As players first entered the UPMC Sports Performance Complex to compete in the first ever "DUST off the RUST" tournament, their eyes lit up with amazement. "If you're a Steelers' fan, it's pretty cool to be playing in the Steelers' practice facility," said Quarterback Mike Kreigel of the fall 2009 league champions CHAOS aka PRO BOWLERS.

As member of the defending champs, the Pro Bowlers are aware that their opponents will be bringing their A games. "When you haven't played in a while, there's always a chance of coming out flat," Kriegel reasoned. "Especially with some of these Ohio teams-they got something to prove to the Pittsburgh guys."

While many teams endured playing outdoors during the Frost Bowl last December, the consensus among today's competitors was that the Steelers' indoor facility was much appreciated given the brutally cold Pittsburgh temperatures. Moreover, one player literally walked barefoot around the field, to demonstrate his approval of the grassy turf. The injured Dan Bell of the BULLDOGS said, "The turf feels good. This field has more cushion. You can dig and bite better, roll out, change positions." Bell reiterated his point by comparing the UPMC facility with field conditions at the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena (PISA).. "As soon as you hit, it's like hitting the concrete."

In addition to the rave reviews from players regarding the upscale football venue, players expressed their overall satisfaction with the league's transparent professionalism. Chase Stalford of the FINAL FLOOR said the league is "very well organized. [There's] enough staff to make sure the league is well-ran-stats, making sure the video highlights are done right, and securing top-notch facilities to play in."

While there was no shortage of local representation among the players hailing from Pittsburgh, the competition was elevated by the presence of several teams from Columbus and Youngstown, Ohio leagues. Present and primed to play were teams FINAL FLOOR and RAT TACTICAL from Columbus and JOE'S PROS from Youngstown.

When asked how the FINAL FLOOR team discovered the PFFL, Stalford replied, "I found it on the USTFL message board." Stalford continued to praise the level of competition at this year's tourney saying, "It's nice to come down and play some different competition especially when you know that you'll be playing against some of the top teams in the area."

Although the UPMC Complex was familiar to teams driving from the Pittsburgh area, one team from out of town experienced some difficulty finding the facility. "We called Chris because we couldn't find the place," Tyler Mellinger of RAT TACTICAL recalled. "He asked us where we were, told us to stay put, and then he met us and we followed him here."
From DUST off the RUST

After getting settled in moments before their first game, RAT TACTICAL gave a favorable endorsement about the management of the tournament. "This is probably the best-run tournament I've ever been in," Mellinger replied.

Lastly, JOE'S PROS explained how they found out about the PFFL winter tournament. "Sean Kennedy from CHAOS told the team about the league" player Mike Liberato said. He added "We're good friends with CHAOS. They play in the Youngstown League."

Today PFFL won many new fans today as the players were impressed with the professionalism of the league and the quality of the Steelers' practice facility.