike Peden and crew for creating our Minnesota Machine 2011 Highlight Video: Motoring the Movement!
Purchase your copy
here.
Check out the preview on YouTube:
August 24th, 2011
MN Machine Featured by the National Dizzy & Balance Center
The Minnesota Machine exclusively use the
National Dizzy & Balance Center for concussion testing.
We are proud to announce they will be featuring the MN Machine in their upcoming commercial, starring Kim Miller.
Thanks National Dizzy & Balance Center!
June 27th, 2011
2011 Home Games on YouTube
A big thanks goes out to Mike Peden, Jeffery Williams and TSB Television for their coverage of the 2011 MN Machine home games.
Catch all the footage on YouTube.
DVDs can be purchased via the TSB Television website.
June 20th, 2011
Upper Midwest Division Champions
The Minnesota Machine earned their second consecutive Upper Midwest Division title after their victory over the Wisconsin Wolves on Saturday June 18th.
The first round of the WFA playoffs are set with the Machine to take on the Kansas City Tribe in Kansas City on Saturday June 25th.
May 8th, 2011
Minnesota Machine vs. Nebraska Stampede - May 7, 2011
written by Eric Thompson
The Minnesota Machine returned to their home field at Minnetonka High School on a beautiful Saturday evening to take on the Nebraska Stampede. In 2010, the Machine were able to defeat the expansion Stampede all three times they faced off, but each game was progressively closer. Their only scheduled game in 2011 was definitely a nail-biter.
This game was a defensive battle from the start. It was apparent that points would be at a premium after the first few drives of the game. Both teams had some success moving the ball between the 20's, but the red zones proved to be tough for both offenses. After a scoreless first quarter, the second quarter presented some close calls. Nebraska had great field position after a long punt return in the second quarter, but Minnesota's defense held firm and moved the Stampede backwards before taking over on downs. Another promising Nebraska drive was stopped short when Abby Smith intercepted a pass from Stampede quarterback Abbey Cherney and returned it near midfield.
The Machine's offense marched down to the goal line late in the first half thanks in part to a great 25-yard catch by Becky Bouwman. But with time ticking away in the first half and the Machine out of timeouts, the Stampede came up with a huge goal line stand. Nebraska stuffed back to back quarterback sneaks from Nicole Fietz, and time expired with the Machine on the 1 yard line but no points to show for it.
After a frustratingly scoreless first half, Minnesota was finally able to break through in the third quarter. The Machine methodically drove down the field, keeping the drive alive with solid runs by Maggie Alt and Yolanda Searcy, another long reception by Bouwman, and a couple defensive penalties by Nebraska. Alt found the end zone with an easy 4-yard run after the left side of Minnesota's offensive line cleared a big hole, and the Machine were on the board. The snap on the extra point was mishandled, keeping the score at 6-0 in favor of Minnesota.
The rest of the second half was marred by missed opportunities and untimely penalties. Smith returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a block in the back. Minnesota was called for a season-high eight penalties, which squandered some good scoring chances. Meanwhile, Nebraska couldn't get much going on offense thanks to some great pursuit by Minnesota's front seven. Defensive end Jessica Patnode led the way for the Machine defense, racking up six tackles (2 ½ for loss) and a crucial fumble recovery. Shalonda Williams recorded the first interception of her career to stop another Stampede drive.
With time running out in the fourth quarter, the Machine took over looking to run out the clock. Nebraska stopped the Machine on fourth and short to appear to take over right after the two minute warning, but they were called for defensive holding to give Minnesota an automatic first down. The Machine ended another game in Victory formation for their third straight win.
May 5th, 2011
Minnesota Machine vs. Wisconsin Wolves - April 30th, 2011
written by Eric Thompson
After battling to a 21-7 victory over the Wisconsin Dragons in their chilly home opener, the Minnesota Machine traveled to Wisconsin to take on their other division rival from east of the border the Wisconsin Wolves. The winner of the game would take control of the WFA American Upper Midwest Division, so coach Willie Howard had the Machine get together for an extra practice in the week leading up to the game.
