Where were you born?
I 'm from Togo in west Africa.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?I've been here in KC since July 2014. My wife is from here.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
For fan, I support my country team, Les Eperviers du Togo.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I found the young park game because of my friend, Norris. We go to the same church (Jacob Well) and I was asking him to find soccer players so I could practice more. He introduced me to Christopher who plays soccer in the same place every Sunday with Papa. I met Papa and he invited me to the Youngs Park game.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I'm 37 old, I'm married and we have a son. For work, I used to make teck furniture (every design), I had my own business for 12 years and now I'm a stay at home dad.
Showing posts with label who are ya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label who are ya. Show all posts
Friday, January 16, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Who Are Ya!! - Meredith Keith
Where were you born?
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I arrived in 2012 after my husband was accepted to medical school at KU.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Sporting KC; I am not a sports fan but rather enjoy playing all sports.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
Sporting KC; I am not a sports fan but rather enjoy playing all sports.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
I was given a pastel colored soccer ball toy as a baby; I lived on an Indian reservation in South Dakota at that time and soccer had always been a dream for me. Only when I moved off was I able to start my passion for soccer.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Tons of searching online for pick up soccer.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I have moved around a lot in my 28 years of life and the one thing that has been constant in my life has been soccer. I am so happy to have found you all and enjoy getting to know you in the coming year.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Who Are Ya!! - Ramiro Galvez
Where were you born?
My name is Ramiro Galvez, I'm from South America (Quito- Ecuador) - my first toy was a soccer ball. I grew up in a soccer family - my dad was the President of one of the leagues in the South Part of Quito (VillaFlora) and the name of the team was Liverpool. This league was Semi-professional Division C (Ligas Barriales) before it entered into the Professional Soccer Division for Quito, Ecuador. This organization, managed by my dad, was sponsor by the "Concentration Deportiva de Pichincha" government organization to develop mind and spirit based on sports. I played for Liverpool for three years as a Striker and scored several goals. From my grade school to my high school and university I played soccer all my life. I played three times a week and on Saturday we played up to four games.. What a energy..!! I was never tired. We play for pride and soda for the winner. Some of the players went on to play professionally - I was asked several times but I decided to finish my education and just play the game for fun. I played in the minor leagues for semi-professional team “Liga Deportiva Universitaria” I won several medals in an International soccer tournament. So when I play soccer, I play with passion and intensity, it's in my blood and in my heart and always will be. Soccer brings me happiness and new friends in life - I play the game for fun ..
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I came to the U.S. to
forward my education and to get my “Master in Urban Development “ since I
graduated with Architecture Degree in Ecuador. I was also newly married. First,
we landed in Michigan, my wife at the time was
from that area and her parents lived in Troy,
(Suburbs of Detroit). I played in a summer league and we had players from all
over the world except from Ecuador.
Since they knew that I was from South America,
the team Captain put me in right away. It was an important game to try advance to the
second round. Eventually, I scored the only goal that allowed us to advance to
the second round. To make the story short, we went to dispute the championship
league scoring two goals and winning the tournament 3-1 against a team of Saudi
players from Detroit.
Since the economy was not the greatest in Michigan
(plus was too cold) we decided to move to Kansas City,
Missouri where I landed a great job as an
Admission Counselor for Park University (at that time Park College).
I was recruiting students who did not have financial resources (disadvantaged
students) but they have the strive and passion to succeed in life. I helped
them get scholarships academically or in sports. Also, I helped recruit the
best players for the College with Ben Papoola one of the greatest Coaches that
I have ever met. Ben even asked me if I want to play for the school since he saw my skills but instead I end up
helping new players develop their skills. I won two indoor tournaments at the
Blue Spring Soccer Complex and later I was banned from the complex for a fight
that I did not initiate. I guess I learned my lesson. My family and my work put
me away for awhile until I injured my knee. I was told that I needed to quit for
a while.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I really don’t have a team. I may say that I support the Kansas City Soccer
team. In Ecuador,
I’m a really fan of Liga Deportiva Universitaria, my University team.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My earliest Youngs
Park soccer memory is the
one where I put the ball between Tom Reynolds’ legs to score the winning goal ..
I like to play against skillful players and challenge them. I like to dig
gently into their heads until they cannot do anything when I’m in front of them.
I have done that to Wasim and others several times by having them make mistakes
or digging into their heads or telling them “five bucks if you go through me”. I
learned by one soccer coach to apply psychology in their minds. I was taught by
a soccer coach about the game in this way: the soccer ball is like women - you
touch them gently and the ball always come back to you… something like that..
My name is Ramiro Galvez, I'm from South America (Quito- Ecuador) - my first toy was a soccer ball. I grew up in a soccer family - my dad was the President of one of the leagues in the South Part of Quito (VillaFlora) and the name of the team was Liverpool. This league was Semi-professional Division C (Ligas Barriales) before it entered into the Professional Soccer Division for Quito, Ecuador. This organization, managed by my dad, was sponsor by the "Concentration Deportiva de Pichincha" government organization to develop mind and spirit based on sports. I played for Liverpool for three years as a Striker and scored several goals. From my grade school to my high school and university I played soccer all my life. I played three times a week and on Saturday we played up to four games.. What a energy..!! I was never tired. We play for pride and soda for the winner. Some of the players went on to play professionally - I was asked several times but I decided to finish my education and just play the game for fun. I played in the minor leagues for semi-professional team “Liga Deportiva Universitaria” I won several medals in an International soccer tournament. So when I play soccer, I play with passion and intensity, it's in my blood and in my heart and always will be. Soccer brings me happiness and new friends in life - I play the game for fun ..
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
What is your earliest soccer memory?
How did you find the Youngs
Park game?
I was invited by John Vasquez when I was under the weather (going though
divorce). Many thanks to John for being able to drag me to the field and kick
my butt to regain confidence and happiness and especially to find a bunch of
great friends.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Who Are Ya!! - Orlando & Hugo Morales
Hey guys this is going to be a dual one for me and my brother . I, Sebastian... yeah...that's my first name (Orlando) and Hugo Morales
Where were you born?
We were both born in Quito, Ecuador our parents are of Spanish (Spain decent) and Brazilian
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
We both came to the U.S. when we were small. I (Orlando) was eight and Hugo was four. We came as my dad got an opportunity to come play abroad in the US, but as you all know given the soccer popularity back then it was nothing and it died, and we stayed in the U.S.A., Apparently we chose the Midwest where we lived in Lake of the Ozarks as it was the closest body of water here that caught my dad's eye (since we grew up by the ocean). I (Orlando) got a scholarship to Mid America Nazarene and Hugo to Avila therefore we came to Kansas City and have established base here now
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Sporting KC by far, it's been phenomenal being part of the cauldron and we love playing the drums during the chants and the atmosphere. Not to mention we get a kick out of seeing Troy's face get redder and redder with every chant
What is your earliest soccer memory?
