8/6/2008 11:36:00 AM Three from the area galloping toward the Iron Bowl title
Rhonda Reigstad For the Poynette Press
Semi-pro football is widely recognized as a recreational league, but three area men involved with the Madison Mustangs are proving those pundits wrong.
Defensive coordinator Barry Lengfeld is in his first year with the Mustangs.
Lengfeld has spent almost 13 years coaching youth football in DeForest and is president of the organization. He also is the defensive coordinator of the DeForest High School junior varsity team and defensive tackle coach for the varsity squad.
Lengfeld was referred to the Mustangs by a current player. Then he spoke with Adam Smith, offensive coordinator, and was referred to owner Robert Gingras.
The two of them talked and Gingras liked what he heard of what Barry could bring to the team and its defense.
It didn't take long for the defense to buy into his system.
Through eight games, the Mustangs' defense has had 33 takeaways, given up just 3.5 points per game and recorded four shutouts.
Long time defensive lineman Mario Brown said their defense was good last year, and it's even better this year with Lengfeld's guidance.
Wide receiver John Hinner is a DeForest High graduate and played college football at St. Norbert College in DePere.
Hinner heard about the Mustangs through a junior varsity coach at DeForest who was coaching his younger brother.
Hinner got the name of offensive coordinator Adam Smith, and gave him a call.
After getting further information, Hinner went through the tryout and made the team.
"I like the chance to continue playing a sport that I love with a great group of guys," said Hinner.
Shaun Hathaway, a 1998 graduate of Poynette High School, is in his first year at tight end for Madison.
Hathaway made the switch after playing defensive end last season.
Hathaway found out about the team in 2004, when they were called the Madison Seminoles, through a friend of his. The team was still looking for players, so he tried out and made the team.
Hathaway enjoys playing full-contact football again.
"Not a lot of people get a chance to play after high school and college. You can get a bunch of people together and play tackle football in your backyard, and there are flag football leagues you can play in, but it's just not the same," said Hathaway.
Coach Smith, who is also Director of Football Operations, couldn't be happier with the contributions these guys have made.
Smith said about Coach Lengfeld, "Barry brings intensity, energy and stability to our defense. The defense knows and has confidence that Barry is committed to them, and that's a big plus from last season."
"He's a big reason why our defense has performed as well as it has this season," Smith added.
Smith has been impressed with Hinner.
"John has brought experience and leadership to our receiving corp. His attitude and team first approach was needed on our offense," said Smith.
Hathaway has also left a good impression on Smith.
"Shaun's diversity, work ethic, and attitude has been a boost for our team and offense. Shaun is in a tough spot having moved from defensive end last season to tight end this season. With the style of offense we play, limited tight end formations, he has worked very hard to become better everyday in practice," said Smith.
All three of the local athletes have their eyes on the same thing, winning the Iron Bowl Championship at the end of the year
Given how the team has played this year, undefeated in the regular season, there's a good chance they will be hoisting the trophy on Sept. 6.
For more information on the Mustangs, visit their Web site at www.madisonmustangsfootball.com.