It's safe to say that the additional preparation paid off.
After the Machine's first drive was stopped inches short on a fourth down near midfield, the Wolves used their trademark Wing T offense to march deep into Minnesota territory. But Abby Smith was able to stifle the drive with a leaping interception.
The Machine took to the ground on the lengthy ensuing drive, pounding the Wolves with a 1-2 rushing attack of Yolanda Searcy and Maggie Alt. In fact, Searcy and Alt were responsible for the first 81 yards of the drive, 68 of which came on the ground. Nicole Fietz covered the last two yards of the impressive drive with a quarterback sneak, and the Machine took a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.
After the Wolves were forced to punt thanks in large part a big sack by Jessica Patnode, Fietz took to the air on the Machine's first play but was picked off by a member of the Wisconsin secondary. After Minnesota's defense got the ball right back, the Machine were moving the ball well until the turnover bug bit again. Koula Vang made a nice first down grab from Fietz but fumbled the ball away to the Wolves. The teams went into halftime with Minnesota leading 7-0.
The Wolves made it a game with their first drive of the third quarter, steadily moving down the field on the ground. The 52-yard drive was capped off by a 7-yard off-tackle touchdown run by running back Aubrey Wesely. But their 2-point conversion was stuffed, which maintained a slim 7-6 lead for the Machine.
Minnesota quickly struck back with their next position. After some elusive running by Searcy got the Machine into Wolves territory, Fietz exploited Wisconsin's unbalanced defense by spinning outside for a 40-yard touchdown run. A bad snap caused the extra point to be blocked, leaving the score at 13-6 in favor of Minnesota.
The Machine's next drive started right away thanks to a nifty kickoff by Danielle Thompson. She recovered her own kickoff, keeping Wisconsin's offense on the sideline. The Machine picked apart the Wolves' tired defense on the ground, gashing them with long runs by Searcy, Alt, and Fietz. It was Fietz who finished off the drive with the first play of the fourth quarter, a 4-yard quarterback draw, and her third touchdown of the game. Thompson tacked on the extra point to give the Machine a two touchdown lead.
Wisconsin's next drive lasted exactly one play. Nell Gelhaus forced a fumble in the backfield and Patnode hopped on it to give the ball right back to the Machine.
Minnesota went right back to the ground game to chew more clock, and they were finally rewarded with a 1-yard dive by Alt. With just over 5 minutes left in the game, the Machine took a commanding 27-6 lead.
After Minnesota's defense once again stymied any semblance of an attack from Wisconsin, their offense took over and ran out the remainder of the fourth quarter. The game ended with two snaps in Victory formation; the Machine had won their second consecutive division game and their first road contest of the season by a final score of 27-6.
April 19th, 2011
Minnesota Machine vs. Wisconsin Dragons - April 16, 2011
written by Eric Thompson
After a 69-0 drubbing at the hands of the Chicago Force to start the year, the Minnesota Machine weren't feeling very hospitable when the Wisconsin Dragons pulled into Minnetonka for Minnesota's 2011 home opener. Unfortunately for the fans at the game, the weather wasn't hospitable either. The temperature was in the mid-30s with a strong wind throughout the contest. But both the hearty fans and resilient Machine players were able to overcome weather and adversity to enjoy a well-played WFA game.
The game didn't start well-played for the Machine. Quarterback Nicole Fietz's first pass was intercepted by the Dragons. After Minnesota's defense forced a three-and-out from Wisconsin, Sara Wolf fumbled the ensuing punt, giving the Dragons excellent field position yet again. But the Minnesota defense held strong deep in their own territory, keeping the game scoreless through the first quarter as both offenses struggled to hit their stride.
Early in the second quarter, Wolf made up for her early blunder. And then some.
