UTFL: Ultimate Touch Football League
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The Ultimate Touch Football League (UTFL) was formed in 1998 by Jerry Hildebrant as direct competition with the "Big Two" at the time, the WTFL and CANFORD. What started with just eight teams, eventually blossemed into the largest touch football league in Manitoba for the years 2007 through 2010. During that time the league was run by Touch Football Hall of Fame Contributor Mike Hamulka. Located primarily in the Eastern part of Winnipeg, the league grew dramatically due to the introduction of the "multi-player" rule in 2002. Prior to that, players were only allowed to play on one team in a league. The change in rules and subsequent dramatic growth of the UTFL forced all the other leagues at the time to change their rules to allow playing on multiple teams. Love or hate the rule, being able to play on more than one team created an explosion of touch football in Manitoba. The rule allowed players to get "multiple seasons" of play in each year and increased the skill level of players exponentially. Soon the trickle-down effect of players playing in multiple divisions meant that no matter what division you played, you probably had someone that could help mimic the sophisticated offenses and defenses played in the top divisions. The multi-player rule would be the most important contribution the UTFL had on touch football in the province.
The UTFL also was the first league to create MVP awards. In the case of the UTFL, each division had a MVP which was voted on by the league executive. The PIT Football League based its MVP winner and belt on this UTFL idea, instead allowing the players to vote for the league MVP.
The UTFL was ruled by 6 Gun Justice in its early years. 6 Gun Justice was the precursor to the elite division Banditos team in the WTFL and had a run of six straight division 1 finals, winning five! The UTFL was also the birthplace of the Avengers, the only Manitoba team to win the National Touch Football National Championship. The Assassins, Knights, Doggs, and many other top division teams also played for a time in the UTFL when the league was at its peak.
In 2012, Mike Hamulka sold the league. By this time, the PIT Football league had become the largest league in the city, however the UTFL still had a devoted following. Unfortunately, the sale of the league went sideways as the UTFL went bankrupt mid-season. The league was renamed the Prairie Touch Football League (PTFL) as a consortium of players tried to keep the league running under the new brand. The season was cut short, but playoffs were run and the final champions of the UTFL/Prairie Touch Football League were crowned. Despite the best efforts of the new ownership group, many teams were turned off by what had happened. The UTFL/PTFL simply could not earn back the trust of players for the 2013 season and folded. Ultimately, the UTFL lasted a tumultuous 14 years, but there is no denying the effect the league had on Football in Manitoba. In fact, if you check the UTFL champions and player statistics pages below, you will still see a lot of familiar faces and teams still playing in the PIT Football League!
ALL-TIME TEAM RECORDS (OUTDOOR)
- MOST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES: 🏆 6 Gun Justice (5) 🏆
- POINTS FOR: Not recorded
- POINTS AGAINST: Not recorded
Division 1:
- Summer 1998 – Red Rum defeat Doggs 23-13
- Summer 1999 – Doggs defeat n.W.o 28-21
- Summer 2000 – 6 Gun Justice defeat 13 Guys 12-0
- Summer 2001 – 6 Gun Justice defeat Yard-Krazies 43-12
- Summer 2002 – 6 Gun Justice defeat Redskins 14-12
- Summer 2003 – 6 Gun Justice defeat 13 Guys 48-22
- Summer 2004 – Avengers defeat 6 Gun Justice 41-0
- Summer 2005 – 6 Gun Justice defeat Avengers 30-12
- Summer 2006 – Freaks defeat Doggs 21-6
- Summer 2007 – Mexicans defeat Doggs 47-29
- Summer 2008 – Doggs defeat Green Machine 37-18
- Summer 2009 – Green Machine defeat Untouchables 42-29
- Summer 2010 – Doggs defeat Lynx 53-12
- Summer 2011 – Assassins defeat Doggs 39-38
Renamed the Prairie Touch Football League
- Summer 2012 – (Sleeveless) Monstars defeat Titans 13-12