Wow, our first toy was a soccer ball, we both vividly remember before our dad's every game we would run out to the fields, stadiums and establishments and just start playing with the ball...the security/staff thought we were cute (I know) and we would play on the same fields that many soccer greats got to set foot on
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
We wanted to play a lot more especially in the summer when we didn't have school and it was nice weather, I used to live behind Shawnee mission west. Troy and Wasim and Tom with his goals that he bought were extremely friendly really genuine individuals and invited us to play, letting us know the location changes and different days and reminding us, we felt welcome and not ousted, we have seen it grow when it was 7v7 maximum of people, to now playing with over 38 people at once! We both love that everyone has fun, and everyone has a tremendous love of the game or wants to truly learn to play. No one plays dirty or plays like it's life or death as opposed to few other places we've played . So we really have to thank all of you for making the game truly beautiful as Wasim once said this is a "gentleman's game"
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
We both are hardcore Sporting KC Cauldron fans and go to as many Sporting Kc matches as possible wearing masks, wigs, etc and play the drums there. We should all organize a get together and catch a game and who knows some of you might become fanatics in the cauldron.
P.S. I forgot I extremely hate the no corner rule if you didn't know...
Where were you born?
We were both born in Quito, Ecuador our parents are of Spanish (Spain decent) and Brazilian
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
We both came to the U.S. when we were small. I (Orlando) was eight and Hugo was four. We came as my dad got an opportunity to come play abroad in the US, but as you all know given the soccer popularity back then it was nothing and it died, and we stayed in the U.S.A., Apparently we chose the Midwest where we lived in Lake of the Ozarks as it was the closest body of water here that caught my dad's eye (since we grew up by the ocean). I (Orlando) got a scholarship to Mid America Nazarene and Hugo to Avila therefore we came to Kansas City and have established base here now
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Sporting KC by far, it's been phenomenal being part of the cauldron and we love playing the drums during the chants and the atmosphere. Not to mention we get a kick out of seeing Troy's face get redder and redder with every chant
What is your earliest soccer memory?
Wow, our first toy was a soccer ball, we both vividly remember before our dad's every game we would run out to the fields, stadiums and establishments and just start playing with the ball...the security/staff thought we were cute (I know) and we would play on the same fields that many soccer greats got to set foot on
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
We wanted to play a lot more especially in the summer when we didn't have school and it was nice weather, I used to live behind Shawnee mission west. Troy and Wasim and Tom with his goals that he bought were extremely friendly really genuine individuals and invited us to play, letting us know the location changes and different days and reminding us, we felt welcome and not ousted, we have seen it grow when it was 7v7 maximum of people, to now playing with over 38 people at once! We both love that everyone has fun, and everyone has a tremendous love of the game or wants to truly learn to play. No one plays dirty or plays like it's life or death as opposed to few other places we've played . So we really have to thank all of you for making the game truly beautiful as Wasim once said this is a "gentleman's game"
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
We both are hardcore Sporting KC Cauldron fans and go to as many Sporting Kc matches as possible wearing masks, wigs, etc and play the drums there. We should all organize a get together and catch a game and who knows some of you might become fanatics in the cauldron.
P.S. I forgot I extremely hate the no corner rule if you didn't know...
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Who Are Ya!! - David Cooper
Where were you born?
I was born in Abilene, TX, but lived in Texan, California, Oregon, Washington, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Oklahoma and Kansas before settling down in the KC area.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I
moved to KC in 1984 to work on finishing my college degree at
MidAmerica Nazarene College (now University), but ended up working as a
trim carpenter and getting married instead of finishing college. We
left KC in 1992 to serve as missionaries in Costa Rica and Guatemala
until 2002. That is when we moved back to KC.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I
am a big KC Chiefs fan. I know, the wrong football but I still enjoy
watching. I also love watching the World Cup and cheering for the US
and the African teams that make it. I also like to watch Manchester
United, Arsenal and Madrid.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
I
began playing soccer when my parents moved to Costa Rica when I was 12
years old. I picked it up again in high school and played goalie in
high school and college.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I
found the game when we moved back to KC in 2002. Nick Edinger
introduced me to the game and I played until moving last July to South
Africa.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Most
know that I am now living in Johannesburg, South Africa working as a
missionary in the Church of the Nazarene. I am the Personnel
Coordinator for all of our missionaries all over the continent of
Africa, so I travel and communicate with people in various countries.
I
still love playing soccer and started up a game at the condominium
complex we live at. It is usually only 3-5 per side, but it keeps me
active and kicking shins from time to time.
Hope
to play with you guys again when I am back for a visit later this year.
If you are ever in Johannesburg come on by. Email: dcooper@africa-region.org.za
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Who Are Ya!! * Revisited *
It has been about a year since we last sent out a request for participation in this feature. The following is the original request - if you didn't send in a submission last time and want to participate, please let me know by clicking the link at the bottom of the post:
This is a great idea suggested by Bob G:
We have played soccer together over the years, yet many of us don't know each other that well. In this section of the Youngs Park Blog, please share about yourself so others can get to know you. Keep in mind this is the Internet, so be careful posting sensitive information, but include as much as possible to let people know Who Are Ya!!.
You can use the following questions as a starting point, if you like, or just write whatever comes to mind:
If you would like to participate, please send me an email. I will run them in the order they are sent, posting one a week.
Hope you find this interesting!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Who Are Ya!!
We have played soccer together over the years, yet many of us don't know each other that well. In this section of the Youngs Park Blog, please share about yourself so others can get to know you. Keep in mind this is the Internet, so be careful posting sensitive information, but include as much as possible to let people know Who Are Ya!!.
You can use the following questions as a starting point, if you like, or just write whatever comes to mind:
- Where were you born?
- If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
- What team(s) do you support as a fan?
- What is your earliest soccer memory?
- How did you find the Youngs Park game?
- Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
If you would like to participate, please send me an email. I will run them in the order they are sent, posting one a week.
Hope you find this interesting!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Simon Walley
Where were you born?
I was born in Crewe in North West England.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I arrived in Kansas City in July 2010 following a job relocation. Previously I lived in Harrisburg, PA., Santa Rosa, CA., Wellington, New Zealand and Swindon, England.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Manchester United I have followed them for as long as I can remember thanks to my Uncle Duncan.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
Getting a teddy bear at about four years old with a Manchester United kit on it.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Dane Broadie and I work together and he told me about the group.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I look after the food enzyme business for my company in NAFTA and the coolest thing my company can do is turn sugar into car tires using enzymes. Click on the link below to learn more:
http://www.genencor.com/wps/wcm/connect/genencor/genencor/products_and_services/business_development/biochemicals/in_focus_bioisoprene/bioisoprene_en.htm
On the personal front I have two beautiful daughters aged 21 months and 6 months and a wonderful wife who doesn’t flip out when I take off on Saturday mornings to play soccer.
