Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Enforcers manager Bill Straily.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
STRAILY: No, I retired with 22 years of service in 2008. What did you do post-deployment? STRAILY: I went back to work for the Lawton Police Department, before I retired from there. I'm now Chief of Police in Comanche. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? STRAILY: I'm from Comanche, Oklahoma and joined the Navy after high school. When I left the Navy, I came back and joined the Army National Guard. The 158 was the closest unit to Comanche. Where do you live now? STRAILY: I live in the Waurika Lake/ Mitchell Point area. What are your hobbies outside of FF? STRAILY: I enjoy fishing, guns, and playing with my grandkids.
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
STRAILY: I've played fantasy football for four years. I played two seasons in a different league, and I've now played four in the OIL. What is your general strategy in FF? STRAILY: I try to get the best players first, which apparently is not working for me. Then I get the mediocre guys; then whatever is left over to fill my roster. I think I will try going with my gut feeling this year. How much preparation do you do before each season? STRAILY: Not enough. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? STRAILY: I have not been to the cabin, but I seem to do okay by myself. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? STRAILY: I am going to try to be there. I say that every year, but now that I am the boss it’s easier to take off. What is the best move you've made in FF? STRAILY: Mine was my whole team in my first year in the OIL. I had never played before but finished fourth. That wasn't bad for my first year. What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? STRAILY: Again, my first year, although I finished third in 2018.
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Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Team Tadlock manager Derrick Tadlock.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
TADLOCK: I am not still in the 158. I got out in 2013. What did you do post-deployment? TADLOCK: Post-deployment, I took some time off to drink, eat and get fat. Once I accomplished those goals, I went back to work. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? TADLOCK: I’m from Elmore City, Oklahoma (where the movie Footloose was based on). I was originally in the 171 starting in 1998 and eventually made my way to the mighty 158. Where do you live now? TADLOCK: I still reside in Elmore City. What are your hobbies outside of FF? TADLOCK: Travel, Music, Books, Podcasts, Hunting, Fishing, Outdoor Adventure are all things I’d like to do if I didn’t have a job. Come on, 100% VA disability!
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
TADLOCK: I started playing fantasy baseball in the early 2000s and added fantasy football shortly after. Baseball wound up taking up way too much time, so I switched to FF only. I’ve probably played in at least a dozen different leagues. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? TADLOCK: Not sure. I can remember winning six various titles (although none in theOIL), and I have no idea how many runner-ups I’ve had. What is your general strategy in FF? TADLOCK: I usually create a draft strategy based on how players performed the previous year. I tend to draft WR-heavy early but will pick up a sure-thing RB in the first if one is available. I like to get a solid QB in the mid to late rounds. I like to draft sleeper tight ends late when possible. How much preparation do you do before each season? TADLOCK: I usually start doing homework two to three weeks before the draft, and I keep up with all the offseason news. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? TADLOCK: Cabin. I've never drafted at home with the OIL. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? TADLOCK: Yup. What is the best move you've made in FF? TADLOCK: I’m not sure. I usually forget the season as soon as It’s over. What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? TADLOCK: My favorite memory is joining the OIL and all of our drafts. The pinnacle of my career hasn’t happened yet. That will happen when I win the Landrum Trophy for the first time.
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Hooligans manager and 2006 SECFOR mission commander Charlie Neely.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
NEELY: I assumed command of the 1st Battalion 158th FA in February 2019. What did you do post-deployment? NEELY: I took 30 days of leave and came back to work as the 158 training officer. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? NEELY: I am from Custer City. I commissioned Field Artillery from OCS and was assigned to C Battery of the 158 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Where do you live now? NEELY: I now live in Moore, Oklahoma with my wife, Renee. What are your hobbies outside of FF? NEELY: Golf, beer. Beer, golf. And some Xbox.
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
NEELY: I have been playing about five years, I think. This is my first league. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? NEELY: Zero and zero. I finished fourth last year (If Elliott would have come back from suspension I would have won the 2017 championship and you know it). What is your general strategy in FF? NEELY: I try to get my RB, WR, TE first but, I will always pick my home boy Russell Wilson early. How much preparation do you do before each season? NEELY: A little, I'll read the online reviews but not much else. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? NEELY: About the same. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? NEELY: I should be able to attend. What is the best move you've made in FF? NEELY: Getting Ezekiel Elliott in 2017 (then the bastard was suspended). What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? NEELY: My favorite is how the guys played in Iraq, and it was able to take their minds off the dirty business of war. I am still looking for my pinnacle; I am going to win the league one of these days.
