Joe DiGarazio-All American

Joe Digarzio Vermilion’s All American Linebacker– His time at VCC.

I initially came to Vermilion because out of high school I was an academic non-qualifier. As a result of my academics I needed to go to a community college to get my academics in order. My opportunity came when the Vermilion coaches recruited me. I ended up coming to V.C.C. because I thought that this was a great opportunity for me to get a good education, play good football, and be in a program that had a winning tradition.

As a result of my time at Vermilion I have achieved many of my goals and earned some things that I had never even thought I could. The first and most important achievement is the A/A degree which I will receive in may. On the football field I was fortunate and received many honors with the highest recognition coming when I was named to the NJCAA All-American team. In addition to my All-American honors I was also named the Region 13 Defensive Player of the Year. The high point for me in my playing career had to have been winning the 2006 NJCAA National Championship.

Academically, Vermilion had many things that helped make me successful. I believe that one of the great thing about V.C.C. is the classes sizes. Here at Vermilion the classes are not large and overrun with students and that gives you a chance to have interaction with all your instructors. Also it is much easier to receive the help you need to be successful in your classes. Additionally, I believe that the setting of the college helps you succeed. In Ely, there is not all the distractions that can pull you away from your work and allows you to stay focused and succeed.

Now that I have concluded my career here at Vermilion I have been fortunate that I had many opportunities to move on. This fall I had interest by many great programs like Temple, Northern Iowa, North Dakota State, North Carolina Central just to name a few. This spring I had over ten offers of scholarships to choose from but I am very much looking to return to Pennsylvania and be close to family and friends.

Abraham Felton getting ready.

Abraham Felton is working to make is his mark in 2008

In high school Abraham had a impressive career at Westside High School in Memphis, Tn. At Westside he played strong safety as a senior and put up impressive numbers. In his senior campaign Abraham recorded 89 total tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 sacks. As a result of a great year he was selected to the All-City team and was a starter in the All-Star game in Memphis.

In the 2007 season at Vermilion C.C. Abraham continued to develop and keep up the high level of play. From the strong safety and outside linebacker spots he became one of the leaders on defense and posted impressive statistics. In the 2007 season Abraham had 91 total tackles, picked off 5 balls, broke up 7 passes, and sacked the quarterback 3 times. The highlight to his season was a long 56 yard touchdown off an interception which earned him conference player of the week. As a result of a great season Felton was named to the All-conference team and ended the season in the national leaders in tackles and interceptions.

Physically, Abraham Felton is comparable to many of the top junior college prospects in the nation. At 6’1” 220 Felton is very athletic running an impressive 4.56 forty yard dash with a 35 inch vertical leap. Complimenting his speed and athleticism is his dedication to the weight room which has paid dividends and shows in his ability to bench 225lbs. 17 times.

Abraham is working hard this off season preparing himself for the Ironmen’s 2008 season. He is hoping that all the hard work will pay off in a number scholarship offers this December. Felton is set to graduate with his A/A from Vermilion at the conclusion of the fall semester. In addition, Abraham is wants to bring another conference title to V.C.C.

Drew Westling San Diego State QB talks about Coach Haines

I have been very lucky in myshort career to have worked with and been coached by some of the brightest minds in football today. . From being at two divison one programs and being a coaches son who has traveled to many clinics around the country, i have seen how big time coaches present themsleves and conduct their teams. Coach John Haines certainly fits the mold. Coach Haines has been a position coach for every offense position group at one time or another. The incredible part is that every group he couaches is the most productive on the team for that given season. Along with his extensive duties as offensive coordinator, he coached the runningbacks for our team in 2007. Not surprisingly given his track record they were the catalyst that we leaned on for big plays in crucial times. The starter (Kenslow Smith) went from a rarely used pass-catcher in high school to the leading rusher, reciever and MVP. Coach Haines has a very unique ability to maximize every player he coaches potential. Even more amazing he does so with a grace and respectful style that is rare in big time sports. The ironmen are not only getting one of the up and coming coaches in all the U.S. but one of the finest husband, father and man there is today. GO IRONMEn!

