The SSFL Hall of Fame is continuing for 2011 and beyond as there are many qualified persons
that deserve the honor. Log onto the Hall of Fame Page for additional information.
Nominations to be sent to Dave Rice @ www.commissionerssfl@aol.com
2011 SSFL Hall of Fame Class Nominations Being Accepted
2011 Class Presently Accepted are Noted Below
Scroll Down to See Photos and SSFL Biographies
Mike Shannon
Jim Nugent
Leonard Opheim
Robert Spoonhour
Ron Scarlata
Nominations Received and Being Considered
Ronald Curry
About the Hall of Fame
Nominations for the Hall of Fame Class are accepted all year. Candidates must have a
minimum of 4 years experience in the SSFL and have to be nominated by a third party to be
included in the selection process. An entire list of all nominees are publiced on this site and comments on nominees are welcome.
Nominations to the Hall of Fame are accepted in the following categories: player, coach,
owner, staff, executive, officials association, and combination - where the candidate has served
in more han one capacity.
The Class of 2008 included 8 players, 1 owner, 8 combination, 2 executives, 5 officials &
1 staff.
The Class of 2009 included 12 players, 1 owner, 3 combination, 2 executives, 5 officials
& 1 staff.
The Class of 2010 included 8 players, 1 owner, 3 officials and 2 coaches
Dave Rice, Commissioner
David Rice has served as Commissioner of the Southern States Football League since 2000. His background as a player, coach, athletic administrator and commissioner extends on the national as well as local level for integrity
and success. Under his guidance, the league established early as the premier minor league in the Nation.
Commissiner Rice has assembled a Volunteer Advisory Board whose members include NCAA Athletic Department Administrators, Coaches, Academic Advisors, Conference Administrators, Junior College Administrators, Sports Promotors, College and Professional Scouts and Professional Sports Agents. The only Minor League in the country
to have NCAA affiliations. "You are who you associate with" .....
Commissioners Honors Include:
Who's Who In American Colleges and Universities
Fordham University Coach of the Year
President, Metropolitan Collegiate Director of Athletics Association
Director, NIT ( National Invitation Basketball Tournament )
Advisory Board, Giants Stadium
Metropolitan Collegiate Athletic League Coach of the Year
2005 - Minor League Football News Southern Regions Commissioner of the Year
2003 - Football Executive of the Year by the American Football Association.
1998 - Inductee of the All-American College Football Foundation Hall of Fame
2004 General Robert R. Neyland Award for lifetime contributions to college football.
2005 - All American Football Foundation award as the Nations Top Football League Commissioner.
2003 - American Football Association Hall of Fame
2007 - Minor League Football News Hall of Fame Inductee
2009 - SSFL Hall of Fame Inductee
Community Service Recognition:
City of Marco Island, Volunteer of the Year
Rotary Club - Citizen of the Year of the City of Marco Island
YMCA Of Marco Island - Community Leader Award
Citizens Community Bank - Leadership Award
United Way Campaign Chairman for the City of Marco Island, Fl
Colllier County, Florida, United Way Board Member
Naples Community Hospital Foundtion Board Member
President - Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce
President - Kiwanis Club
Foundation Board - Center for the Arts
Board Member - Marco Eagles Youth Football
National Businessman of the Year of the Republican Party
Other:
Co- founder of the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) a Division I NCAA Conference
Western Connecticut State Universities first Varsity Coach - built an NCAA football team from scratch.
Co-Founder of the Pre Season NIT Tournament
Co-Founder of the WNIT - Womens National Invitation Basketball Tournament
Head Coach of the First College Football Game to be held in Giants Stadium
With the Administration of Syracue University, Fordham University played the first college basketball game
in the Medowlands arena won by Fordham.
As a Diredtor of the NIT, participated in the first basketball game in Olympic Stadium in Seol, Korea.
Led NIT All Star Basketball Teams to International Tournaments in Korea, Australia, Italy, Yugoslavia
China, Tahiti & Ireland.
Guest of Honor at the opening ceremony of the N.J. Meadowlands Race Track presenting the award to the winner of the
featured race.
