Editor's Note: This is the eighth in a series of feature stories on the men who make up the Erie Fantasy Football League. In order to be featured, you must respond to the official Erie League survey.

The majority of rookie owners in the Erie League have needed an adjustment period to get used to the high level of competition. Wins are nice during those early years but experience is the thing that really counts.

Donikers-DTL owner Sam Profio has thrown that theory right out the window.

By taking less than three years, Profio has reached the 30 win plateau faster than any other owner in league history. During that stretch, he has compiled an astounding 34-9 (.790 pct.) record while appearing in two straight Fantasy Bowls. In addition, he is the only owner to ever go an entire regular season without a loss, accomplishing the feat in his 1995 rookie campaign.

And once again this year, the 47-year-old V.P. for Operations and Export Business Groups at Great Lakes Power, has his squad poised for a title run.

"My team is not as strong as it has been in the past but I think I can make the playoffs," he said. "Also, if I can make it to the bowl, I may actually have a better chance than a more powerful team whose stars may not play a complete game (in the playoff weeks)."

Profio calls fellow Great Lakes Power employee and Bonecrushers GM Dave Bell his greatest Erie League rival, "bar none."

"They say familiarity breeds contempt" he said. "If that is true then Dave and I have more respect for a child molestor than we do for each other. The real reason is because he brought fantasy football to us (at Great Lakes) and he brought me to the Erie League. So, when I started kicking his butt every year, a rivalry developed. Hee. Hee."

The Donikers GM, a fantasy football veteran for seven years, also participates in two other leagues, both 12 teamers. He said one is relatively new (2nd year) while the other - the Great Lakes League - was his first exposure to fantasy football. How does Sam's wife Suzette handle all that football?

"It can definitely drive her crazy at times and she is the most understanding wife I know," he said. " The poor woman has even been overheard repeating to friends, 'He even watches football during sex!' "