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with DominationStation manager Zachary Jessen.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
JESSEN: No, I'm pretty fucking sure you and every other motherfucker in this league know I have been out of the military since 2013. [Editor's note: It's good to see Jessen hasn't changed a bit.] What did you do post-deployment? JESSEN: I went on another deployment and got out in 2013. I am still working for DCP Midstream as an Emission Technician. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? JESSEN: I am from Comanche and the 158 was the closest unit to my home town. Where do you live now? JESSEN: I live in Comanche. What are your hobbies outside of FF? JESSEN: Fishing, and wrestling.
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
JESSEN: I'm not sure. I started this fucking league, so you're welcome. I have played FF since 2005, and I have been in many league, but I'm not going to figure that number up. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? JESSEN: Zero. I'm sure Pyle will enjoy reading me say that. FUCK YOU PYLE. I think I have finished second twice. What is your general strategy in FF? JESSEN: I have no strategy. Just get drunk and hang out with you guys. How much preparation do you do before each season? JESSEN: I'll do a few mock drafts each year. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? JESSEN: Definitely at the cabin, although some of you fucks are crazy and I am not sure I should go to sleep at night. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? JESSEN: I'll be at the cabin every year unless something crazy happens. What is the best move you've made in FF? JESSEN: I have no clue. What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? JESSEN: There are a lot of memories in this league, and the times at the cabin have been awesome. But I think that first draft we had at Buffalo Wild Wings might have been the best (other than the fact I spent the rest of that weekend in jail).
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with FDC Chiefs manager Stephen Pennington.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
PENNINGTON: No, I left the 158 at the end of September 2017 when I was hired on to AGR as a recruiter. What did you do post-deployment? PENNINGTON: After the 08-09 deployment to Iraq, I got on some Operation Warrior Training orders for a year helping train up units about to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. After that, I spent a couple years plumbing and a couple more in IT until I deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. Following that deployment, I went back to plumbing for a couple years until I ended up in AGR (recruiting for the Oklahoma National Guard). Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? PENNINGTON: I was born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. I actually planned on joining the Marines. I went through the entire process down to picking my job and swearing in. Then I decided I wanted to think about my options. I ended up going with the National Guard for the college benefits and the fact that I could start school right away rather than waiting until I got out. I ended up in field artillery for a $10,000 bonus and the G.I. Bill kicker. Where do you live now? PENNINGTON: I still live in Lawton. I know, boring, but we like it here and have a lot of family in the area. What are your hobbies outside of FF? PENNINGTON: Did I mention I’m a recruiter? Not a lot of time for hobbies. But, when I do have time, I enjoy taking my daughter Harleigh fishing and going out to the movies with my wife, Michelle.
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
PENNINGTON: I started playing in 2008. I was bored in Fort Hood during mobilization and drafted a team on CBS Sports. I’ve played in at least one league every year since then on multiple platforms, sometimes up to 10 in a year. I really cannot say how many. I wish they were all on Yahoo so I could track it easier. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? PENNINGTON: Again, I played a lot on ESPN, CBS, and NFL before and after coming to Yahoo, and I do not have or remember all of those stats. But, on Yahoo, I have one first-place trophy and six second-place trophies. What is your general strategy in FF? PENNINGTON: I typically use the first five to seven rounds on RB/WR and then get a couple late round QBs and TEs. Defense and kicker are always the last two picks. How much preparation do you do before each season? PENNINGTON: All of it. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? PENNINGTON: On the road in a HMMWV isn’t an option? I guess I’ll go with the cabin. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? PENNINGTON: Hopefully. What is the best move you've made in FF? PENNINGTON: 1. Not drafting Michael Vick in 2011; 2. Drafting Travis Kelce in 2014; 3. Picking up Tyreek Hill off of waivers in 2016. What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? PENNINGTON: My favorite memory is winning a game by less than a point thanks to a Monday Night Miracle. Got the edge from an interception to close out the game. My pinnacle will be winning the Liberty Bowl, which I haven’t reached yet.
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Orangebloods manager Randy McKay.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
McKAY: No, I medically retired in November 2009. What did you do post-deployment? McKAY: I worked as supervisor of the Pottawatomie County Jail. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? McKAY: I'm originally from Vernon, Texas. I married a young lady from Duncan, Oklahoma and, after spending 12 years on active duty, I decided to transfer over to the national guard and allow her to move closer to her family. Where do you live now? McKAY: McLoud, Oklahoma. What are your hobbies outside of FF? McKAY: I coach seven club volleyball teams and train quarterhorses for cutting competition.
What is your fantasy background?