I was born in Crewe in North West England.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I arrived in Kansas City in July 2010 following a job relocation. Previously I lived in Harrisburg, PA., Santa Rosa, CA., Wellington, New Zealand and Swindon, England.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Manchester United I have followed them for as long as I can remember thanks to my Uncle Duncan.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
Getting a teddy bear at about four years old with a Manchester United kit on it.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Dane Broadie and I work together and he told me about the group.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I look after the food enzyme business for my company in NAFTA and the coolest thing my company can do is turn sugar into car tires using enzymes. Click on the link below to learn more:
http://www.genencor.com/wps/wcm/connect/genencor/genencor/products_and_services/business_development/biochemicals/in_focus_bioisoprene/bioisoprene_en.htm
On the personal front I have two beautiful daughters aged 21 months and 6 months and a wonderful wife who doesn’t flip out when I take off on Saturday mornings to play soccer.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Nyk Edinger
Where were you born?
I was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and grew up across the Missouri River in Mandan, ND. (Sorry Troy but your answer was so well worded!)
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I arrived in Olathe, Kansas in August of 1987 to play soccer for MidAmerica Nazarene University. We played one season. I started on the bench but after an injury to our starting keeper I started as keeper for several matches until I, too, was put on crutches and finished the season watching from the sidelines. They cut the team the following summer.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I have supported the Wizards/Sporting since the day we heard there was a possibility of their existence. I attended the opening match at Arrowhead and had attended most home matches until I moved back to North Dakota in 2004 and have attended at least 1 match each year since I left. I also support Hannover 96, Die Roten!!, in the Bundesliga.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
The day I learned of its existence. I transferred to a private school in Mandan in 1981 (the same school as Troy) and the guys played this game called soccer at this school. I never heard of it much less played it so I was stuck between the posts (probably two jackets or cones, I don't remember) and loved it! The following year I joined the team as an 8th grader and have played ever since.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Troy and I grew up together in North Dakota and both attended the same University in Olathe and both remained living in Olathe after College so one day we set out to find a place to kick the ball around outdoors on Saturday mornings and eventually decided upon Maple Hills Park. Some days it was just him and I in 4 inches of snow but eventually other great guys joined us and I am privileged to have met and shared the pitch with each of them!
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Most of you don't know me at all but for those that do, you might not know that I have been a vocalist in a death/black metal band since 1989 and am currently recording my 8th cd.
I was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and grew up across the Missouri River in Mandan, ND. (Sorry Troy but your answer was so well worded!)
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I arrived in Olathe, Kansas in August of 1987 to play soccer for MidAmerica Nazarene University. We played one season. I started on the bench but after an injury to our starting keeper I started as keeper for several matches until I, too, was put on crutches and finished the season watching from the sidelines. They cut the team the following summer.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I have supported the Wizards/Sporting since the day we heard there was a possibility of their existence. I attended the opening match at Arrowhead and had attended most home matches until I moved back to North Dakota in 2004 and have attended at least 1 match each year since I left. I also support Hannover 96, Die Roten!!, in the Bundesliga.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
The day I learned of its existence. I transferred to a private school in Mandan in 1981 (the same school as Troy) and the guys played this game called soccer at this school. I never heard of it much less played it so I was stuck between the posts (probably two jackets or cones, I don't remember) and loved it! The following year I joined the team as an 8th grader and have played ever since.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Troy and I grew up together in North Dakota and both attended the same University in Olathe and both remained living in Olathe after College so one day we set out to find a place to kick the ball around outdoors on Saturday mornings and eventually decided upon Maple Hills Park. Some days it was just him and I in 4 inches of snow but eventually other great guys joined us and I am privileged to have met and shared the pitch with each of them!
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Most of you don't know me at all but for those that do, you might not know that I have been a vocalist in a death/black metal band since 1989 and am currently recording my 8th cd.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Tunde Ogunmekan
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria the capital, I came here in 1980 to join my parents who were ambassadors to the US, the family had travelled quite a bi at the time living in New Delhi in India, London in UK and Rabat in Morocco. When the opportunity came to visit here I figured I’d go to college then leave soon as I was done. Started a business in college, got naturalized ( my mum is citizen) and been here ever since.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
As I kid I supported the Shooting Stars of Ibadan and The Green Eagles (later Super Eagles) of Nigeria, the best 11 team ever in all soccer was the team that was robbed of the chance to play in world cup because of internal politics, it featured the mathematician (Segun Odegbami) who would dribble on the line from the his own 30 yards all the way to opponents 18 then take a shot from a ridiculous angle and SCORE!! That’s why they called him the mathematician, from the goalie (Best Ogedengbe) to defender ( Pat Okpala) midfield (Muda Lawal) wingers (Adokiye Emeka) it stacked here is link from the African Cup of Nations :
http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/sports/57064-1980-anc-green-eagles-nostalgia.html
When a got older and politics started to dominate national team selection I became a staunch Chelsea fan, have been even though we SUCK right now.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My earliest is the afore mentioned Cup of Nations with video link above, I was already a fan, that made me a foaming at the mouth frenzied, play with a broken bone fanatic of the game.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Atabong I believe invited me to my first game way back in the stone age 2005, its feels like such a long time now, I can bealy remember anymore. I do remember meeting Troy, Tom, Wasim, Johnny, Bill, Annette and Afam and saying what an eclectic and great group of guys. Many moons and haven step on someone’s toes about 20 times later, I think I’ve missed a total of 6 Saturday’s (other than weather or cancellations) since then.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group will know?
This might come as a shock to most but I’m black, I know! I Know! Imagine my surprise when a found out! And oh I love my Youngs Park family
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria the capital, I came here in 1980 to join my parents who were ambassadors to the US, the family had travelled quite a bi at the time living in New Delhi in India, London in UK and Rabat in Morocco. When the opportunity came to visit here I figured I’d go to college then leave soon as I was done. Started a business in college, got naturalized ( my mum is citizen) and been here ever since.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
As I kid I supported the Shooting Stars of Ibadan and The Green Eagles (later Super Eagles) of Nigeria, the best 11 team ever in all soccer was the team that was robbed of the chance to play in world cup because of internal politics, it featured the mathematician (Segun Odegbami) who would dribble on the line from the his own 30 yards all the way to opponents 18 then take a shot from a ridiculous angle and SCORE!! That’s why they called him the mathematician, from the goalie (Best Ogedengbe) to defender ( Pat Okpala) midfield (Muda Lawal) wingers (Adokiye Emeka) it stacked here is link from the African Cup of Nations :
http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/sports/57064-1980-anc-green-eagles-nostalgia.html
When a got older and politics started to dominate national team selection I became a staunch Chelsea fan, have been even though we SUCK right now.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My earliest is the afore mentioned Cup of Nations with video link above, I was already a fan, that made me a foaming at the mouth frenzied, play with a broken bone fanatic of the game.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Atabong I believe invited me to my first game way back in the stone age 2005, its feels like such a long time now, I can bealy remember anymore. I do remember meeting Troy, Tom, Wasim, Johnny, Bill, Annette and Afam and saying what an eclectic and great group of guys. Many moons and haven step on someone’s toes about 20 times later, I think I’ve missed a total of 6 Saturday’s (other than weather or cancellations) since then.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group will know?
This might come as a shock to most but I’m black, I know! I Know! Imagine my surprise when a found out! And oh I love my Youngs Park family
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Wasim Zaman
Where were you born?
