The OIL is about tradition. It has never been a money league. We play for pride, a traveling trophy, and the opportunity to keep in touch with brothers we served with. And we maintain tradition by chronicling the year we spent in Iraq together and each successive OIL season in our ongoing oral history project. But we're always looking for ways to improve the league experience for all. I've often wondered what we can do for our champions that will last beyond their reign as Harrington Trophy keeper and suggested an additional prize. After a league vote, the following measure has been passed. 

Beginning immediately, the OIL will award the league champion with a custom jersey designed for their fantasy football team. The jersey number will be the year of the championship. This year's champion will wear a number 14 jersey. Through an agreement with HopcoSports.com, we are getting our jerseys at a fantastic price. 

But that's not just for the league going forward. Once all the managers pay their share, I will place our first order, which will include a jersey for every previous league champion. The 2010 and 2012 champion Arrogant Americans already have their jerseys. The first order will include: a number 6 jersey for Pyle's 2006 champion Lucky Enuf squad; a number 7 jersey for Morgan's 2007 champion Whackers; number 8 and 11 jerseys for Bruesch's 2008 and 2011 champion SoonerJack franchise; and a number 13 jersey for Cobb's 2013 champion Dogs of War. Those four managers should begin considering design options immediately, although Pyle already has a jersey template, as does Bruesch. Other managers with jersey-templates but no championship include: Roger's Ammo Dogs; Jessen's DominationStation (two-time OIL Bowl runner-up); Trovillo's Dirty Hippies; Duffy's Hangovers (who already have a jersey, but not a championship jersey); and Baldwin's Reapers.

So far, three managers have tendered their dues to the commissioner. Get those dues in so we can make this happen. You may mail the funds to the commissioner's home address or send it through PayPal.

The OIL champion can still look forward to receiving the Harrington Trophy with his name and franchise name engraved on it. This is just one more reason why our league is so amazing. Not only did we invest in a quality traveling trophy, we all pitch in to ensure our champions have something permanent to signify their achievement. 

Thank you to Uni-Watch for linking to this announcement.