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Standings 2026

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Fred Kiger 2015 CFC Hall of Famer-QB:

Fred Kiger established himself as one of the finest quarterbacks in Colorado Springs Flames history, combining exceptional football intelligence, athletic ability, and natural leadership to become a cornerstone of one of the organization's most successful eras. A talented passer who could also make plays with his legs, Kiger possessed the ability to take control of a game while bringing out the best in those around him. More importantly, he earned the respect of his teammates through his character, work ethic, and willingness to put others before himself.

Kiger began his minor league football career with the Colorado Springs Flames in 1996, immediately experiencing the intensity of championship competition. In his first season, the Flames advanced to the title game against the Wildcats, suffering a heartbreaking one-point defeat. The following year, Kiger helped lead the Flames to the 1997 championship, beginning an impressive run that would include additional titles in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Those four championships established him as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in franchise history and an important figure during the Flames' rise to prominence.

Under center, Kiger was a complete quarterback who could beat defenses in multiple ways. His strong throwing ability, mobility, and understanding of defensive schemes made him a difficult opponent to prepare for. He could deliver the football accurately, extend plays with his legs, and make intelligent decisions under pressure. Beyond his physical skills, Kiger understood how to command a huddle, maintain the confidence of his teammates, and lead by example. He was the type of quarterback players believed in, particularly when the outcome of a game was on the line.

His success extended beyond Colorado, as Kiger competed in three Battle of the Plains games against teams from Oklahoma, Green Bay, and Canada, winning all three contests. During that competition, he established a remarkable record by scoring six touchdowns in a single game, further demonstrating his ability to perform against opponents from outside the state.

In 2002, Kiger suffered a torn ACL, presenting one of the greatest challenges of his playing career. Rather than allowing the injury to end his involvement in the game, he continued with the Flames through 2006 before joining the Southern Colorado Mustangs in 2007. His determination to continue competing reflected the resilience that had helped define his years as a championship quarterback.

Although his football accomplishments were considerable, Kiger's reputation extended well beyond the field. Known as a leader of men, he possessed a genuine concern for others and a willingness to help anyone in need. He was the kind of person who would give someone the shirt off his back without hesitation or expectation of anything in return. Whether offering guidance to a younger player, encouraging a teammate, or helping someone through a difficult time, Kiger demonstrated that true leadership was built on respect, compassion, and integrity. His character made him not only a respected football player but also a valued friend and mentor.

In 2009, Kiger transitioned into coaching, serving as the defensive backs coach for the Colorado Springs Flames. His experience directing offenses provided valuable insight into the defensive side of the game, allowing him to share his knowledge with another generation of players. His contributions to Colorado minor league football were formally recognized in 2015 when he was inducted into the Colorado Football Conference Hall of Fame.

One of the most meaningful moments of Kiger's football journey came in 2019, when he returned to the Colorado Springs Flames as a player to fulfill a lifelong dream of sharing the field with his son. More than two decades after beginning his career, he once again put on a Flames uniform, this time for an experience that meant far more than another victory. Having the opportunity to play alongside his own child brought his football journey full circle and created a memory that would remain among the most special of his career.

Kiger continued contributing to Colorado minor league football through coaching and organizational leadership. He returned to coaching in 2021, served as a coach and owner in 2022 and 2023, and became general manager of the Longhorns in 2024. He later took ownership of the Colorado Springs Flames for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, maintaining his connection to the organization where his career began.

Across his playing, coaching, and ownership career, Kiger has been part of 10 championship appearances and five championship victories, including four titles as a player. His accomplishments reflect decades of commitment to the sport and an enduring place in Colorado minor league football history.

Fred Kiger's legacy is defined by far more than championships, records, or individual performances. He was a gifted quarterback who understood how to lead, a competitor who never lost his love for the game, and a man whose generosity and character earned the admiration of those around him. His contributions helped shape the history of the Colorado Springs Flames, but the respect he earned through the way he treated others remains just as meaningful as anything he accomplished on the football field.

Fred Kiger was one of the greatest quarterbacks to wear a Colorado Springs Flames uniform, but his greatest achievement may be the example he set as a teammate, leader, father, and genuinely good man.

From - The Endzone: Colorado Minor League Football

The Colorado Springs Flames Football organization announces a change in leadership as Fred Kiger steps away from his role as owner. The organization wishes Kiger well as he begins a new chapter in Florida and thanks him for his service to the team, its families, and its fans.

The Flames welcome Dane Ekstrand as the club’s new owner and general manager. The organization said the transition marks the start of a new era built on the foundation laid by those who played and coached before.

Kiger, a former Flames player and Hall of Fame member, has owned the club and also served on the coaching staff. Under his stewardship and that of previous leaders, the Flames have remained one of the Football League’s most decorated programs, with a history dating to 1987 and multiple league championships.

“Fred Kiger will be missed by the Flames organization, families, and fans,” the club said. “The torch has been passed. A new era now rests on the shoulders of those who came before.”

The Flames enter the next chapter under the same standard that has defined the program:

Head Coach: Steve Jordan

Asst Head Coach/Asst Offensive: Coordinator: Camp Phillips Jr.

Offensive Coordinator: Steve Stambaugh

Defensive Coordinator: Demetrius Nixon

Special Teams Coordinator: Ron Decker

ATTITUDE. COMMITMENT. EXECUTION.
A mind-set obligated to finish.

The COS Flames standards will continue to guide players, coaches, and staff as they compete this season.

“This year is ours”

From the entire COS Flames Football organization

We extend our sincere gratitude for the unwavering support you have given us this season.

A special acknowledgment goes to the families and friends who stood behind every player—those who made meaningful sacrifices, adjusted schedules, and tended to the aches, pains, and everything that follows each hard-fought game. Your quiet strength and constant presence make this program possible.

As we close this chapter, we look ahead with purpose and determination. We are excited to welcome you back next season as we begin our pursuit of a championship—together.

Thank you for being part of the Flames family.

The fire burns brighter than ever.

Tonight, under the lights of destiny, the COS Flames take the field in the 2026 CFL Semi-Finals—forged sharp, battle-tested, and unbreakable. Every route, every gap, every heartbeat has been refined to a razor’s edge. On both sides of the ball our warriors stand ready: minds locked, bodies primed, spirits ablaze.

The Mile High Eagles will feel the heat. We are coming to pluck every last feather and send them packing.

Kickoff is 7 p.m.

This is our moment. This is our house. Bring your voice, bring your fire, and stand with the Flames as we march through the semi-finals and into the CFL Championship.

The blaze is rising. Let’s finish what we started.

Under the Saturday Night Lights, the COS Flames Alumni Game showcased exactly why the Flames are headed back to the playoffs.

The RC War Eagles played a hard-fought contest, but the Flames’ offense controlled the game with a dominant aerial attack, while the defense created crucial turnovers and scoring opportunities.

Final Score: RC War Eagles 7 – COS Flames 34

The COS Flames was honored to have hosted Summit Sports Photography Workshop.

2026 Flames Alumni Game

The COS Flames conclude the 2026 season with a home game. The 2026 Alumni Game will be held on July 18th, with kickoff at 6:00 PM. We invite everyone to come out and support the Flames Alumni game to witnessing the thrilling clash between the Flames and War Eagles on the gridiron. The game will be broadcast live.

Today we will face the Loveland Elite in a rematch that will challenge the Flames to replicate their decisive win against the Elite earlier in the season. With the regular season concluding next week, each game has playoff implications.

Kickoff time is 5pm, at Ray Patterson Field, 1669 Eagle Dr, Loveland, CO 80537.

Tickets are $15 13 & Older, $10 7-12 Years, 6 & Under Free