I was born in Bangladesh.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I came to USA in 1991 to go to College. I went to Emporia State University and studied Marketing and Economics. After graduating in 1995, I worked in Emporia for 5 years. I moved to KC in 2000 to be with my then fiance and now wife.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I do not have a favorite team. I follow English Premier League and often find myself supporting any smaller club playing against Man U, Chelsea, or Arsenal. I do support the Wizards when I watch them play.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My dad started to take me to watch Division 1 soccer games in Bangladesh since I was a little boy. It involved riding a bus, rickshaw, and walking to get there and avoiding the riots often broke out after the major soccer games. Those are my earliest and some of the best memories in life.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Tom was my neighbor and he introduced me to this game in 2002. We used to play at Maple Hills Park then. It was a very challenging time for us as we often didn't have enough players to play a decent game. 4 v 4 was a rare and exciting event. We had to beg people to come out and play. Troy and Tom put in tremendous amount of effort in promoting and maintaining this game. It is very gratifying to see our group grow.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Everyone tells me that I am pretty competitive.......I continue to deny it. I don't like to lose though.
I was born in Bangladesh.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I came to USA in 1991 to go to College. I went to Emporia State University and studied Marketing and Economics. After graduating in 1995, I worked in Emporia for 5 years. I moved to KC in 2000 to be with my then fiance and now wife.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I do not have a favorite team. I follow English Premier League and often find myself supporting any smaller club playing against Man U, Chelsea, or Arsenal. I do support the Wizards when I watch them play.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My dad started to take me to watch Division 1 soccer games in Bangladesh since I was a little boy. It involved riding a bus, rickshaw, and walking to get there and avoiding the riots often broke out after the major soccer games. Those are my earliest and some of the best memories in life.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Tom was my neighbor and he introduced me to this game in 2002. We used to play at Maple Hills Park then. It was a very challenging time for us as we often didn't have enough players to play a decent game. 4 v 4 was a rare and exciting event. We had to beg people to come out and play. Troy and Tom put in tremendous amount of effort in promoting and maintaining this game. It is very gratifying to see our group grow.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Everyone tells me that I am pretty competitive.......I continue to deny it. I don't like to lose though.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Bill Lepentis
Where were you born?
Sydney, Australia
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
My parents immigrated to Australia from Greece after the Greek Civil War. Around 1974, my mother’s kid brother passed-away while we were visiting Greece. Actually, my parents were considering moving the family back there, but the death obviously shook my mother enough to stop the process and we decided to stay in Australia. Sixth months later, my mother’s close cousin also passed away. My mother had another brother living in KC and in 1976, we decided to move here to be closer to his family. This must have done the trick because we’ve lived here ever since. I haven’t ventured far; only to The University of Kansas for school. My parents eventually retired and moved to Chicago.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Arsenal FC (as a fanatic)
AEK Athens (as a religion)
Greek MNT (as a rite-of-passage)
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Sydney Roosters (Rugby League Club)
What is your earliest soccer memory?
We won our division in Sydney when I was seven and a few months later, moved to KC. My parents had some Greek friends who were affiliated with the Roeland Park (Kansas) Soccer Club, and enrolled me into one of the youth clubs. I’ve been playing organized and pick-up ever since including a semester of “club” at The University of Kansas.
How did you find the Youngs Park Game?
I walked-on the Loose Park Wednesday night game and made a few friends. One of them was Johnny “ONE MORE” Vazquez. He mentioned that a few of the Loose Park crew played Saturdays at Young’s Park. That’s when my park-league skills really excelled.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group will know?
I was one of “The Best In Soccer” as picked by local metro coaches for 1986-1987 season. That obviously took me places…
Sydney, Australia
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
My parents immigrated to Australia from Greece after the Greek Civil War. Around 1974, my mother’s kid brother passed-away while we were visiting Greece. Actually, my parents were considering moving the family back there, but the death obviously shook my mother enough to stop the process and we decided to stay in Australia. Sixth months later, my mother’s close cousin also passed away. My mother had another brother living in KC and in 1976, we decided to move here to be closer to his family. This must have done the trick because we’ve lived here ever since. I haven’t ventured far; only to The University of Kansas for school. My parents eventually retired and moved to Chicago.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Arsenal FC (as a fanatic)
AEK Athens (as a religion)
Greek MNT (as a rite-of-passage)
+
Sydney Roosters (Rugby League Club)
What is your earliest soccer memory?
We won our division in Sydney when I was seven and a few months later, moved to KC. My parents had some Greek friends who were affiliated with the Roeland Park (Kansas) Soccer Club, and enrolled me into one of the youth clubs. I’ve been playing organized and pick-up ever since including a semester of “club” at The University of Kansas.
How did you find the Youngs Park Game?
I walked-on the Loose Park Wednesday night game and made a few friends. One of them was Johnny “ONE MORE” Vazquez. He mentioned that a few of the Loose Park crew played Saturdays at Young’s Park. That’s when my park-league skills really excelled.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group will know?
I was one of “The Best In Soccer” as picked by local metro coaches for 1986-1987 season. That obviously took me places…
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Jürgen Hoedel
Where were you born?
In a small town called Geislingen an der Steige in the south of Germany – it has the distinction of featuring the steepest railroad grade of any major railway line in Europe. The same steep grade prompted some robber baron to build a fortress about a thousand years ago in order to extract money from travelers and wagon trains for safe passage. Today the German railway just charges exorbitant ticket prices for the same privilege.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I went to KU as a grad student (they actually paid me to go to school – go figure) where I met my wife. After living with her in Germany for ten years nobody was any longer willing to extend us any credit – that’s why we moved here in 1996. Oh, she was also tired of the weather in Central Europe and the unfriendly attitude of my compatriots. Don’t know how my attitude slipped through the cracks for so long.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I am a stout (literally!) supporter of Bayern Munich and the German national team. I am also an avid fan of all teams in the US lingerie league.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
First of all, we don’t erroneously call it soccer where I come from. I guess it would be playing ‘Fussball’ with my uncle in the backyard. And then the legendary non-goal in the 1966 World Cup Final. We finally got even with the English last year.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I have GPS. No, I am an old teammate of Troy’s from back when he still used to show up for our Friday noon games at All-American, before he let work interfere with fun.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I have a right foot so I don’t fall down when I kick with my left – no wait, everybody knows that. I guess it would be that in my case, the older I get, the better I was.
In a small town called Geislingen an der Steige in the south of Germany – it has the distinction of featuring the steepest railroad grade of any major railway line in Europe. The same steep grade prompted some robber baron to build a fortress about a thousand years ago in order to extract money from travelers and wagon trains for safe passage. Today the German railway just charges exorbitant ticket prices for the same privilege.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I went to KU as a grad student (they actually paid me to go to school – go figure) where I met my wife. After living with her in Germany for ten years nobody was any longer willing to extend us any credit – that’s why we moved here in 1996. Oh, she was also tired of the weather in Central Europe and the unfriendly attitude of my compatriots. Don’t know how my attitude slipped through the cracks for so long.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I am a stout (literally!) supporter of Bayern Munich and the German national team. I am also an avid fan of all teams in the US lingerie league.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
First of all, we don’t erroneously call it soccer where I come from. I guess it would be playing ‘Fussball’ with my uncle in the backyard. And then the legendary non-goal in the 1966 World Cup Final. We finally got even with the English last year.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I have GPS. No, I am an old teammate of Troy’s from back when he still used to show up for our Friday noon games at All-American, before he let work interfere with fun.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I have a right foot so I don’t fall down when I kick with my left – no wait, everybody knows that. I guess it would be that in my case, the older I get, the better I was.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Tom Reynolds
Where were you born?