Director, Naples/Marco Sports Festival
Director, National Sports Achievement Awards Dinner
Chairman, Marco Island Coalition of Community Organizations
Paul Harris Fellow - Rotary Club International
2010 Fund Raising Coordinator, Marco Island Center for the Arts
Co Founder and first Chairman - Bridge To Bridge Road Race
Bio:
Upon college graduation, Rice signed as a free agent with the N.Y. Titans of the American Football League and
played in 3 professional football leagues over a 10 year span. His coaching experience includes Head Football, Basketball, Track and Gymnastics Coach, Greenwich H.S., Greenwich Connecticut, Columbia University, Head
Coach Western Connecticut State University and was the youngest Head Coach ever at Fordham University in New York. Upon retiring from coaching, Rice became the Director of Athletics at Fordham University was the youngest
AD in Division I in the Nation. In that capacity he served on the Advisory Board for Giants Stadium, a Director of the
NIT (National Invitation Tournament), President of the Metropolitan Athletic Directors Association, Co-Founder of the
MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference), and member of the Madison Square Garden Holiday Festival Committee. At At Fordham, Rice received the coveted Jack Coffey Award as Coach of the Year and was the Metropolitan Football
League Coach of the Year. Rice served briefly as the Director of Athletics at Florida International University setting the groundwork for the Universities entrance into Division I of the NCAA.
A resident of Marco Island, Florida since 1987, Rice is active in the community. A popular Master of Ceremonies at
events and banquets, Dave has also served as a TV and radio color commentator for the Collier County, Florida
High School Game of the Week. For 10 years he was one of four Football forcasters of NFL games for the local newspaper serving with Don Healy, Dallas Cowboy record holder and Dave Kocourek, NFL San Diego Charger team captain. Retiring from that position in 2009, Rice achieved first plce status 6 years and 2nd place status 4 years.
His replacement for the 2010 season is Mike Vanderjacht, NFL All Time record Holder for Field Goals of Indianapolis Colt fame.
Rice is married to Jeanne Taylor, former Assistant Athletic Director in charge of women’s sports at the University of Mississippi.
Quality Stadiums - A Feature of the SSFL
The Citrus Bowl & the SSFL Since 2004
The relationship between the Citrus Bowl and the SSFL began in 2004. Team owners adopted the concept that the championship game be the leagues premier event of the year. Providing the opportunity for players and coaches to experience participating in a major stadium with all of the amenities that major college and professional teams experience, was deemed to be a great way to end the season. Many players have indicated that being a part of that experience has been one of the highlights in their Minor League careers.
Playing in the Championship, honoring league All Star players, officials, ball boys, coaches and teams, is a great motivator for all to set goals for the next season. For the ATTENDANCE RECORD BREAKING 2008 game, honoring the
first class of SSFL Hall of Fame was an added attraction and provided the opportunity for Hall of Famers to renew old aquintances. They are the "Role Models" for this, and future generations of the SSFL.
The operational costs for the game are included in team dues as ticket sales in Minor League football would not provide adequate support.
INNOVATION - THE "KEY" TO PROGRESS
First to play International Competition
First to place players, coaches and officials advancement to college and pro teams a League Priority
First to have a player sign an NFL contract
First to form an Officials Association
First to have Publcized Standards and Rules
First to Institute a League Hall of Fame
First to Have Live TV & Radio Broadcasts of Games
First to Have Internet Radio & TV Broadcast of Games
First to Institute a League Web Site
First To Institute a Cash Reward for League Champions
First to Provide Monogramed League Footballs
First to Introduce Scheduling by Geographic Location to Minimize Travel Costs
First to Feature Championship & All Star Games in a Major Stadium
First to Require Team Liability Insurance
First to Require Sideline Control Staff ID to Insure the Safety of Officials
First to Provide a League Gift Store for Income to All Teams
First to run radio commercials advertising Minor League Football Games
Firstt to provide weekly officials game reportsirst to provide an NFL style posteason playof
First league to train,organize and assign officials crews
First to require security at games to insure control and safety
First to require emergency medical plans at games in case of injury or accident
First to Challenge all FLorida Commissioners to a State Championship Tournament
SSLF TEAMS PLAY "OUTSIDE THE BOX"
Story Line: Traditionally, SSFL teams had played visiting teams from various prts of the country as they are interested in visiting Florida. Previous Games played included:
2006 - Brooklyn Mariners, Brooklyn, NY
2007 - Conshohocken Steelers, Pennsylvania
2008 - Lowell Nor'easter - Massachusettes
Georgia Xtreme
2009 - North West Giants - Pennsylvania
Carolina Express - Sourth Carolina
PLAY & COACH IN THE SSFL - WHERE "TALENT" IS RECOGNIZED
SSFL Advancements
SSFL Story Line: PeeJay Jack, joins SSFL personnel "movin on up". Chris Lucido, offensive lineman signed with the French Meteores team joning SSFL coach and SSFL Hall of Famer, Skip Poole who was recently appointed head coach. SSFL Hall of Fame Ass't Coach, John Mackler signed as the head coach and general manager of the Washington D.C. Chiefs, Rashod Moulton, SSFL Hall of Famer with Denver in the NFL and let's not forget wide receiver
Preston McGann, selected as one of the 6 top receivers in America and the only minor league player to appear on Fourth and Long, this season sports reality show, hosted by Michael Irvin. Announced on June 5th - Rob Diebold
HOF Inductee selected to coach in Australia in 2011.