McKAY: I started playing in a money league in 2004 and won eight championships throughout the years. But I stopped playing in 2013. It was just was very time-consuming with constant updates and following player news info through the week. I started playing in the OIL in 2015 with the approach of just having fun and it not being so stressful. It's more for kicks and, if I win a championship, awesome. If not, I still have the opportunity to speak with my brothers-in-arms. How long have you played FF? McKAY: That 2004 league was my first, but I've played in multiple leagues every year since. How many different leagues? McKAY: Throughout the years, I would estimate I have played in about 20 different leagues . . . some for money and some for entertainment. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? McKAY: I've won a total of 32 championships and nine second-places finishes (also known as first loser). Is 32 championships a typo? McKAY: No. I've played 15 years with a minimum of five leagues per year, sometimes more. A lot of them were public leagues, but I won the money league quite a bit. What is your general strategy in FF? McKAY: I have approached with the mind set of picking top man on the board the first few rounds and filling in the remaining starters in the mid rounds. I usually reach for a few sleepers and a kicker in the last few rounds. How much preparation do you do before each season? McKAY: I used to spend hours throughout the summer in preparation for the next season. I'd follow on-the-field and off-the-field issues. I paid close attention to contracts and issues that would arise, if players were holding out or were underperforming. Lifestyles of players would be taken into account to account for suspensions that may occur during the season. But these days, not so much effort. I just like to have fun and enjoy being in touch with the guys. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? McKAY: I have not had the opportunity to enjoy time at the cabin, so I've drafted from home every OIL season. I would love to come do the live draft in person, so I will put that in the works. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? McKAY: I have that plan in place. What is the best move you've made in FF? McKAY: Like I said, I started playing in a money league in 2004, which was a keeper league. We could carry three players from season to season. My first three players picked in my first-ever draft at the number six pick were, in order: Adrian Peterson; Peyton Manning; and Randy Moss, hence the reason championships came pretty often. What is your favorite FF memory? McKAY: Winning my first championship in my first season against much more experienced fantasy football players. They were all OU fans and passed on Peterson, letting him fall into my lap. Now, I'm just happy to have fun and build memories back home with my brothers, knowing that we all will wake up safe in the morning. Remembering the blood and lives lost that gives us this opportunity is special.
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Cocks manager J.P. Peacock.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
PEACOCK: No, I was put on stop loss for the deployment. So, shortly after we came home, I turned in my sand-covered supplies and got out. What did you do post-deployment? PEACOCK: I went to back work like the rest of the world, but it felt like coming home from a vacation! Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? PEACOCK: From the capital of Stephens County: Comanche, Oklahoma. [Editor's note: The capital, or county seat, of Stephens County is Duncan.] I joined the guard in 2001 at the Duncan armory with a few other guys. Where do you live now? PEACOCK: I am just a few miles on the other side of town now. What are your hobbies outside of FF? PEACOCK: I feel like I have forgotten what hobbies are these days. Like most young guys with a family, I just work.
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF?
PEACOCK: I played the first year in the OIL, but then I didn't think I had enough time to keep up with it. A few years later, we started a league at the office so I jumped back in. I've played in four or five leagues a few years now, maybe eight years in total. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? PEACOCK: I haven't won any at the moment, but I have a few second-place finishes at the office and a couple third-place finishes in the OIL. What is your general strategy in FF? PEACOCK: Make draft picks that blow your mind (Sam Bradford for example). How much preparation do you do before each season? PEACOCK: It depends on the year, but I usually start some research about a month out from draft day. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? PEACOCK: It's a great time at the cabin with the guys, but I feel like I might stay a little more focused somewhere else. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? PEACOCK: Possibly. What is the best move you've made in FF? PEACOCK: I don't really know. I take fantasy football one day at a time, so every move I make is the greatest move I've ever made. [Editor's note: Peacock's best move is unquestionably adding Matt Ryan on waivers after the first week of the 2016 season. The move only cost him Dak Prescott, and Ryan finished as the number-two QB that season.] What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? PEACOCK: For less than a full year, I was tied for the longest winning streak I think at eight or nine. But I think that was beat this last year. Well, now that I think of it, it might have been the longest losing streak. Someone will have to check on that. [Editor's note: It was the longest losing streak; not the longest winning streak. But Mike Rogers's AMMODOGS "broke" that record in 2018, going a perfect 0-13.]
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with DARC NARCS manager Ulysses Henderson.
HENDERSON: Just so you know, I’m only answering this email so I don’t get fined!
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out? HENDERSON: No. I ETS'd in June of 2009. What did you do post-deployment? HENDERSON: I stayed in the 158 for another two years before my contract was up. I also continued to work for the Lawton Police Department, where I am now Captain. Where are you from and how did you make it into the 158? HENDERSON: Originally, I’m from California, where I joined the active-duty army. I ETS’d from active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Where do you live now? HENDERSON: Lawton, Oklahoma. What are your hobbies outside of FF? HENDERSON: I play golf, work, and spend time with my four kids.
