Lingerie Football League Conducting Open Tryouts in Long Lake this Saturday

The Lingerie Football League's (LFL) Minnesota Valkyrie will be conducting open tryouts this weekend in Long Lake.

Registration begins at noon inside the 10 Dome, and tryouts are scheduled to run until about 4 p.m. Prospects must be at least 18 years of age and wear appropriate fitness apparel.

In addition to the 10 Dome being the regular site of Valkyrie practices, Lake Minnetonka has another connection to the team. Mound City Councilwoman Kelli Gillespie was a member of last year's squad—which consisted of 16 women from throughout Minnesota and went 1-4 in their inaugural season.

Veteran Minneapolis sports journalist Patrick Reusse, who interviewed members of the Valkyrie during a visit to Lake Minnetonka last summer, said on Twitter yesterday that the Valkyrie are "frisky, fast and sneaky."

Lingerie football games are aired weekly on MTV, and the league's popularity has exploded since its founding nine years ago. The league currently consists of 12 teams from cities such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Cleveland and Philadelphia. Former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien's daughter, Angela, will be the new quarterback of the Baltimore Charm next season after spending her rookie year in Seattle.

A reality television show is also planned for the 2012-13 season.

The Valkyrie are coached by former Minnesota Viking Everett Lindsay, and several current and former Vikings are expected to be in Long Lake this Saturday for tryouts, including Jim Kleinsausser, Phil Loadholt, Chris Lewinski, Adam Haayer and Jake Sullivan.

Women trying out for the team will run sprints of 10 and 20 yards, bench press 95 pounds as many times as possible, perform a vertical jump, standing broad jump and a sled push. Drills testing agility, catching and backpedalling are also planned.

Hopefuls will also undergo a mental evaluation.