“This is one of the best (teams), if not the best team, we have had since we began,” Weaver said. “We have a solid core of veteran players and a strong quarterback to build off of. We have a great combination of leadership, skill and loyalty. The chemistry between the players is the best I have seen since 2013 when we won the division championship.”

Players are an average age of 24 and are recruited from local schools, social media and by word of mouth from current players, which Weaver said is the most effective.

Home-field games are played at St. John’s University Clemens Stadium.

“We are so much more than a ‘football team,'” Weaver said. “We are based on solid core values of family, leadership and community. Our players come from all walks of life. We have players right out of high school to our oldest player in his upper 40s. We have fathers, veterans, active military, students, teachers and many other professions on this team.”

He said their players are all local athletes who do not get paid, which he said he feels demonstrates their passion for the game is greater than most paid players.

“Our long-term plans for this team are great,” Weaver said. “For those we have shared it with, there is one thing in common. It gives us all goose bumps and an adrenaline rush all at the same time. It’s a great feeling to have that kind of excitement.”

Some local area players include Anthony Matheny, Rice; Shane Raden, Sartell; Nate Hofman, Sartell; and Anthony Carpenter, St. Joseph. Coach Tommy Middagh is also from Sartell.

Matheny, who is the father of three children, enjoys spending time with family, the outdoors and helping others. He is a health-and-wellness coach who helps others create income by converting their spending into earning through a shopping annuity.

Matheny said he joined the team because he wanted to grow as a person not only physically but also mentally while being held accountable in a team setting.

“The family vibe and bond between the players is amazing and drives me to be a better person and player for myself and them,” Matheny said.

Weaver said, “Chemistry building is a crucial key to our success both on and off the field. Our diversity reflects our community and we make it work every day.”

Raden is married and has three children and said he spends as much time with his family as possible. He is a technical analyst for RBC Wealth Management in Minneapolis. Raden said he joined because he loves the game of football and wanted to learn how to play the game.

“Having no previous experience, this has been an interesting ride so far,” Raden said. “I love this team because of how close everyone is. We treat each other like brothers and we all share the same passion for this game. It’s amazing to me the dedication everyone has to this team, despite the other parts of life that tend to get in the way. I can honestly say I have grown as a person since joining the Renegades.”

Hofman said he is busy raising a family and driving truck. He loves football and wants to win a championship.

“The last two seasons, I didn’t know what to think about semi-pro football,” Hofman said. “I didn’t have a lot of fun. This season has helped me remember why I love football so much. The chemistry of this team is amazing this year. The camaraderie, trusting your teammate next to you on the field and just having fun out there – I love this team.”

Carpenter is a stay-at-home father with two children and said he is enjoying every moment he gets to see them grow up. He said he joined the team to build friendships, brotherhood and to play the game he loves so much.  Carpenter said he’s impressed with the chemistry built with every player.

“I also respect how this program is run on and off the field with the great volunteering opportunities it brings back to the community,” he said. “Oh, and I can’t lie, the winning is good also.”

Coach Middagh is a substitute teacher, coaches softball and football and works at the YMCA, while searching for a full-time job in educational or business leadership. Originally, he joined the team to build his resume as a coach for his dream career.

“I love this team because it gives me an opportunity to coach the sport I love and build relationships with other guys my age,” Middagh said. “I also love this team because of the camaraderie and brotherhood between (both) coaches and players.”

Renegades players and coaches try to give back to area needs. They have partnered with the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes and more.

The Weavers formed the team in 2009. The two met at a St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce event when Brett was the general manager of the Minnesota Fightin’ Scots semi-pro football team and Danelle was the new team cheer captain.

When the Scots disbanded, the Weavers decided after they started a family, they would build their own football franchise.

“We believed by building this team and forming a strong foundation, we could make the area a better place,” Weaver said.

According to their website, the mission statement of the team “is to provide a family-oriented form of entertainment and inspire athletes with a passion for the game of football the opportunity to continue playing the game they love.”

Their company vision “is to become a top-rated semi-pro football team with talent-driven men on the field, and leaders and heroes off the field.”

Brett is employed as a business development manager for Masterson Staffing Solutions, and Danelle is a registered nurse through CentraCare. They have three sons – Landon, 7; Raider, 4; and Major, 1.

For more information, visit the RenegadesFootball.org website.

contributed photo
Granite City Renegades players compete in a game against the Twin City Sabercats. They will play them in their final home game on Saturday, July 23.

contributed photo
Brett and Danelle Weaver are the owners of the Granite City Renegades semi-pro football team. They are pictured here with their children Landon, 7, (back) Raider, 4, (left) and Major, 1, (front, center).

contributed photo
This 2016 team photo shows the players of the Granite City Renegades semi-pro football team.

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Cori Hilsgen

 

news@thenewsleaders.com

Hilsgen is a contributing reporter for the Newsleaders. The central Minnesota native is a wife, mother and grandmother. She has a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and Communication from Concordia University – St. Paul, MN and enjoys learning about and sharing other people's stories through the pages of the Newsleaders.