Commented Commissioner Dave Rice, The fabulous seven players and coaches noted above represent eveything I had expected from being a part of the SSFL. We are proud of their accomplishments one and all, and expect them to continue to achieve success. Coaches Skip Poole and John Mackler are dedicated football men of high character, demanding their players represent football in the highest quality on and off the field. There are many outstanding players in the SSFL but Pee Jay Jack, Rashod Moulton and Chris Lucido lead the pack as the type of player any coach wants on their team. Their quest and desire for upward mobility is higher than any other players I have come in contact and that is why they have been able to take the next step in their careers. There is no doubt in my mind that they are the best in their position of any other players in the league in our 9 years of existence".
Rob Diebold, SSFL Hall of Fame Class of 2010
Selected to Coach in Australia for the 2011 Season
View Robs Bio on the Home Page in the list of 2010 Inductees
Pee Jay Jack Signs with Top European League French Professional Team
Team Release: "Pee Jay Jack Signs with France's Elancourt Templiers, Runner up in the 2008 Euro Bowl
Pee Jay Jack Signs as QB with Alaska
Pictured Above: P.J's former offensive coordinator, Ron Scarlotta and teammates witness PJ's signing of his contract to play quarterback with the Elancourt Templiers. The Templiers, located just outside Paris plays in the top European pro league and was runner up in last seasons Euro Bowl
Pee Jay Jack standing 6’3, weighing 235 pounds joins the team slated to be the starting quarterback. Jack went to college at Western Connecticut State University and was a freshman standout as a 2000 Pre-Season All-American. He played for three teams in the minor leagues, most currently the Orlando Rage, where he led them to their second straight championship. Pee Jay was inducted into the Southern State Football League Hall of Fame in 2008. Jack is a SSFL record holding QB, 5 times SSFL All-Star, and MVP of the National Football Events National Champinship game in 2009. He has two Rice-Bowl Championships, and was considered to be 2009 Rice Bowl Offensive MVP.
His professional career includes Kissimmee Kreatures of the NIFL, Daytona Beach Thunder of the AIFL, Syracuse Soldiers of the AIFL, Florida Firecats of the AFL2, River City Rage of the UIF, and Florida Tuskers of the UFL. In 2009 Jack produced stats of 28 passing TD’s, 7 rushing TD’s, 1,934 passing yards, and 417 rushing yards.
Story Line: Skip Poole, SSFL Hall of Fame Class of 2008 announced that he has been selected as the Head Coach
of the Wroclaw Devils located in Wroclaw, Poland having completed his tour of duty as Head Coach of the French Fontenay Meteores, which replaced the French National Team. In his email of Jan. 14, 2010 Skip writes,
Mr. Rice,
I just wanted to drop you a short note and tell you that I am
off to Wroclaw, Poland on the 6th of February. I was selected as
their new Head Coach. The team is called the Wroclaw Devils and they
have my story on their front page. It seems as though I am becoming
a jet setter. Take care and thank you for all that you have done for
Pam and I. I will send you some pictures. I send my best wishes to
you and yours.
Always Respectfully,
Your friend
Coach Skip Poole
Skip Poole was an original player in the SSFL under HOF Coach, Denny Randolph and also with the Vinice Vikings, where upon his retirement as a player, ecame the teams owner and coach. He has been the Head Coach of the Chatanooga Steam and this year won their league championship and were highly ranked nationally. Coach Poole is a Hall of Fame member of the
American Football Association, the Chatanooga Steam as well as the SSFL. Said Poole, "the SSFL has opened many doors for me and I am proud to be one of the many SSFL alums who have mde it to another level. My experience in the SSFL has been the foundation for whatever succes I have achieved". The SSFL wishes Skip much success in his new assignment.
waight appea in the Rice Bowl Cha Preston McGann Goes Prosonmpionship game held at the Citrus do n
At the conclusion of the 2009 season was it a surprise to Commissioner Dave Rice that Preston McGann would retire from the SSFL with opportunities to play professionallly? Said Rice, A surprise? Not in the least. My opinion is that if he was not affored the opportunity scouts are not doing their job. Preston, his dad and I have been in communication the last few years about his potential, and the contacts made are coming to fruition. If we had an SSFL MVP in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, my personal choice would have been Preston. In getting to the next level, personal
ambition, sacrifices and a lot of help from those in the business are a must. Our level of play is the most difficult level for players to be recognized by those at the top level, and to get to that top level, players must realize it is a step by step process. Preston has what it takes to meet that challenge."
