Minot Maulers demolish Rhinos Published April 26, 2012 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A large crowd of more than 200 of Minot's Football aficionados awaited anxiously at the Minot State University's Herb Parker Stadium April 21, for the inaugural game of the newly formed Minot Mauler's Semi-Professional Football team. Having been established only months prior, in February, Minot's Maulers walked onto the field with full confidence, ready to show their opponents they meant business. The team's first challengers were the Twin City Rhinos, a Semi-Professional Football team based out of Minneapolis, Minn., who have competed for years in the Midwest Premier Football League. It wasn't long before the Mauler's proved their worth, taking the lead by the end of the first quarter, leaving the Rhinos trailing by halftime and sealing a victory by the end of the third quarter. With a final score of 41 to 6, the Maulers set foot on a right path, proving the strength of Minot's ability to make itself known as a capable community worthy of taking on any challenge. Mike Ashley, the star quarterback who was able to throw three touchdowns that afternoon, said it felt great to get a first win and attributed it to his teammates' ability to go all out and give it their best in the field. Airmen from Minot Air Force Base play a major contribution to the makeup of the team. According to Master Sgt. Lee Pearson, 5th Maintenance Group knowledge operations manager and the Minot Maulers' head coach, there are currently 27 military members from Minot AFB on the team. Initially, when word spread of a new Football team forming in Minot, Pearson said he was approached about becoming a coach. Pearson said he came together with six other guys who were interested in being on the coaching staff and began to hold tryouts. Without much advertisement, spreading the news about team tryouts was all done through word of mouth, but luckily they were able to garner a lot of support from the community as well explained Pearson. "Right now we've got players ranging from 18 to 36 years old," said Pearson. "Since we just started, it will be a little difficult to get fully established," said Pearson, referring to the fact that many of the players are on different work schedules and they can't always make practice sessions. Nonetheless, he said he was excited and looks forward to competing. "I thank all the supervisors and the commanders who support the guys playing, as well as family members who have had to put up with their spouses practicing late," said Pearson. Minot's Maulers are scheduled to host the Brainerd (Minn.) Lumberjacks May 6 at 1 p.m.