I was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1953. Although Southern and Eastern European immigrants brought soccer to Western Pennsylvania around the turn of the last century, it had practically disappeared by the time I came of age.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I moved to Kansas City in 1980, after serving a brief stint as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Guatemala and Venezuela. At the time, we were looking for a place that offered both family support and job prospects. I was reluctant to raise a family in New Jersey where Mary and I attended Rutgers University, but Western Pennsylvanua was not an option.: The steel industry had recently collapsed and the local economy was in a severe crisis.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
My favorite soccer team of all time is the New York Cosmos. I was living in New Jersey during the late 70's Cosmos heyday and attended many good games against such foes as World Champion Argentina, Bayern Munich, the Peoples Republic of China etc. I also met and briefly chatted with Pele during his second week in the U.S., while he was filming a kids' soccer clinic for network television. (We gained admission to Downing Stadium on Randalls Island when my Dad flashed his police badge.) During that time, I saw many notable players compete either for or against the Cosmos: Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller, Roberto Rivelino, Eusebio, George Best, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia, a 17 year-old Maradona, and of course, Pele.
I currently enjoy watching F.C Barcelona dismember their opponents and continue to root for the two big teams from Medellin, Colombia (Atletico Nacional and DIM).
What is your earliest soccer memory?
One of my earliest soccer memories involves trying to stay awake while watching U.S. based pro soccer when it was first televised regularly in 1967. I actually started playing as a high-school exchange student in Ecuador; then later as a college student in Colombia. Upon returning from South America, I introduced the sport to my hometown friends and later played regular pick-up games in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Pittsburgh.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Regarding what would become the Youngs Park game, I first met Troy in 2001 (?) after my sons observed a small group playing in Maple Hill Park. Troy was gracious and welcoming on that occasion and I like to think we have continued in that spirit.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
One thing people may not know about me are my politics: I consider myself both a Christian and socialist. Subsequently, I have major problems with both U.S. domestic and foreign policy. However, when it comes to soccer, I am proud to be an American player and I avidly support our U.S. National Team.
I was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1953. Although Southern and Eastern European immigrants brought soccer to Western Pennsylvania around the turn of the last century, it had practically disappeared by the time I came of age.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I moved to Kansas City in 1980, after serving a brief stint as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Guatemala and Venezuela. At the time, we were looking for a place that offered both family support and job prospects. I was reluctant to raise a family in New Jersey where Mary and I attended Rutgers University, but Western Pennsylvanua was not an option.: The steel industry had recently collapsed and the local economy was in a severe crisis.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
My favorite soccer team of all time is the New York Cosmos. I was living in New Jersey during the late 70's Cosmos heyday and attended many good games against such foes as World Champion Argentina, Bayern Munich, the Peoples Republic of China etc. I also met and briefly chatted with Pele during his second week in the U.S., while he was filming a kids' soccer clinic for network television. (We gained admission to Downing Stadium on Randalls Island when my Dad flashed his police badge.) During that time, I saw many notable players compete either for or against the Cosmos: Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller, Roberto Rivelino, Eusebio, George Best, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia, a 17 year-old Maradona, and of course, Pele.
I currently enjoy watching F.C Barcelona dismember their opponents and continue to root for the two big teams from Medellin, Colombia (Atletico Nacional and DIM).
What is your earliest soccer memory?
One of my earliest soccer memories involves trying to stay awake while watching U.S. based pro soccer when it was first televised regularly in 1967. I actually started playing as a high-school exchange student in Ecuador; then later as a college student in Colombia. Upon returning from South America, I introduced the sport to my hometown friends and later played regular pick-up games in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Pittsburgh.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Regarding what would become the Youngs Park game, I first met Troy in 2001 (?) after my sons observed a small group playing in Maple Hill Park. Troy was gracious and welcoming on that occasion and I like to think we have continued in that spirit.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
One thing people may not know about me are my politics: I consider myself both a Christian and socialist. Subsequently, I have major problems with both U.S. domestic and foreign policy. However, when it comes to soccer, I am proud to be an American player and I avidly support our U.S. National Team.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Bill Black
Where were you born?
Detroit, Michigan
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
We arrived in 2006 when June and I took positions as professors at UMKC. Galen, our youngest, moved to KD with us from our home in Northern California.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Newell’s Old Boys. Rosario, Argentina.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
I started playing soccer when I was 23.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I learned of the Young’s Park game from Troy. We were both playing at Rockhurst U.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I was Charles Keating’s (Lincoln S&L) least favorite regulator. He hired private investigators twice to investigate me, sued me for $400 million, and famously instructed his chief political fixer: “Highest Priority: Get Black … Kill Him Dead.” In context, this was almost certainly merely an order to get me fired. That effort was joined by Speaker of the House Jim Wright. I’m a serial whistleblower, including blowing the whistle on Speaker Wright. My notes of the meeting with the “Keating Five” (five U.S. Senators who Keating induced to try to keep us from taking enforcement action against Keating’s Lincoln S&L) helped prompt the Senate ethics investigation. I have a genius for making friends in high places, which is consistent with being dumb enough to put my body in the way of a screaming soccer ball. Yeah defenders!
Detroit, Michigan
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
We arrived in 2006 when June and I took positions as professors at UMKC. Galen, our youngest, moved to KD with us from our home in Northern California.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Newell’s Old Boys. Rosario, Argentina.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
I started playing soccer when I was 23.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I learned of the Young’s Park game from Troy. We were both playing at Rockhurst U.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I was Charles Keating’s (Lincoln S&L) least favorite regulator. He hired private investigators twice to investigate me, sued me for $400 million, and famously instructed his chief political fixer: “Highest Priority: Get Black … Kill Him Dead.” In context, this was almost certainly merely an order to get me fired. That effort was joined by Speaker of the House Jim Wright. I’m a serial whistleblower, including blowing the whistle on Speaker Wright. My notes of the meeting with the “Keating Five” (five U.S. Senators who Keating induced to try to keep us from taking enforcement action against Keating’s Lincoln S&L) helped prompt the Senate ethics investigation. I have a genius for making friends in high places, which is consistent with being dumb enough to put my body in the way of a screaming soccer ball. Yeah defenders!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Brian Werner
Where were you born?
