Beginnings

The New Yorks Sharks originally started as a women’s flag football team called the Long Island Sharks. They played in international tournaments and were national champions.

In 1999 the Women’s Professional Football League was formed. It consisted of two teams, the Minnesota Vixens and the Lake Michigan Minx. They barnstormed around the country playing each other in what was called the “No Limits” Tour. They had heard about the success of the Long Island Sharks and challenged them to a full contact, tackle football game.

The Sharks accepted the challenge and with two months to prepare, converted their flag football team to a tackle football team. On Saturday, December 11th, the Minnesota Vixens came to Mitchell Field to take on the Sharks. The Vixens were definitely the favorites having played 4 games already and had a 2-2 record.

The Sharks were coached by former New York Jet Bobby Jackson. Before 300 fans on a windy day at Mitchell Field, the Sharks shocked Minnesota, defeating them 12-6. The Sharks scored on two touchdown passes by quarterback Val Halesworth in the third quarter. One score was on a bomb to Natalie Jufer that led to a 71-yard touchdown. The other score was a 17 yard pass to Valerie Monaco.

For more on the game, you can read two New York Times articles, “That’s Football, Ladies” and “Quarterback Plays as Tough as She Talks”.

Scoring Summary
Second Quarter
MN – (00:37) 1 yard (Kick failed)

Third Quarter
NY – (01:43) Jufer 71 yard pass from Halesworth (run failed)
NY – (00:00) Monaco17 yard pass from Halesworth (run failed)