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GM Rivalries

Andrew: When I began the USAFL, I had only one rivalry. My brother-in-law Jim Maurer. When I opened the league up to the net, I decided from the outset that I was not going to let the competition ruin the opportunity for friendship. I let Garritt, Tim Arkwright, and Mike Manuel know that they could ask me anything about FBPRO and I would be more than willing to show them how to build good teams.

The league would never be fun for me if only a couple of teams dominated year in and year out. Sometimes I think this is the league's greatest strength. We have an environment of sharing knowledge. In the long run, everyone has an opportunity to build a winning franchise. Everyone has an opportunity to taste the sweet rewards of playing long into the post-season. 

But even with all this sharing and kindness, we all still enjoy a healthy rivalry with one another. Tim Arkwright and I spent hours upon hours going over rating formulas and rookie crops. I watched Tim grow from a newbie to an unbelievable GM. Once he got his plan underway, our rivalry was thrilling. As the student waited several seasons, looking got ways to beat his teacher. When Tim finally did beat me, I truly had no feelings of disappointment. I cheered for his team during the Super Bowl sim. I was so glad that our league was going to have a great GM.

I used that example to start our GM/AGM Mentoring system in later seasons. Many of the current GMs today are the beneficiaries of that Mentoring System. Garritt, Tim, and Mike Manuel were my first three mentors. The guys they taught turned around and taught the next group of guys.

In this current league, my best rivalries are with each of the GMs in my division. Mike especially, since our teams have been battling one another for decades.

Of course, I think every team in the league considers Tampa Bay a rivalry.

Rivalries are a constant in the USAFL. Some seasons they are really intense as teams head for the playoffs. But it's not just on the field. Draft Night is where many of the rivalries begin. Just seeing another GM ahead of you take the player you coveted is enough to start a rivalry! Let's hear what kind of rivalries our panel of GMs are involved in.......

Bill: Definitely Ben Breeden in Denver. The first six years of the USAFL, I'd say those were the best games in the league each year.

Todd: 
Era #1: Tim Arkwright
Era #2: Tim Arkwright
Era #3: Mike Breeden (Jean Lefebvre making a push)

Fred: Easily Flip. Cuz honestly, there's not much competition in NFC West :) (note to other GMs: wake up). We've still had the balls to trade with each other, and that's what made it interesting. Also, whenever one of us was trading, the other felt obliged to do the same not to be left with crumbs.

Ben: I don't really have a big rival in the AFC West, because my team has sucked the past few seasons, but in the earlier years of this version, it was the Chiefs. Now, in the next few seasons, I anticipate it to be the Titans.

Tom: Oh, I don't know if I could limit it to one. I didn't end up being good enough to have a rival really in the earlier USAFLs, but in the most recent one, I can point to Todd Ricotta (I hate Buffalo in real life too, and I have to deal with their always-winning-butts here) probably as being my biggest rival. Add Ben Breeden (before this whole "rebuild"), Fred Hurtubise (because no one likes Canada), and Andrew Lewis (just because I know he's the biggest smirker behind the scenes when he sees someone else fail) along with them, but Todd's probably the biggy.

Joe: I'd say Todd is now, because he's always kicked my butt when we've played. I beat him twice in the current USAFL (don't remember the old one), but those were real close games. Just once I'd like a blowout. I'd also say Tom is a rival, since he likes bidding on my players in Free Agency!

Jean: Buffalo Bills (AFC rivalry)

Flip: Fred has to be my biggest rival as we have dominated our division the last 12 seasons. The franchise is 10-22 overall against Fred and his Bucs while The Boys are 9-16 since I have been at the helm. The Bucs are the only team in my division I have a losing record against. 

Mike: Well I have had a couple. Tim Arkwright because if you wanted a Super Bowl you had to go thru him most of the time. Andrew, in my division and always a tough game. Todd, Just never seem to get by him for a Cup title.

For even more historical data, visit the USAFL History Page to view tons of stats from earlier versions of the USAFL. This page can always be accessed through the USAFL FAQ.