St. Louis, MO. I lived about 2 miles from "the Hill" where a number of US soccer greats from way back hailed from (and the non soccer great: Yogi Berra). Apparently not close enough to pick up some ball handling skills.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I came to Kansas City in August of 2009 for grad school. I'm a second year PhD student in economics at UMKC.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I grew up in St. Louis, which despite being a big soccer town doesn't have a pro team. For a while we went to a lot of indoor games watching the St. Louis Ambush(not around anymore), but definitely watched a lot more of Cardinals baseball.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
All of grade school soccer is kind of one big blur of running around somewhat aimlessly in the cold and mud, orange wedges, and usually losing the game.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I met Bill Black at an orientation event at pizza 51and jumped on the chance to play.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I would say that my highest level achievement in soccer was playing in pickup games during a cherry picking stint in New Zealand with a few guys who were rumored to be on the national team of the country of Vanuatu.
Ultimate frisbee is actually my primary sport. I play ultimate most of the year including traveling to tournaments in nearby states. I play a lot of music too. I sing in the choir at UMKC and play guitar, mandolin, and accordion and other things.
St. Louis, MO. I lived about 2 miles from "the Hill" where a number of US soccer greats from way back hailed from (and the non soccer great: Yogi Berra). Apparently not close enough to pick up some ball handling skills.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I came to Kansas City in August of 2009 for grad school. I'm a second year PhD student in economics at UMKC.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I grew up in St. Louis, which despite being a big soccer town doesn't have a pro team. For a while we went to a lot of indoor games watching the St. Louis Ambush(not around anymore), but definitely watched a lot more of Cardinals baseball.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
All of grade school soccer is kind of one big blur of running around somewhat aimlessly in the cold and mud, orange wedges, and usually losing the game.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I met Bill Black at an orientation event at pizza 51and jumped on the chance to play.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I would say that my highest level achievement in soccer was playing in pickup games during a cherry picking stint in New Zealand with a few guys who were rumored to be on the national team of the country of Vanuatu.
Ultimate frisbee is actually my primary sport. I play ultimate most of the year including traveling to tournaments in nearby states. I play a lot of music too. I sing in the choir at UMKC and play guitar, mandolin, and accordion and other things.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Annette Luke
Where were you born?
I was born in Independence, MO. I have lived in Blue Springs, MO, most of my life.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Of course, I support the KC Wizards/Sporting KC.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My earliest soccer memory does not involve me as a player but as a spectator. I became interested in soccer when I was forced to watch my younger brother play in recreational leagues as we were growing up. My dad coached his team for several years. I was even his “assistant coach” a few times. Finally, when I was 15, I started playing myself.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Troy invited me to the game. At the time, I was playing with him on an indoor team at the KC Soccerdome.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I am going to tell you the rest of the story about how/why I started playing soccer. Like I said before, I watched my brother play as we were growing up. During that time, I was a gymnast aspiring to become an Olympic medalist. In early spring a few months before I turned 16, I finally went to the doctor about my nagging back pain. The doctor gave me devastating news. He told me I needed to quit gymnastics or live with back pain for the rest of my life. After a great deal of soul-searching, I admitted that it was very unlikely that I would ever be good enough to get to the Olympics. So, I decided to try playing soccer. My first experience was that spring in a recreational church league in Independence. That fall, as a sophomore, I tried out for the boys’ soccer team at Blue Springs High School. (A girls’ team did not exist at my high school at that time.) That was an extremely rough but very beneficial experience! However, I did make the “C” team. Even though I knew I had made the team only because I was a girl, I was very excited! I was certain I would learn the game much more quickly in that setting. My love for soccer grew from that experience.
I was born in Independence, MO. I have lived in Blue Springs, MO, most of my life.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Of course, I support the KC Wizards/Sporting KC.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My earliest soccer memory does not involve me as a player but as a spectator. I became interested in soccer when I was forced to watch my younger brother play in recreational leagues as we were growing up. My dad coached his team for several years. I was even his “assistant coach” a few times. Finally, when I was 15, I started playing myself.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Troy invited me to the game. At the time, I was playing with him on an indoor team at the KC Soccerdome.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I am going to tell you the rest of the story about how/why I started playing soccer. Like I said before, I watched my brother play as we were growing up. During that time, I was a gymnast aspiring to become an Olympic medalist. In early spring a few months before I turned 16, I finally went to the doctor about my nagging back pain. The doctor gave me devastating news. He told me I needed to quit gymnastics or live with back pain for the rest of my life. After a great deal of soul-searching, I admitted that it was very unlikely that I would ever be good enough to get to the Olympics. So, I decided to try playing soccer. My first experience was that spring in a recreational church league in Independence. That fall, as a sophomore, I tried out for the boys’ soccer team at Blue Springs High School. (A girls’ team did not exist at my high school at that time.) That was an extremely rough but very beneficial experience! However, I did make the “C” team. Even though I knew I had made the team only because I was a girl, I was very excited! I was certain I would learn the game much more quickly in that setting. My love for soccer grew from that experience.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Eddie Villegas
Where were you born?
Born and raised in KC. But I grew up spending our summers in Mexico visiting family.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I grew up a Mexico and Guadalajara Chivas fan. I also support US Soccer and I'm torn when USA plays Mexico. But I always seem to pull for Mexico, my dad and my uncles just burned it into my brain. I'm also a huge fan of Barcelona and their style of football.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
I don't remember how old I was but in my first soccer game ever, back when All American was on Bannister Rd, I was kicked in the face with the ball on my very first play. I remember how bad it hurt but somehow it didn't turn me away from the sport.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Alicia McGarry and I used to work together. As I got to know her and Gage, they invited me to play one weekend. It was nice to see a group of people committed to playing every week. Its because of this, Gage, Gonzalo and I started playing together and formed a team called Youngs Park with several guys from the group. We competed in Jackson County League and finished 4-4. But in our second season together we went 8-0. The face of the team has changed over the years but Youngs Park now competes in Wyandotte County, working our way from Div. 2 to Division 1. From 2007-2010 we have made the playoffs each season and finished as high as 2nd in the tournament and first with overall points. Today, no one on the roster is from Youngs Park but the name of where lasting friendships began still carries on.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
After college I had high hopes to further my soccer career but I blew out my knee playing hoops just before the quarter-finals of a major tournament. It required reconstructive surgery and about a full year of training before I could be fit enough to play again. Then a few years later, I tore up the same knee again in a soccer match. More surgery. More rehab. I haven't been the same since but I'm fortunate enough to play the sport I love for fun for as long as these legs will carry me. Thanks to the individuals who make the Youngs Park game possible year-round!
Born and raised in KC. But I grew up spending our summers in Mexico visiting family.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I grew up a Mexico and Guadalajara Chivas fan. I also support US Soccer and I'm torn when USA plays Mexico. But I always seem to pull for Mexico, my dad and my uncles just burned it into my brain. I'm also a huge fan of Barcelona and their style of football.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
I don't remember how old I was but in my first soccer game ever, back when All American was on Bannister Rd, I was kicked in the face with the ball on my very first play. I remember how bad it hurt but somehow it didn't turn me away from the sport.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Alicia McGarry and I used to work together. As I got to know her and Gage, they invited me to play one weekend. It was nice to see a group of people committed to playing every week. Its because of this, Gage, Gonzalo and I started playing together and formed a team called Youngs Park with several guys from the group. We competed in Jackson County League and finished 4-4. But in our second season together we went 8-0. The face of the team has changed over the years but Youngs Park now competes in Wyandotte County, working our way from Div. 2 to Division 1. From 2007-2010 we have made the playoffs each season and finished as high as 2nd in the tournament and first with overall points. Today, no one on the roster is from Youngs Park but the name of where lasting friendships began still carries on.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
After college I had high hopes to further my soccer career but I blew out my knee playing hoops just before the quarter-finals of a major tournament. It required reconstructive surgery and about a full year of training before I could be fit enough to play again. Then a few years later, I tore up the same knee again in a soccer match. More surgery. More rehab. I haven't been the same since but I'm fortunate enough to play the sport I love for fun for as long as these legs will carry me. Thanks to the individuals who make the Youngs Park game possible year-round!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Bob Good
Where were you born?