The Last 25 years of IRONMEN FOOTBALL

1983- Conference Champions
1985-Conference Champions
1986-Conference Champions
1986-MCCC State Champions
1986-Midwest Bowl
1987-Conference Champions
1990- Conference Champions
1992-Conference Champions
1992-MCCC State Champions
1994-Conference Champions
1995-Conference Champions
1995-MCCC State Champions
1995-Midwest Bowl
1996-Conference Champions
1996-MCCC State Champions
1996-MCCC State Champions
1997-Conference Champions
1999-Conference Champions
2001-Conference Champions
2002-Conference Champions
2003-Conference Champions
2005-Conference Champions
2006-Conference Champions
2006-MCCC State Champions
2006-NJCAA National Champions
2006-Dalton Defenders Bowl
2006-NJCAA Region XIII Champions

Why did you choose to part of IRONMEN football?

Name: Julius Kane
High School: Simon Gratz High School
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa
Position: DE, MLB

I am here to get my degree in Business and play football. I would like to transfer to a 4-year school with a full ride hopefully. I was ALL PUBLIC my senior year of high school. Basically I love to play football and have fun.

Matt Scheerer- Current U of Minnesota Crookston offensive lineman talks about playing for coach Haines

Playing for Coach Haines was a pleasure: It was a hands on learning/playing environment and it was a lot of fun. When you screw up; you know why and coach will correct you so you don't make same mistake twice. He will also refine your skills to make you the best player you can be; the smallest details are never un-coached. Every player worked hard for Coach Haines, but every player had fun too. The offensive scheme at Redwoods was easy to understand and it allowed the players to be aggressive and make plays. Coach Haines helped me refine my skills, recognized my talents and helped me move on to the Division II level; which also helped me earn a college degree and find my passion, working in college athletics. I owe my success to Coach John Haines.

-Matt Scheerer
University of Minnesota- Crookston

The town of Ely, Minnesota- HOME OF THE IRONMEN!

Ely, Minnesota- Home of the IRONMEN

Where in the Midwest can an outdoors enthusiast go to find true wilderness adventure? Where can an angler go to find some of the best smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, or lake trout fishing in the Midwest, probably even North America? Where can a family or group go to get a taste of the north woods flavor? Two words, one thought, will sum it up: Ely Minnesota. The Ely area offers all the fishing and outdoor activities the angler, adventurer, or outdoors-person might be looking for.

As appealing as the wilderness is, some visitors to Ely prefer to "rough it" in a little bit of luxury. How much "luxury" is up to the individuals. There are some ultra-modern resorts in the area that can provide any amenity desired. Some resorts have very nice play areas for children, serve gourmet meals, and even have whirlpools and hot tubs. Others cater more to the folks who prefer to do their own cooking and who want to enjoy a simpler lifestyle for a few days. From lakeside suites to rustic cabins on a point of land extending into the lake, you can find what you're looking for to make your trip to Ely memorable.
The town of Ely is of itself a very unique and interesting community. The shops are distinctive and have a true North Country flair. A day can be easily spent just investigating the various shops in Ely. It is advisable that when you visit this community, you leave a little room in the vehicle for souvenirs. Most visitors return home with rugs, furnishings, wall decorations, or trinkets that remind them of their trip to this area on the edge of the wilderness. These mementos bring the wilderness aura of Ely a little closer to their everyday lives

Source-Ely Chamber of Commerce

Where did the IRONMEN nickname come from?

Why the Ironmen ?

WHY "IRONMEN?"
Many people think that Vermilion Community College got their nickname, the "Ironmen" from the fact that iron mining was and is one of the largest businesses in our area. In fact, the name "Ironmen" was given to Ely Junior College in the fall of 1940 by Stan Pechaver, a writer at the time for Range Facts and later a member of the Ely Commercial Club. Stan called Coach Barney Franks' team the "Ironmen" because Ely Junior College won the Northern Junior College Conference championship in 1940 with a squad of only 14 players!!! Of those 14, 11 played every minute of every game!!! The nickname stuck and ever since VCC has been known as the "Ironmen."

Why did you choose to part of IRONMEN FOOTBALL-

Name: Jonathan “spike” Carter
High school: Plano West Senior High School
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Position: RB/DB

Plan on getting my AA degree and then majoring in business marketing or business law. Being in Ely helps me get all my work done and also being in a smaller town helps me focus more. Lettered in football and baseball all four years of high school. All district freshman year, all state junior and senior year

Why did I choose to be part of IRONMEN FOOTBALL-Ty Svenby-LB

Name: Ty Svenby
School: Medford High school
Hometown: Medford Minnesota
Position: Linebacker

What you want from here? Or anything you want to say about VCC football. I am here to get my degree in NRT and play for a good football team. In high school I was three time all-conference and a two time MVP, and three time all-state in wresting. My passion is the outdoors and hitting people on the grid iron.

