Pioneers Join Gridiron Developmental Football League For 2023 Season and beyond
St. Paul, MN- The St. Paul Pioneers 8 time NEFL champions and 3 time National Champions are set to move back to the National stage. The Pioneers board of directors voted unanimously to join the GDFL for the 2023 season. 2023 will mark St. Paul’s 22 season of play.
Pioneers Board President Mark Heiser said, “We are thrilled to be a new member of the GDFL. The GDFL was great to work with as we explored a number of opportunities for new leagues. In the end, the professionalism of the GDFL and the opportunity to play for a true National Championship were part of the deciding factors. Our 22nd season should be our best season yet.”
The GDFL started in 2010 and is based in Memphis, Tenn. The league currently consists of over 30 teams from 16 different states. The Syracuse (NY) Strong are the reigning GDFL champions.The GDFL was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment. The Pioneers are currently set to be in the Xtreme West Division with the likes of the Racine Raiders and Wisconsin Hitmen.
“I am excited to get back on the National level, playing new teams and new competition. Facing top end teams every week is very exciting,” said current Pioneer and board member Jacob Husnik. The Pioneers finished the 2022 season with a 7-4 record winning the NEFL Championship with a 41-8 win over the Kansas City Bulldogs.
The Northern Elite Football League has served the Pioneers well and has been home for the past 13 seasons but with few teams remaining change was imminent. “The GDFL has some of the best teams in the country and is an expanding league. We are excited to get started,” said Heiser.
"Today is a tremendous day in the history of the GDFL. We are glad to welcome one of the preeminent football organizations in the country to the GDFL. The St.Paul Pioneers organization has prided itself in continued success, both on and off the field, since their inception. There professionalism is a testament to the quality of their organization and their passionate fanbase,”said GDFL President Charles ThompsonWith the inclusion of the St.Paul Pioneers organization, the GDFL continues to prepare the 2023 season, schedules will be released in the coming months.All home games will kickoff @ 7pm and will be played @ Sea Foam Stadium Concordia University St. Paul, Minnesota.