This was his fun time.

Joe Mann and Jason Winterling, the offensive captains; and defensive captains Aaron-Dixon-Proctor and Isaac Land were pushing the men through jumping jacks and stretching exercises. Head coach Dan Carr and assistant coaches, Shawn Perkins, Jeff Gilbert and Dante Green watched closely, barking the occasional order. The mood was relaxed but professional as the guys grunted through the evening's practice.

Fuggedabout the Ravens or the Redskins, these guys are a team we can call our very own. They're big, they're baaad, and they're free to watch. Best of all, they have the aromatic whiff of the winner.

They are the Admirals, Anne Arundel County's sole adult, semiprofessional spring football team. Without the helmets and pads, they're cops, police officers, enlisted men, college students, actors, car dealers, financial wheeler-dealers and media types. But, for a few hours a week, they coalesce as a team. After solid winning seasons in 2006 and 2005 under their coach, Sgt. 1st Class Carr, the group came out roaring in 2007, decisively clinching its first two games.

They've got an appetite for action and their fans do, too. "After our first home game at Graul's Field in Cape St. Claire, we heard we ate more food from the concession stand than six Cougars games combined," laughed Coach Carr. "They're learning we've got over 500 regular, loyal, hungry fans."

In its fifth year, the team has its share of struggles. Along with nine other adult teams, the Admirals parted ways after the 2006 with the Diamond Semi Pro league run by Tony Hall of Delaware. Concerned with what they felt was an improper lack of financial accountability, they formed their own league, the East Coast Football Alliance. Comprised of teams from Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the team owners perform double-duty now as league staff.

The tough times weren't over. Early in the year, owners Tina DeLauter and Shawn Perkins pre-paid Maverick Game Wear of San Antonio, Texas, $4,500 for new team uniforms. "Maverick called us two days before the uniforms were due on Feb. 12 and told us their manufacturer had dropped the ball.

Now, they won't return any of our calls or e-mails. They didn't return our money either," said Mr. Perkins, who is also the team's defensive coordinator. "We're taking legal action, but that takes time. I pulled $2,800 out of my pocket, a few others chipped in, and we got some new uniforms from another supplier."

It's what he felt he had to do as an owner. "I love the sport," he said, "I always have. I played at Wake Forest and during 10 years of semipro."

"The team is semipro and plays under NFL rules," explained Coach Carr. "None of the players get paid for playing. If they got any payment, they'd lose their college eligibility forever. Our players are as young as Forrest Kyle who is 18 and range up to Mike Ford, 36. Some of them might want to go out for college football someday. Everybody does it because they love the sport."

Some of the players are former gridiron heroes from area high schools. Joseph Mann and Rob Adkins both played for the Bruins, graduating in 2001. "We play in the spring with an 8-game season, and go on into the playoffs.

"Our four home games are on the Graul's Field. If we played in the fall, we'd be competing for fan loyalty to high school, youth, college and pro football. We'd be competing for fields.

"We're hoping everyone in this county will come out to support us," the coach said.

Right now, the Admirals are looking for financial support, too. Team members pay $150 out of pocket to join, plus they purchase their own helmets, pads and equipment. Owners DeLauter and Perkins are seeking sponsors for the team, offering packages at the $500, $1,000 and $2,500 levels. Details are on the Admirals Web site, www.admiralsfootball.com.

"What would really make me happy," said the coach, "would be if someone could donate a field so we don't have to pay. We're not a low-budget production. We're a no-budget production!"

Sgt. 1st Class Carr, 34, has coached around the world, but his ultimate goal is to be a Division I college football coach, maybe the Florida Gators," the Florida native stated with a shy grin.

In the military since '94, the coach is a television and radio instructor at the Defense Information School (DINFOS), a combined military media training mecca at Fort Meade. He lives at the Naval station. He's coached teams in Italy, Austria, Slovenia and South Korea, and has brought his successful blend of brotherly love and military discipline to the Admirals. Under his guidance, the team vaulted into its first winning season in 2005, ending 5-3; and came back in 2006 with an 8-2 record. He won the 2005 Coach of the Year award from the Diamond Football League and Maryland All Star Head Coach award in 2006.

Joseph Mann, 24, was a Bruins receiver back in the day. A graduate of Anne Arundel Community College, he works in sales for Anheuser Busch.

"A dream job!" yelled Mr. Perkins, 34.

Rob Adkins, also 24, works at Infinity of Annapolis, the car dealership. A Bruins quarterback, he's a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. He performs with local theater companies like Colonial Players.

"I love the game, that's why I'm here," smiled Mr. Mann. "But, I know my place in football. I'm not good enough to play in college."

"The hell you are!" roared Coach Carr.

"Well, I want to be starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins one day," interjected Mr. Adkins.

"Yeah, right," shot back the coach, rolling his eyes.

He recalled the team tryouts last Thanksgiving week when 136 men tried out. Many mistakenly thought it would be an easy-going, beer league.

"They quickly found out we're much more professional than that," said Coach Carr.

"They have to pay dues - "

" - and their souls," chimed in Mr. Mann.

"I'm a loyal Gators fan," mused Coach Carr. "The sun's orange, the sky's blue so God's clearly a Gators fan, too. But, I would pay more to see the Admirals play. These individuals are playing to go somewhere. A professional player who stretches out for a pass or to make that block, he's got a paycheck. These guys don't do it for a paycheck, they're dedicated to it."

"I'd pay to see the Redskins," joshed Mr. Adkins.

"Wrong team," grumped the coach. "You're out!"

The April 14 and April 21 games will be played at Graul's Field in Cape St. Claire at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Published April 02, 2007, The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
Copyright © 2007 The Capital, Annapolis, Md.