Division 2:
- Summer 1999 – N.E.S. defeat Too Sweet 21-20
- Summer 2000 – Buccaneers defeat N.E.S. 7-6
- Summer 2001 – The Pack defeat N.E.S. 19-16
- Summer 2002 – The Pack defeat Rangers 30-21
- Summer 2003 – Avengers defeat Razerbacks 35-6
- Summer 2004 – Mexicans defeat Doggs 13-8
- Summer 2005 – Froggs defeat Mexicans 27-25
- Summer 2006 – Razorbacks defeat Rangers 34-12
- Summer 2007 – Green Machine defeat Smegma 35-15
- Summer 2008 – Cream Machine defeat Hurricanes 34-32
- Summer 2009 – Outsiders defeat Fellowship 49-16
- Summer 2010 – Knights defeat Eagle 88 28-20
- Summer 2011 – Fellowship defeat High Voltage 29-19
Renamed the Prairie Touch Football League
- Summer 2012 – Clip Clops defeat Saints 28-26
Division 3:
- Summer 2001 – No D defeat Freaks 28-7
- Summer 2002 – Eviscerators defeat Freaks 31-9
- Summer 2003 – Outlaws defeat Muddogs 19-18
- Summer 2004 – Droogs defeat Wiseguys 28-8
- Summer 2005 – St. Vital's Finest defeat Droogs 24-7
- Summer 2006 – Torsion defeat Green Machine 33-30
- Summer 2007 – Titans defeat Cream Machine 40-26
- Summer 2008 – WarBeez defeat Evergreen Village 33-27
- Summer 2009 – Eagle 88 defeat Evergreen Village 52-0
- Summer 2010 – Dust Bandits defeat Enforcers 23-0
- Summer 2011 – Enforcers defeat Yup 34-27
Renamed the Prairie Touch Football League
- Summer 2012 – Boozers defeat Thunder Chickens 31-8
Division 4:
- Summer 2002 – All-Madden defeat Hydrants 31-27
- Summer 2003 – Wiseguys defeat Cradle Raiders 36-6
- Summer 2004 – Cradle Raiders defeat Pylons 19-14
- Summer 2005 – El Paquitos defeat All Madden 20-1
- Summer 2006 – Snappers defeat Praire Fire 31-12
- Summer 2007 – Pylons defeat Arsenals 22-9
- Summer 2008 – Waverley Fellowship defeat Stealth 27-12
- Summer 2009 – Snappers defeat Elways 27-20
- Summer 2010 – Dream Team defeat Hydrants 29-20
- Summer 2011 – All Droogs defeat Agent Orange 12-9
Renamed the Prairie Touch Football League
- Summer 2012 – Fury defeat 6 Pack & OV 26-6
Division 5:
- Summer 2003 – Wildcats defeat Woodticks 26-14
- Summer 2004 – Hydrants defeat Arsenals 9-7
- Summer 2005 – Praire Fire defeat Jonkers 34-21
- Summer 2006 – Titans defeat Tarantulas 30-6
- Summer 2007 – Waverly Fellowship defeat NE Ninjas 21-19
- Summer 2008 – Muddogs defeat Tundra 22-8
- Summer 2009 – Goodfellas defeat All Madden 30-22
- Summer 2010 – (Sleeveless) Monstars defeat AKA 10-1
- Summer 2011 – Titans defeat Cascades 12-7
Renamed the Prairie Touch Football League
- Summer 2012 – Quick Slants defeat Raging Bulls 20-16
Division 6:
- Summer 2004 – Rage defeat 59ers 28-2
- Summer 2005 – Burnt Nachos defeat Cream Machine 27-21
- Summer 2006 – Deep Sixers defeat Ginbongers 25-7
- Summer 2007 – Burfs defeat Dazed n'Confused 13-9
- Summer 2008 – Gladiators defeat Winebongers 29-25
- Summer 2009 – Clip Clops defeat AKA 32-8
- Summer 2010 – Catchers on the Fly defeat Combines 20-6
- Summer 2011 – Chuck Norris defeat Fat and Fast 31-19
Division 7:
- Summer 2005 – Rum Runners defeat Clip Clops 7-0
- Summer 2006 – Winebongers defeat Praire Lobsters 12-7
- Summer 2007 – Spirals defeat Ocho Cinco 14-13
- Summer 2008 – Deep Pockets defeat Dream Team 18-0
- Summer 2009 – Fusion defeat Go Deep 13-6
- Summer 2010 – Primetime defeat Roughnecks 27-21
- Summer 2011 – Abusement Park defeat A535 Heat 19
Division 8:
- Summer 2006 – Beer Bombers defeat Dazed n'Confused 20-18
- Summer 2007 – Go Deep defeat Eligible Receivers 21-0
- Summer 2008 – Extraordinary Gentlemen defeat HFC 20-0
- Summer 2009 – Gutshots defeat Dem Saints 8-1
- Summer 2010 – Running Riot defeat Tailgunners 21-0
- Summer 2011 – Hard as F**k defeat Force 32-20
Division 9:
- Summer 2008 – Cascades defeat Go Deep 28-12
- Summer 2009 – Man United defeat Hawkeyes 37-20
- Summer 2010 – Favre From Good defeat Spetsnaz 20-6
Division 10:
- Summer 2009 – Mighty Sparrows defeat Chuck Norris 18-12
UTFL: Statistical Leaders & Record Holders
ALL-TIME RECORDS
- POINTS: Ricky Moniz, Wildcats (164) Summer 2003
- TOP QB AWARDS (TD passes were not recorded): Jonathon Franklin, Avengers (2003, 2004, & 2005); Jerry White, Wiseguys (2002, 2004, & 2006)
- INTERCEPTIONS: Paul Havens, Woodticks (30) Summer 2004