I was born in the Denver area.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
My Mom married my step Dad who was from this area. So we moved to the Kansas City area during my high school years.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I attend many KC Wizards/Sporting games, and watch most USA National Team games, but I really enjoy watching Barcelona and the Spain National Team. I believe the possession style game they play is the way the game should be played. I don't think the USA National Team will achieve greatness until the American kids learn how to possess the ball. It will take a youth coaching revolution to convert youth coaches from kick and run-direct soccer style of coaching to a skillful possession style of coaching.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
My Mom signed me up for recreational soccer when I was in grade school. At the time we attended a few Colorado Caribou NASL games at Mile High Stadium back in the late 70's. I've been playing soccer off and on ever since. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Caribous
How did you find the Young's Park game?
Myself and a few co-workers in Lenexa started an indoor pick-up game on Fridays at lunch at All American Indoor Sports during the early 1990's. I no longer attend this game, but as far as I know they still meet every Friday at noon. Sometime in the late 90's or early 2000's Troy B. visited the Friday game. I learned about the Young's Park game through Troy.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
I graduated from UMKC in the early 90's. I'm a Project Engineer with a local manufacturer. I've been married 18 years to my wife who puts up with my favorite hobby of playing soccer, coaching my children in soccer, watching FOX Soccer Channel, and going to Wizards soccer games. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ, and try to learn and live His ways. Although through the stresses of marriage, raising kids, work, and frustrating myself on the soccer field, I fall well short of a perfect life and can only rely on Christ's grace and sacrifice. I have been playing acoustic guitar for about 2 years proving you "can teach an old dog new tricks". I organize a small monthly investment group to learn and share ideas about stock and bond investing. My soccer heros are "old" professional soccer players who still play pro ball: Blanco, Beckham, Del Piero, etc. My favorite local soccer player is Annette :) That girl plays more soccer than anybody I know - keep it up Annette!! My favorite foods and restaurants are too many too number. My favorite music is 80's pop, some country, and Christian Hymns. I like many kinds of movies, and really enjoy catching up on all the movies I missed with Netflix. God Bless.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Scott Watson
Where were you born?
I was born in Newton, KS, but spent the majority of my childhood in Wichita, KS.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I went to college at Missouri Southern in Joplin on a soccer scholarship. Many of my good friends and teammates at MoSo were from the KC area. After a short stint back in Wichita post graduation, I moved up to the KC area and went on the job hunt. I believe this was around 1991. The rest is history, and I have lived in the KC metro ever since.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Like Troy, I have supported the Wiz/Wizards/Sporting since the first season as a season ticket holder. Very excited about the new stadium!! I also like to follow the EPL ever since Time Warner added Fox Soccer Channel years ago. I really don't have one specific team I follow, but love to root for the underdogs to stay up in the Premiership. In recent history I pulled for Fulham since they employed several Americans. This current season I have sort of hitched my wagon to Blackpool, and would like to see them succeed. Historically I always liked Newcastle for a couple reasons: 1. Good Beer. 2. My 1st over 30 team went by the same name. Glad to see they worked their way back up to the top division. Non soccer related teams: Kansas Jayhawks, KC Chiefs, KC Royals, Boston-Red Sox -Celtics-Bruins-& NE Patriots (I will explain my Boston allegiance in the next section)
What is your earliest soccer memory?
As I mentioned earlier, the majority of my childhood was spent in Wichita. My stepdad at the time was in the Air Force stationed in Wichita. During my 1st grade year we were transferred to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA. I lived in Mass for 3 years (1st -3rd grades). Although only in the area for 3 short years it made a big impact on my life, as this is where I discovered the beautiful game! Also where I experienced my first visits to professional sports venues (thus, I have always had an allegiance to the Boston area teams). My 1st love in sports was baseball, as my dad had me in a uniform, mitt, with bat and ball at the ripe ol' age of two! But then I discoved soccer in 1st grade. My mom was looking for an activity for me to get involved in upon our move so I could meet some new friends. She signed me up for soccer, and I took to it immediately. I went to my first practice and a ball was kicked in my direction, it was love at first touch of the ball. I just started kicking it around like a madman. I was very fortunate that soccer had found it's way to the midwest when I moved back to Wichita in the 4th grade. That year I joined the world famous "Purple People Eaters" of the Wichita AYSO league coached by my friends dad. Soccer soon consumed my life and became my year round focus starting around junior high. I no longer had time to play any other sports competitively, including baseball, my 1st love. All the time spent on soccer paid off as it helped pay for my college education, and also introduced me to life long friends.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Luckily my wife Stephanie works at the same company as Troy. Years ago around it's inception, my wife told me about a pickup game her friend at worked played in at a park located at 77th & Antioch. I think she was just trying to get me out of the house, but it worked out good for me. This was very convenient, as my house is on 79th St, just west of Antioch. So I show up one Saturday morn, and just kept going back. Some games back then were very thin (3v3, 4v4), but we always had a great time regardless of numbers. In recent years due to injuries(old age),my daughters activities, & other family obligations, I have not been able to play as consistently as I would like. However, I know the game will always be there for me when I can make it. Thanks to the founders and die hards like Troy & Tom.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Although soccer is my main passion, I love almost any sport or competition. I really love playing basketball and had thoughts of pursuing that when I was younger. However in junior high I think the coach squelched any NBA aspirations I may have had when he told me this. "You have two things going against you, FEET!!". He wasn't talking about my footwork (as I was rather quick and coordinated), but rather my unique stature. Although painful at the time, it was probably something I needed to hear. I think I have taken up enough of your time, thanks for getting to know me better.
I was born in Newton, KS, but spent the majority of my childhood in Wichita, KS.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
I went to college at Missouri Southern in Joplin on a soccer scholarship. Many of my good friends and teammates at MoSo were from the KC area. After a short stint back in Wichita post graduation, I moved up to the KC area and went on the job hunt. I believe this was around 1991. The rest is history, and I have lived in the KC metro ever since.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
Like Troy, I have supported the Wiz/Wizards/Sporting since the first season as a season ticket holder. Very excited about the new stadium!! I also like to follow the EPL ever since Time Warner added Fox Soccer Channel years ago. I really don't have one specific team I follow, but love to root for the underdogs to stay up in the Premiership. In recent history I pulled for Fulham since they employed several Americans. This current season I have sort of hitched my wagon to Blackpool, and would like to see them succeed. Historically I always liked Newcastle for a couple reasons: 1. Good Beer. 2. My 1st over 30 team went by the same name. Glad to see they worked their way back up to the top division. Non soccer related teams: Kansas Jayhawks, KC Chiefs, KC Royals, Boston-Red Sox -Celtics-Bruins-& NE Patriots (I will explain my Boston allegiance in the next section)
What is your earliest soccer memory?
