Cleveland Lions

The Cleveland Lions American football club is a Mid Continental Football League team based in Bedford, Ohio.

History

Formed in 1978, the Lions are one of the oldest existing semi-pro teams in the country. The Lions spent their first 16 seasons in the Northern Ohio Football League. While in the NOFL, they won eight league titles and four state titles.

In 1994, the Lions moved to the Mid Continental Football League. The Lions have been one of the most successful teams in league history. The Lions have been runner-ups to the Kane County Eagles for the league championship in 1998 and in 2001. In 2002, the Lions finally defeated the Kane County Eagles in a triple overtime contest to become the league champions. The Lions made five consecutive MCFL title game appearances (2001-2005). The Lions once again won the MCFL championship in 2004. This time they did it on the road, defeating the Detroit Seminoles 16-0 in the MCFL Championship Game.

Head Coach Rich Dial has been named MCFL Coach-of-the-Year five consecutive seasons, from 2001-2005.

The Lions all-time record after the 2006 season is 240 wins, 84 losses and 1 tie.

This non-profit organization is dedicated to the promotion of amateur football. This is one of the few squads in the country owned by a woman, Margaret Burrows.

At the start of the 2007 season, the Lions moved to Bedford Bearcat Stadium in Bedford, Ohio.

The Lions took a leave of absence from the MCFL as of the start of the 2008 season.

External links

* [http://www.clevelandlions.com Cleveland Lions official web site]