- SACKS: David Menares, Arrows (60) Summer 2003
- MVPS: Corey Hanssen, 6 Gun Justice (2002 & 2003)
Division 1:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2002: Corey Hanssen, 6 Gun Justice
- Summer 2003: Corey Hanssen, 6 Gun Justice
- Summer 2004: Kenny Hunter, Avengers
- Summer 2005: Jonathon Franklin, Avengers
- Summer 2006: Aaron Wold, Freaks
POINTS:
- Summer 2002: Brad Friesen, 6 Gun Justice (93)
- Summer 2003: Peter Robertson-Stovel, 13 Guys (100)
- Summer 2004: Brad Friesen, 6 Gun Justice (80)
- Summer 2005: Kenny Hunter, Avengers (130)
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Aaron Wold, Freaks (137) 🏆
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2002: Corey Hanssen, 6 Gun Justice
- Summer 2003: Corey Hanssen, 6 Gun Justice
- Summer 2004: Jonathon Franklin, Avengers
- Summer 2005: Jonathon Franklin, Avengers
- Summer 2006: Jeff Kull, Freaks
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2002: Manny Atwal, KanKrazies (13)
- 🏆 Summer 2003: Dion Knol, Redskins (16) 🏆
- Summer 2004: Rey Page, Redskins (14)
- Summer 2005: Manny Atwal, Avengers (9)
- Summer 2006: Mike Nelson, Freaks (14)
SACKS:
- Summer 2002: Dave Wolfe, Redskins (21)
- Summer 2003: Norm King, 6 Gun Justice (17)
- Summer 2004: Damian McKenzie, Avengers (21)
- Summer 2005: Damian McKenzie, Avengers (24)
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Tim Holfeld, Doggs (29) 🏆
Division 2:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2002: Scott Rhodes, The Pack
- Summer 2003: Ryan Harris, Rangers
- Summer 2004: Martin Windus, No D
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Byron Harris, Rangers
POINTS:
- Summer 2002: Steve Nabess, Avengers (92)
- 🏆 Summer 2003: Ryan Martin, Avengers (153) 🏆
- Summer 2004: Rob Moniz, Freaks (109)
- Summer 2005: Jeremy Guenette, Mexicans (79)
- Summer 2006: Mike Yosyk, Rebels (84)
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2002: Scott Rhodes, The Pack
- Summer 2003: Jonathon Franklin, Avengers
- Summer 2004: Andrew Roberts, Doggs
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Jerry White, Wiseguys
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2002: Steve Nabess, Avengers; Mike Brownridge, The Pack (17)
- Summer 2003: Kirby Shwaykosky, Avengers (19)
- Summer 2004: Martin Windus, No D (16)
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Jeremy Guenette, Mexicans (20) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Adam Downing, Rangers (11)
SACKS:
- Summer 2002: Julius Bavaras, Avengers (26)
- Summer 2003: Josh Vasas, AKA (35)
- Summer 2004: Tim Holfeld, Pylons (25)
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Drew Mackenzie, Deltas (29) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Benny Bruce, Wiseguys (20)
Division 3:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2002: Raj Hanmiah, Eviscerators
- Summer 2003: Adam Smith, Freaks
- Summer 2004: Ziggy Haluik, Raiders
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Ray Haluik, Green Machine
POINTS:
- 🏆 Summer 2002: Raj Hanmiah, Eviscerators (122) 🏆
- Summer 2003: Craig Keyser, Omaha Gang (106)
- Summer 2004: Stacy Cournoyer, Droogs (86)
- Summer 2005: Derrick Shore, St. Vitals Finest (27)
- Summer 2006: Marc Hebert, Smegma (80)
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2002: Bob Bader, Renegades
- Summer 2003: Derek Mills, Muddogs
- Summer 2004: Jerry White, Wiseguys
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Eli Viera, Torsion
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2002: Darryl Elyk, Renegades (20)
- Summer 2003: Craig Keyser, Omaha Gang (22)
- Summer 2004: Ziggy Haluik, Raiders (19)
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Derrick Shore, St. Vitals Finest (27) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Steve Nabess, Smegma (18)
SACKS:
- 🏆 Summer 2002: Tommy Lockhart, Fabulous Eleven (45) 🏆
- Summer 2003: Wayde Edwards, N.E.S. (42)
- Summer 2004: Josh Vasas, Muddogs (34)
- Summer 2005: Nick Pagano, Marlins (35)
- Summer 2006: Kyle Turcotte, Smegma (25)
Division 4:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2002: Eric Bjornson, Snappers
- Summer 2003: Tim Holfeld, Pylons