As I mentioned earlier, the majority of my childhood was spent in Wichita. My stepdad at the time was in the Air Force stationed in Wichita. During my 1st grade year we were transferred to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA. I lived in Mass for 3 years (1st -3rd grades). Although only in the area for 3 short years it made a big impact on my life, as this is where I discovered the beautiful game! Also where I experienced my first visits to professional sports venues (thus, I have always had an allegiance to the Boston area teams). My 1st love in sports was baseball, as my dad had me in a uniform, mitt, with bat and ball at the ripe ol' age of two! But then I discoved soccer in 1st grade. My mom was looking for an activity for me to get involved in upon our move so I could meet some new friends. She signed me up for soccer, and I took to it immediately. I went to my first practice and a ball was kicked in my direction, it was love at first touch of the ball. I just started kicking it around like a madman. I was very fortunate that soccer had found it's way to the midwest when I moved back to Wichita in the 4th grade. That year I joined the world famous "Purple People Eaters" of the Wichita AYSO league coached by my friends dad. Soccer soon consumed my life and became my year round focus starting around junior high. I no longer had time to play any other sports competitively, including baseball, my 1st love. All the time spent on soccer paid off as it helped pay for my college education, and also introduced me to life long friends.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
Luckily my wife Stephanie works at the same company as Troy. Years ago around it's inception, my wife told me about a pickup game her friend at worked played in at a park located at 77th & Antioch. I think she was just trying to get me out of the house, but it worked out good for me. This was very convenient, as my house is on 79th St, just west of Antioch. So I show up one Saturday morn, and just kept going back. Some games back then were very thin (3v3, 4v4), but we always had a great time regardless of numbers. In recent years due to injuries(old age),my daughters activities, & other family obligations, I have not been able to play as consistently as I would like. However, I know the game will always be there for me when I can make it. Thanks to the founders and die hards like Troy & Tom.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Although soccer is my main passion, I love almost any sport or competition. I really love playing basketball and had thoughts of pursuing that when I was younger. However in junior high I think the coach squelched any NBA aspirations I may have had when he told me this. "You have two things going against you, FEET!!". He wasn't talking about my footwork (as I was rather quick and coordinated), but rather my unique stature. Although painful at the time, it was probably something I needed to hear. I think I have taken up enough of your time, thanks for getting to know me better.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Who Are Ya!! - Troy Bragg
Where were you born?
I was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and grew up across the Missouri River in Mandan, ND.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
In August of 1986, I came to the KC area to go to MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe. Back then, the college was smaller (it became a university in 1996) and my freshman year was the first year it had a varsity mens soccer program (it was abandoned after the 1987 season but was re-started in the late 90s or early 00s). I would have had a small scholarship if I made the team, but I injured my knee playing church league softball (* cough *) about a month before I was supposed to report to camp fully fit.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I have been a Wiz / Wizards / Sporting fan since they were a gleam in Lamar Hunt's eye. When the English Premiership was first shown regularly in the Kansas City area, I took a liking to Leeds United. They were young and fearless, and their manager, David O'Leary, was confident in his young players. Also, I have tried to pay attention to Lazio in Italy since Serie A came to Fox Soccer Channel (Fox Sports World then). At that time, they had an attacking team unlike a lot of the very defensive-minded sides they faced.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
As a kid growing up in North Dakota in the 70s, soccer was not really on my radar until I was in 5th grade. That year I began attending a small private school which had been started, in part, by a family from upstate New York. We didn't have any playground equipment, but we did have a large open space on one side of the school... and a ball. It was there I was introduced to the sport by the kids who came from NY. Pele was playing for the Cosmos and there was an NASL team in Minneapolis, so we did get some games on t.v. from time to time. When I entered 7th grade, my school started an actual team and played games in South Dakota. Two years later there were 5 other high school-age teams in North Dakota that we would play against leading up to the South Dakota tournament.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I built the first set of goals out of PVC pipe in 2000. I invited a few friends and we tried out a few fields before settling at Maple Hills Park. The game floundered with low numbers until Tom and his two sons walked across the street from their house and asked if we had room for them to play. Of course we did, and the rest is history.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Most probably know this, but the most interesting thing about me is that I have been fortunate to attend the opening World Cup match for the US since 1998. My buddy got me a ticket for the 1994 US opener in Detroit, but I was unable to take time off work. After missing that match, I have made sure to make time. We have been to Europe twice, Asia, and Africa for matches. We have had a great run so far!
I was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and grew up across the Missouri River in Mandan, ND.
If you were not born in the Kansas City area, when did you arrive and what circumstances brought you to KC?
In August of 1986, I came to the KC area to go to MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe. Back then, the college was smaller (it became a university in 1996) and my freshman year was the first year it had a varsity mens soccer program (it was abandoned after the 1987 season but was re-started in the late 90s or early 00s). I would have had a small scholarship if I made the team, but I injured my knee playing church league softball (* cough *) about a month before I was supposed to report to camp fully fit.
What team(s) do you support as a fan?
I have been a Wiz / Wizards / Sporting fan since they were a gleam in Lamar Hunt's eye. When the English Premiership was first shown regularly in the Kansas City area, I took a liking to Leeds United. They were young and fearless, and their manager, David O'Leary, was confident in his young players. Also, I have tried to pay attention to Lazio in Italy since Serie A came to Fox Soccer Channel (Fox Sports World then). At that time, they had an attacking team unlike a lot of the very defensive-minded sides they faced.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
As a kid growing up in North Dakota in the 70s, soccer was not really on my radar until I was in 5th grade. That year I began attending a small private school which had been started, in part, by a family from upstate New York. We didn't have any playground equipment, but we did have a large open space on one side of the school... and a ball. It was there I was introduced to the sport by the kids who came from NY. Pele was playing for the Cosmos and there was an NASL team in Minneapolis, so we did get some games on t.v. from time to time. When I entered 7th grade, my school started an actual team and played games in South Dakota. Two years later there were 5 other high school-age teams in North Dakota that we would play against leading up to the South Dakota tournament.
How did you find the Youngs Park game?
I built the first set of goals out of PVC pipe in 2000. I invited a few friends and we tried out a few fields before settling at Maple Hills Park. The game floundered with low numbers until Tom and his two sons walked across the street from their house and asked if we had room for them to play. Of course we did, and the rest is history.
Can you tell us something about yourself that not everyone in the group would know?
Most probably know this, but the most interesting thing about me is that I have been fortunate to attend the opening World Cup match for the US since 1998. My buddy got me a ticket for the 1994 US opener in Detroit, but I was unable to take time off work. After missing that match, I have made sure to make time. We have been to Europe twice, Asia, and Africa for matches. We have had a great run so far!
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