Wolf broke through the Wisconsin defense down the right sideline and made a nifty cut on the last defender for a 37-yard touchdown and the game's first score. Wisconsin was moving the ball well looking to equalize, but Nell Gellhaus fell on a Dragons fumble to stifle the promising drive. The Machine marched into the red zone as time ticked down in the first half, but they missed a golden opportunity to score on the final play as a perfect pass from Fietz was dropped in the end zone. The teams headed to the locker room with the score still at 7-0.
On the first drive of the third quarter, the Sara Wolf Show continued. Minnesota used a punishing ground attack to drive all the way to Wisconsin's three yard line, mostly with 10-to-15-yard scampers by Wolf. Fietz finished off the drive with a quarterback sneak and Danielle Thompson tacked on another extra point to make the score 14-0.
Down two scores, the Dragons were able to answer right back thanks to their speedy running back McGee Steffes. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Steffes broke to the outside and jetted 68 yards for the touchdown. Dana Derrick added the extra point to bring Wisconsin back within a score. The teams traded punts for the rest of the quarter and headed to the fourth at 14-7.
The Machine were able to break through midway through the final quarter thanks to mixing up their attack. Wolf, who finished with 152 yards on 22 carries, was still a big part of the drive, but Fietz completed crucial passes to Becky Bouwman and Katy Flynn to keep the drive alive. Wolf finished the scoring drive with a nifty 11-yard run to bring the Machine's lead to 21-7.
Wisconsin tried valiantly to get back in the game, but Minnesota's defense was equal to the task. Abby Smith, Sarah Bishop, and Mary Wallraff chased Steffes and Wisconsin quarterback Jessica Radliff all over the field, stifling any chances of a comeback. Catima Wilson's late interception of Radliff sealed the 21-7 victory for the Machine.
April 2nd, 2011
New Home Field!
The Minnesota Machine is proud to announce their new home field for the 2011 season! All MN Machine home games will be played at
Minnetonka High School.
A big thanks to Minnetonka High School for sharing their facilities with the Machine!
Welcome to Machine Football!
Welcome to Minnesota Machine football! Allow rookies #22 and #41 to give you a brief introduction to our family! Entering its third year in semi-professional tackle football, the Machine sports a roster of over 40 women, comprised of a favorable mix of veterans and rookies. As rookies, it has been inspiring to have such committed leaders and role models on and off the field, helping us become the best athletes we can be through their optimism and guidance. Since the first week of January, we have been training twice a week, improving our techniques in each of our positions, our knowledge of the game, and overall experience of working together as one machine. Throughout all this, we have grown into a family, with unsurpassed dedication.
Former Stanford Cardinal and Minnesota Viking, Willie Howard, is the Head Coach for the 2011 Minnesota Machine Women's Tackle Football team. Coaching women's football for the first time, Coach Howard brings an abundance of knowledge and experience to the Machine, and with the support of 10 additional coaches, this season is certain to be a success.
So come! Cheer on the Machine at Minnetonka High School for our home opener on April 16th!
See you at the field!
Part #22 and Part #41
January 30th, 2011
Be Part of the Machine!
As seen on Fox 9's Game On,
If you'd like to join the Minnesota Machine
click here and fill out the form!
Watch the entire episode here!
January 27th, 2011
Machine on Fox 9!
Watch Game On
with Rod Simons this (Pro-bowl) Sunday at 10:30am on Fox 9.
The Minnesota Machine will be featured and we are excited to show the Twin Cities
how the Machine are taking over football this spring! GO MACHINE!
Machine Bus Purchased!
The Minnesota Machine has purchased a bus for transportation to away games and other Machine events.
Advertising space is available! If interested, send an e-mail to
info@mnmachine.com.
January 10th, 2011
2011 Machine Schedule
Mark your calendars, the 2011 MN Machine game schedule is out! Find it on our
schedule page.
Breaking News!