- Summer 2004: Pat Comte, Pylons
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Marcel Swerid, Muddogs
POINTS:
- Summer 2002: Cam Wilson, Wiseguys (109)
- Summer 2003: Cam Wilson, Wiseguys (103)
- Summer 2004: Tim McDowell, All Madden (114)
- Summer 2005: Mike Laping, El Paquitos (109)
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Kyle Ashuk, Warpigs (120) 🏆
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2002: Jerry White, Wiseguys
- Summer 2003: Tim McDowell, All Madden
- Summer 2004: Marty Bender, Cradle Raiders
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Derek Mills, Warpigs
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2002: Jay Martin, Woodticks (16)
- Summer 2003: Cam Wilson, Wiseguys (17)
- 🏆 Summer 2004: Brett Holfeld, Pylons (25) 🏆
- Summer 2005: Bart Lange, Snappers (20)
- Summer 2006: Derek Mills, Warpigs (19)
SACKS:
- Summer 2002: Bob Parks, Hydrants (31)
- 🏆 Summer 2003: Tim Holfeld, Pylons (48) 🏆
- Summer 2004: Kelly Strickland, Panthers (34)
- Summer 2005: Josh Vasas (42)
- Summer 2006: Nick Pagano, Marlins (31)
Division 5:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2003: Ken Armstrong, Buccaneers
- Summer 2004: Paul Havens, Woodticks
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Mike Nelson, Cream Machine
POINTS:
- 🐐🏆🐐 Summer 2003: Ricky Moniz, Wildcats (164) 🐐🏆🐐
- Summer 2004: Paul Havens, Woodticks (135)
- Summer 2005: Joe Colbeck, Prairie Fire (148)
- Summer 2006: O'Neal Harvey, Cream Machine (92)
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2003: Adam Smith, Wildcats
- Summer 2004: Dave Einarson, Arsenals
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Mike Nelson, Cream Machine
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2003: Chris Pikl, Spirals (18)
- 🐐🏆🐐 Summer 2004: Paul Havens, Woodticks (30) 🐐🏆🐐
- Summer 2005: Joe Colbeck, Prairie Fire (14)
- Summer 2006: Brett Holfeld, Pylons (15
SACKS:
- 🐐🏆🐐 Summer 2003: David Menares, Arrows (60) 🐐🏆🐐
- Summer 2004: Jarvis Lucarz, Woodticks (50)
- Summer 2005: Matt Bernard, Spirals (39)
- Summer 2006: Josh Vasas, Tarantulas (41)
Division 6:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2004: Ryan Jeffrey, Winebongers
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Kirk Bartlett, Rum Runners
POINTS:
- Summer 2004: Ryan Jeffrey, Winebongers (95)
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Karl Steininger (119) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Ray Haluik, Rum Runners (94)
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2004: Clint Wiebe, Rage
- Summer 2005: Not Recorded
- Summer 2006: Kevin Brandt, Tundra
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2004: Kirk Bartlett, Rum Runners (16)
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Mike Nelson, Cream Machine (24) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Ryan Jeffrey, Ginbongers (18)
SACKS:
- Summer 2004: David Menares, Rage (41)
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Benny Bruce, Wildcats (52) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Derrek Grawberger, Ginbongers (30)
Division 7:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2006: Nate Bach, Wildcats
- 🏆 Summer 2005: Evan Hiebert, Clip Clops (111) 🏆
- Summer 2006: Ray St.Mars, Blue Bulls (107)
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2006: Marc Hebert, Prairie Lobsters
INTERCEPTIONS:
- Summer 2005: Kirk Barlett, Rum Runners (19)
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Nate Bach, Wildcats (20) 🏆
SACKS:
- Summer 2005: Nolan Evans, Shakers (40)
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Benny Bruce, Wildcats (42) 🏆
Division 8:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
- Summer 2006: Greg Enns, Eligible Receivers
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Greg Enns, Eligible Receivers (127) 🏆
TOP QUARTERBACK (Touchdown passes were not recorded in the UTFL, but an award for top quarterback was handed out each year):
- Summer 2006: Justin Sabourin, Dazed & Confused
INTERCEPTIONS:
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Phil Weissgaerber, Eager Beavers (14) 🏆
SACKS:
- 🏆 Summer 2006: Kevin Napastiuk, Blue Balls (38) 🏆