What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
HENDERSON: This is my only real fantasy league. Before the OIL, I only played in the LPD league, but that wasn't nearly as involved and most people autodrafted. How many championships have you won? How many have you finished second in? HENDERSON: I've never won the whole thing, but I did play in a championship once. What is your general strategy in FF? HENDERSON: I take the best player available early and target a few Cowboys players late. This is our year. Were you a Cowboys fan before moving to Cowboys Country? HENDERSON: Oh, yeah. I've always been a Cowboys fan, even growing up in California. How much preparation do you do before each season? HENDERSON: Ha. None. [Editor's note: It shows.] Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? HENDERSON: I work too much to ever make it to the cabin. I would probably stay drunk at the cabin and not draft well there either, though. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? HENDERSON: Probably not. Maybe I’ll get there when I retire. What is the best move you've made in FF? HENDERSON: Missing the draft in 2015 and letting the commish draft for me. I made the championship after a 9-4 regular season record. What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? HENDERSON: Making the championship after starting off 3-2 in 2015.
Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Norman Nobodies manager Matthew Leal.
Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out?
LEAL: I'm not in the military anymore. I got out right after we got home. What did you do post-deployment? LEAL: I went back to work, first selling cars and then moving on to office jobs. I've worked for Love's Travel Stops in their corporate headquarters for almost four years now. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? LEAL: I'm originally from Addington, Oklahoma, although I went to high school in Comanche, like Reed, Peacock and Morgan. I got into the 158 with the help of recruiter Keith Wheeler like so many of us. Where do you live now? LEAL: Norman, Oklahoma. What are your hobbies outside of FF? LEAL: I like to go camping and to OU football games. I am an avid knife and gun collector, and I'm a family man with a wife and two children.
What is your fantasy background?
LEAL: Long in the tooth, at this point. I started playing before the OIL began in 2006. How long have you played FF? LEAL: It's hard to remember exactly when I started, but it's probably about 15 years now. How many different leagues? LEAL: It varies, but I average about two a year. How many championships have you won? LEAL: Zero. Thanks for the reminder. How many have you finished second in? LEAL: I finished second in the OIL in 2007, and that's as close as I've gotten. What is your general strategy in FF? LEAL: Not sure I really have one every year. I tried the mock draft thing and failed, so I guess I just wing it and go for what sounds best at the time. How much preparation do you do before each season? LEAL: See answer above. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? LEAL: I think I draft better at the cabin. Will you be at the draft cabin next year? LEAL: Yes, for sure. What is the best move you've made in FF? LEAL: There’s been so many I can’t think of just one. [Editor's Note: It appears Leal's best move was to draft Tom Brady in the sixth round in 2015. Brady finished second among QBs while leading the Nobodies to a 10-3 record.] What is your favorite FF memory? LEAL: Too many to narrow it down to one, but I'd say the best part about the OIL is seeing the guys every year. It was great when it was a few hours a year, but a few days at the cabin blows that out of the water. What is the pinnacle of your FF career? LEAL: That hasn’t come yet, but it will. Fourteen years have passed since we first sat at Snow Hall and learned that the 1st Battalion of the 158th Field Artillery regiment was being called up for service in Iraq. A lot has changed during that time, so let's take some time to catch up, this time with Whackers manager Lyndal Morgan. Are you still in the 158? If, not when did you get out? MORGAN: No, I got out in 2010. What did you do post-deployment? MORGAN: I went to nursing school at OU, followed by nurse practitioner school at Texas Tech. Where are your from and how did you make it into the 158? MORGAN: I am from Duncan and joined the 158 because their Bravo Battery was in my hometown. Where do you live now? MORGAN: Marlow, just a few miles from Duncan. What are your hobbies outside of FF? MORGAN: I enjoy fishing, hunting, and riding ATVs. I also fly drones watch my Red Sox win the World Series. What is your fantasy background? How long have you played FF? How many different leagues?
MORGAN: I only play in the OIL. I've tried playing in other leagues, but none were are competitive or fun as the OIL. How many championships have you won? MORGAN: I've won one championship (2007) and finished second twice. What is your general strategy in FF? MORGAN: I'm not giving you my strategy, Brick. Nice try. How much preparation do you do before each season? MORGAN: The week before the draft, I look at last year's results, this year's rankings, and develop a plan for when to target my sleepers. Do you find you draft better at the cabin with the guys or at home online? MORGAN: I draft way better at the cabin. Duffy needs to come down next year. [Editor's Note: I'm not sure if that's a burn or not.] Will you be at the draft cabin next year? MORGAN: Yes. What is the best move you've made in FF? MORGAN: I feel I had a solid draft this year. But I’m losing my mind, so I can’t remember anything better than not making a move or trade the year I won the championship. What is your favorite FF memory? What is the pinnacle of your FF career? MORGAN: This year was by far my best season, even though we didn't bring home the championship. |
March 2023
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