WHEELING – An outdoor football league that once existed in the Ohio Valley is attempting a comeback some six decades later, and will be based out of the Friendly City, according to a newly appointed Commissioner Mike Kelly.

The league is scheduled to start play in 2026.

“This was a centralized location. You can get to the East Coast, the Midwest and the South in rather quick time,” Kelly said Tuesday afternoon in a telephone call from Florida. “The Wheeling Ironmen were a huge component of this league back in its hey-day. Ohio and Pennsylvania had a stronghold on this area. I’ve coached in California, Florida and Georgia and I think Ohio athletes have the size and speed. I think this is one of the most well-coached areas in the country.

“From the Cleveland/Akron area over to Sharon, Pa.

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