Why did they choose IRONMEN FOOTBALL: Brian Carter-DB

Name: Brian Carter
High School: George Washington High
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Position: DB


I’m here to go to school and play football. I like how there are no distractions here. I’m really here just to get an education.


Lets go Ironmen!!

Ironmen Football -The Tradition Begins

EJC football- the Beginnings of Ironmen football

Ironmen Football -The Tradition Begins
EJC football- the Beginnings of Ironmen football
During the 1938 football season the E.J.C. made its first appearance on the gridiron and entered into J.C. conference competition. With help of Coach “Doc” Edwards, a squad was organized made up of former high school stars and a number of promising students who had never played before.
Practice sessions were called, but no practice equipment was available. The boys had tow alternatives, one, to abandon the idea of having an E.J.C. football team, the other, to practice without suits. Nothing could stop the pioneers of E.J.C. football, and on the date set for the first practice the boys appeared on the field dressed in everything from overalls to business suits. Intensive signal practice was run until the boys became quite proficient in running off the plays devised by “Doc’ Edwards. During all this practice, no actual scrimmage took place because of the lack of proper body protection.
Then the big day came. A game had been scheduled with the high school team. The squad donned suits for the first time and went out on the field determined to make a good showing for the J. C. The lads held their own while they became accustomed to the high school style of play, they then began to drive them up and down the field, but lacked scoring punch necessary to defeat such opposition. The game ended in a scoreless tie. The performance was deemed worthy of another trail, so another game was scheduled, this time against the Itasca eleven. Here again the green, but determined lads ran havoc with the Itasca team, but again lacked the scoring punch and lost the game by the narrow margin of one touchdown.
From then on, continuance of football as an extra-curricular activity was up to the school board. They came through in fine style upon hearing of the performance of the boys, and voted the J.C. football equipment for the ensuing season. The J.C. is extremely thankful for this acknowledgement of possibilities and intends to build up a football tradition in the E.J.C comparable to that of other schools.
Taken from the 1939 EJC yearbook- Voyageur

The Tradition Begins

EJC football- the Beginnings of Ironmen football

During the 1938 football season the E.J.C. made its first appearance on the gridiron and entered into J.C. conference competition. With help of Coach “Doc” Edwards, a squad was organized made up of former high school stars and a number of promising students who had never played before.
Practice sessions were called, but no practice equipment was available. The boys had tow alternatives, one, to abandon the idea of having an E.J.C. football team, the other, to practice without suits. Nothing could stop the pioneers of E.J.C. football, and on the date set for the first practice the boys appeared on the field dressed in everything from overalls to business suits. Intensive signal practice was run until the boys became quite proficient in running off the plays devised by “Doc’ Edwards. During all this practice, no actual scrimmage took place because of the lack of proper body protection.
Then the big day came. A game had been scheduled with the high school team. The squad donned suits for the first time and went out on the field determined to make a good showing for the J. C. The lads held their own while they became accustomed to the high school style of play, they then began to drive them up and down the field, but lacked scoring punch necessary to defeat such opposition. The game ended in a scoreless tie. The performance was deemed worthy of another trail, so another game was scheduled, this time against the Itasca eleven. Here again the green, but determined lads ran havoc with the Itasca team, but again lacked the scoring punch and lost the game by the narrow margin of one touchdown.
From then on, continuance of football as an extra-curricular activity was up to the school board. They came through in fine style upon hearing of the performance of the boys, and voted the J.C. football equipment for the ensuing season. The J.C. is extremely thankful for this acknowledgement of possibilities and intends to build up a football tradition in the E.J.C comparable to that of other schools.
Taken from the 1939 EJC yearbook- Voyageur

Spring Lifting- Off and running

The Ironmen are well into spring weight training and explosive training. It is a fundamental of VCC football that players spend time in workouts. As a group the returners are giving a great effort and improving everyday. One group, who is new to explosive lifting, are giving extra effort to learn the fundamentals of Olympic style lifting.

Go IRONMEN!!!