Preston McGann, of the SSFL's Orlando Rage, played receiver and was a two-time Rice Bowl MVP. He has signed with the Columbus (Ga) Lions of the Southern Indoor Football League, reporting to camp last month.
"Orlando Rage owner Chris Morrison and Head Coach Leonard Opheim and staff had done a marvelous job in the utilization of Preston's talents enabling him to obtain the recognition he deserved. Too many Minor Leagues and team owners talk a good game about helping players advance, but, do not have the contacts or experience to make a players dream come true".
Good Luck Preston!
Former SSFL Coach Advances
ased
JJohn Mackler, SSFL Hall of Famer "Moves Up"
o
e
Story Line: John Mackler, SSFL Hall of Fame member and former Offensive Coordinator of the Millionaires has been appointed Head Coach and General Manager of the Washington Chiefs from Washington D.C.
Copy of John Mcklers email:
Hi Dave,
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I have accepted a head coaching, offensive coordinator and general manager position with the Washington Chiefs of the Minor Football League in Washington, D.C. I sent you by separate email the article that was published in the MLFN. I want to thank you for all your encouragement while I was part of the SSFL. The HOF induction is what helped open doors for me.
Best to you with the SSFL and I will keep in touch.
John Mackler (Coach Mack)ach
20-7831ell Phone: 858-7-2547il: coachashingt.com
shSaid SSFL Commissioner, Dave Rice, "John was the heart and soul of his former team on and off the field when it came to professionalism, attention to detail and exhibiting the qualities expected in an SSFL coach while associated with the SSFL. He was the one and only person on the sideline of his former team that I could count on trying to maintain professionalism and discipline."
John joins a long list of former SSFL personnel to advance to a higher level and we wish him much success.
Rashod Moulton Signs with the Denver Broncoso
Rashod Moulton
StStory Line: Rashod Moulton, former St. Petersburg Shark was signed by the Denver Broncos as a defensive corner back. Rashod attended Lakewood HighSchool in St. Petersburg. A standout performer with Sharks under the guidance of SSFL Hall of Fame team owner, Derrick Pollock, Rashod was enshrined in the SSFL Hall of Fame Class of 2008. Prior to going to the Broncos, Rashod was was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. Rashod Moulton fits the bill as the "Poster Player" for the SSFL. He represents the qualities all team owners and coaches hope to bring to the attention of the college and professional recruiters.
Spike Lee & Dallas Cowboy's Michael Irvin Sports Reality
SELECT SSFL'S PRESTON McGANN
The Only Minor League Player Selected
stIt started with 1000's, cut to 39 semi finalists and 12 finalists were chosen.
A Sports Reality Show, "Fourth and Long", headed by Spike Lee and former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin, featuring receivers and defensive backs in a competition similar to "American Idol", made its premier on May 18 with the selection of the top 12 contestants from 1000's of America's top football talent. The show, is aired on Spike TV on
Mondays at 10:00 PM. The winner of the competition will earn the oportunity to be a Dallas Cowboy for the coming season. Stated Commissioner Rice, " When contacted by the shows representative, I was told that based on the leagues reputation they would reserve up to 5 spots for SSFL players to be interviewed of the 1000's who applied if they were recommended by the players coach, owner and myself. Alan Kaz, VP of casting for 3 Ball Productions said, "we're looking for legitimate players who have the physical ability and talent to play in the NFL, we found it in the SSFL with Preston McCann".
The SSFL Family is proud that he made the CASTING CALL AND ENJOYED SEEING HIM PERFORM ON NATIONAL TV
meet in a playoff situation.
Interesting Facts: In 9 years, the SSFL has had the following number of teams change for various reasons:
Expelled from the League Disbanded Moved to Another League Were in process of not in good standing being renewed but left
before being notified.
16 18 3 3
Ft. Myers Spartans Ft. Pierce Fire Rage
Thunder Thunderbolts Gladiators St. Petersburg Sharks
Iron Eagles Treasurer Coast Pirates ReapersReaperIron Sentiels
War Eagles Vero Beach Hurricanes Bulls- Expelled in 2007
Gainesville Hornets Tampa Bay Barracudas Team requested
ee Jay Jack Signs as QB with Alaska 
