Casino Bowl IX and National Football Events Recognizes
Bob Milkie & Joe Mooney as "Men of the Year" 2004

By: Greg Skowronski

Semi-Pro football has been played in Racine, Wisconsin since the days of the Racine Legion who were started in 1919. They sold the franchise to the Detroit Lions of the National Football League in 1926. Semi-Pro football has been alive and well in Racine for the last eighty-five years. Several teams played in Racine but the most recent and well-known team is the Racine Raiders. Hundreds of football players and coaches have been involved with the Raiders. Thousands of fans have supported their effort.

National Football Events has decided to feature the accomplishments of the Racine Raiders and to honor former head coach, Bob Milkie and former general manager, Joe Mooney as "Men of the Year" 2004 at Casino Bowl IX in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, April 2, 2004.

Coach Bob Milkie began playing for Racine in 1957 in the Central States Football League as a center. Bob went into the coaching ranks and became head coach in 1960. The Racine Raiders dominated Semi-Pro football in the 1980's with National Championships in 1981, 1983, 1988 and 1989. They also won the National Championship in 1992 and 1995 under Coach Milkie and won again in 2001 under Coach Jordan Kopak who was a long time defense coordinator under Coach Milkie.

Joe Mooney started with Racine in 1978 and was the principal force behind the reorganization of the Racine Raiders in 1980 as the team that we are familiar with today. Joe is responsible for establishing an organization that combined the efforts of the city fathers, business people, community and fan base to support a winning team that brings forth the best in sportsmanship to the city of Racine, Wisconsin.

Bob and Joe well represent the current and former players, coaches, staff volunteers and Board of Directors who have served and contributed to the success of the Racine Raiders. They will be recognized and honored as "Men of the Year" on behalf of the entire Racine Raider organization.