Arena Football With Mike Hohensee

Mike Hohensee played quarterback at the University of Minnesota, before a pro career whch saw him play in several leagues.  He even had a short stint with the Chicago Bears during the 1987 NFL strike.

Hohensee threw the first touchdown pass in the Arena Football League.  He also was the first coach of the Chicago Rush, guiding the team to the Arena Bowl title in 2006.  In all, he has coached eight AFL teams, the last being the Portland Thunder in 2015.

I had the pleasure of meeting Hohensee when he was coaching the Iowa Barnstormers.  The Chicago Rush was no longer around and Iowa had a big tryout day in Chicago.  My interview is at On the Beat with Coach Mike Hohensee.  

It was a bittersweet day though.  While I enjoyed meeting and talking to Coach Ho, I was sad that the Rush were no longer playing.  I really enjoyed covering the Rush and watching the AFL games.

The Rush demise was well-documented.  Three owners and lawsuits in a short span brought the end of the franchise.  Chicago had to reapply for a team, but missed the deadline and then had to wait two seasons.  I believe that period has elapsed though and I am hoping for a new Chicago AFL team.  If I am dreaming really big, they could bring back Coach Ho, too!

Mike Hohensee and me in Arlington Heights, IL-October 2013.

On the Beat with Coach Mike Hohensee of the Iowa Barnstormers

Recently, I lamented the loss of the Chicago Rush.  Over the last two Arena Football League seasons, I really got into the action.  With no Chicago AFL (for at least two years), I am officially turning my fandom to the Iowa Barnstormers.
Last weekend, I was invited to a tryout day for the Barnstormers at the former practice facility of the Rush.  I could not pass up the opportunity to talk to Mike Hohensee, coach of the barnstormers.
Coach Hohensee has strong ties to the Chicago area.  He coached the Rush from 2001-2008 and again in 2010, guiding the team to the AFL title in 2006.  He also played for the Chicago Bears in 1987.  He moved onto the Philadelphia Soul in 2011 and then to Iowa in 2012.
Coach Hohensee has an impressive resume as a player and coach.  Hohensee threw the first touchdown pass in AFL history.  He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2012.  He was the youngest coach in AFL histroy.
I talked to Coach Hohensee about his career, the Rush, the Barnstormers and more.  Coach was very generous with his time and very open with his answers.  It really was a very enjoyable interview for me.  I have always liked Coach Hohensee and now I finally got to have a real talk with him.
The Barnstormers play in Des Moines, IA, which is a bit far for me to travel for every game.  Still, I know I will make the trip for at least a couple games.  With no Rush, I will need an AFL fix and Coach Hohensee has earned my fandom.

No Rush?

On Monday, it was announced that the Arena Football League (AFL) will go on hiatus for the 2009 season. The return is planned for the 2010 season, although many question if that will happen.
The AFL started in 1987, although the current AFL is dramatically different. The Bruisers were the first AFL Chicago franchise. The Bruisers lasted a few seasons. After a few Chicago-less AFL seasons, the Rush became Chicago's team in 2001.
The Rush is lead by Mike Hohensee, a former quarterback who threw the first touchdown pass in AFL history. Hohensee also appeared for the Chicago Bears during the 1987 strike season. Under Hohensee, the Rush have been very successful, The Rush organization has built a great environment and large fan base.
The Rush apparently were ready to play in 2009, but tv contracts prevented the league from televising an abbreviated version of the league. Hopefully, the AFL, the Rush and Coach Hohensee will return in 2010.

Mike Hohensee and me in Arlington Heights, IL-mid 00's.