Former Stanford Cardinal and Minnesota Viking
Willie Howard
will be the Head Coach for the 2011 Minnesota Machine Women's Tackle
Football Team. He Lays the challenge and the opportunity out there for any
and all Women 18+ to come check us out Next Wednesday. 14 person staff
highly qualified to teach you all you need to know about the GAME. ARE YOU
IN? If not you, refer a friend. Goal is 60 players and we are getting
close!
October 13th, 2010
Machine 2010 Highlight Video
A big thanks to Mike Peden for creating our Minnesota Machine 2010 Highlight Video - Geared for Greatness!
Purchase your copy through Mike's TV Production
website.
Machine Fliers
The Minnesota Machine are always looking to recruit new players, sponsors, fans, partners, coaches, etc!
Here are some fliers to hand out that include upcoming events for the Minnesota Machine.
Feel free to print and hand these out to anyone who's interested! Click on the JPGs below and find the PDFs
here.
(JPGs work best for posting online, while the PDFs work best for printing)
As always, if you or someone you know is interested, please send an email to
info@mnmachine.com, or
fill out this form.
Also find these on our Documents Page.
September 28th, 2010
Machine Shop!
The Minnesota Machine are proud to announce our
MACHINE SHOP!
Fully customize your gear for the up comming season! Check it out!
P.S.
Like us
on
to get a promo code for up to $9 off a T-shirt!
Machine Tag Team with IWA!
The Minnesota Machine form a Tag Team and are now partners with the IWA. The Machine will be attending the IWA Wrestling
event this October! The Machine will also be selling tickets and part of the proceeds go to the Machine 2011 Team Fund!
So, come watch some excellent matches and bring the kids! Adults are $10, kids 12 and under are $5! Help us raise funds for
our season! For more information, visit
www.iwaevents.org.
Yes, now I have a team. A women's tackle football team, to be exact, and it's a damn good one. Did you even know that women's tackle football existed? I play Defensive End for the Minnesota Machine, which is one of 64 teams in the Women's Football Alliance ("WFA"). Nope, we are NOT the girls who run around in our underwear, playing 7-v- 7 and getting MTV airtime.
Our team is comprised of women from the age of 18 to the upper 40s. We represent women of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethnicities, backgrounds, and experience. We help each other grow, learn, mature, and develop as players, but even more importantly, as individuals. We have grown from strangers to acquaintances; from friends into a family. Throughout it all, however, we have had one thing in common: the desire to COMPETE.
We play full pads, full uniforms, 11-v-11, by NFL rules. We have coaches who are former NFL, semi-professional and college athletes. Many of our very own players are former Division 1 and II college athletes who participated in sports such as soccer, hockey and basketball. And then there are some who hadn't played anything since high school, like myself, but still have the ambition. Still have the drive to succeed. Still have the desire to compete in something that we were previously denied.
I see football as the final frontier in our battle for equality in sports. Football has replaced baseball as America's game; it's the ultimate form of aggression and masculinity. (Except for maybe mixed martial arts, which some of our women are also involved with.) Women are redefining football as something that showcases femininity at its strongest.
Have you ever seen a girl out-jump her defenders to pull in a ball with one hand a la Larry Fitzgerald? Then you haven't met Becky Bouwman. Would you expect a former college soccer star, having never touched a football in her life to stiff-arm defenders and rush for 147 yards in her second game? See: Sara Wolf. And then there's Heather Baker, our two time All-American line(wo)men, who's been warned for "excessive blocking." We regularly surprise the refs.
Our first game is on Saturday, April 21st at 7pm in the Twin Cities. Please check the website for the location. We won't be on MTV, but I bet you and your kids would still love to watch.
Want to play? Or sponsor? Volunteer or just check us out? Email us at info@mnmachine.com, look us up on Facebook, or find us on the web at www.mnmachine.com.
After seeing one of our games, I guarantee you'll never think of the phrase "Play like a girl" the same again.
--by Nell Gelhaus, Part #41
Watch 
The Minnesota Machine has purchased a bus for transportation to away games and other Machine events.
Advertising space is available! If interested, send an e-mail to
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