Hi,
Quick note on this.....
We should have the schedule out very soon.....But so you know, i've seen a draft (and of course it could change, but i think it's pretty well set....disclaimer, disclaimer) and we have a GREAT home schedule in my opinion - at least 10 saturdays, maybe 11. and the other non-saturdays are good opponents on good dates.....that's all i got....
Again, don't kill me if it changes, but it looks good as of today....
rh
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Practice this Morning/Chris Snitko/Jonathan Leathers QnA
Hello all, sorry this took so long today! Practice this morning was a good one. It ran a little longer than the first two this week. First, the guys stretched and warmed up as usual. Then came the 30-yard dash. Among the faster players were rookie defender Jonathan Leathers, midfielder/defender Michael Harrington and midfielder Kurt Morsink. Most of the guys finished within a very tight range; we're going to have a fast team this year.
After that, they broke out into 3v3 matches followed by 6v6 games with 'keepers. Former Wizards goalkeeper Chris Snitko was in camp for the second day this week to help out and get his competitive juices flowing. "Snitty," as he's called, held his own pretty well.
Goalkeeper Chris Snitko with the distribution. "I'm trying to get back in shape," Snitko said. "I emailed Peter (Vermes) and told him if you guys ever needed help that I wouldn't mind training. I had a great time; it was a lot of fun."
After that, they broke out into 3v3 matches followed by 6v6 games with 'keepers. Former Wizards goalkeeper Chris Snitko was in camp for the second day this week to help out and get his competitive juices flowing. "Snitty," as he's called, held his own pretty well.
Goalkeeper Chris Snitko with the distribution. "I'm trying to get back in shape," Snitko said. "I emailed Peter (Vermes) and told him if you guys ever needed help that I wouldn't mind training. I had a great time; it was a lot of fun."After practice, Hillcrest Road sat down with Leathers to ask him about his 30-yard dash performance and let the fans know a little about this first-year player.
Defender Jonathan Leathers was taken in the 2nd Round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and has come to camp full-speed ahead. Leathers finished with one of the fastest times in the 30-yard dash test today at training and can be seen zipping around the field, adding quickness to the Wizards defensive core. A graduate of Furman, Leathers comes from the same school as U.S. National Team members Clint Dempsey (Fulhamerica forward/midfielder) and Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo holding midfielder). Now for the QnA.
Leathers takes on Kerry Zavagnin during a 3v3 match.
You were one of the fastest players today in the 30-yard dash. How did the run feel?
It felt good. There were a lot of fast guys out there, but I’m happy to be one of the fastest.
What attributes do you bring to the Wizards?
I bring quickness, agility and, if I play right back, I can add to the attack. I know coach Onalfo likes to attack with numbers, and I fit into a system like that.
You played at Furman, did you get to meet Dempsey or Clark?
I met Dempsey on my recruiting trip, but Clark was already gone by the time I was being recruited. Dempsey seemed like a great guy.
How did playing at the school that produced those two players help you?
I definitely think they have paved the road for me, and knowing they came before me keeps me focused. I want to follow in their footsteps. (Head Coach) Doug Allison is an excellent coach who trains players well to become professionals.
What are your goals on and off the field?
This season, I want to make the 18-man roster and fight for a starting spot so I can get some experience under my belt. Away from the field, I want to set myself up for a career in investment banking after my playing days are over. I am getting my degree is business this semester after finishing up my last classes online.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy rock climbing and other outdoor activities like hiking. Also, church is a very big part of my life, and I like to read.
Reading huh? What’s your favorite book?
Well The Bible. Other than that, How to Make Money in Stocks by William O’Neil. You should check it out.
And now some more practice photos:
Harrington plays a ball wide for Amir Lowery in a 3v3 match.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman parries a ball clear in 6v6 play.
Rookie midfielder Roger Espinoza lines up for the 30-yard dash.
That's all for now. We'll be back whenever we have more news.
Defender Jonathan Leathers was taken in the 2nd Round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and has come to camp full-speed ahead. Leathers finished with one of the fastest times in the 30-yard dash test today at training and can be seen zipping around the field, adding quickness to the Wizards defensive core. A graduate of Furman, Leathers comes from the same school as U.S. National Team members Clint Dempsey (Fulhamerica forward/midfielder) and Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo holding midfielder). Now for the QnA.
Leathers takes on Kerry Zavagnin during a 3v3 match.You were one of the fastest players today in the 30-yard dash. How did the run feel?
It felt good. There were a lot of fast guys out there, but I’m happy to be one of the fastest.
What attributes do you bring to the Wizards?
I bring quickness, agility and, if I play right back, I can add to the attack. I know coach Onalfo likes to attack with numbers, and I fit into a system like that.
You played at Furman, did you get to meet Dempsey or Clark?
I met Dempsey on my recruiting trip, but Clark was already gone by the time I was being recruited. Dempsey seemed like a great guy.
How did playing at the school that produced those two players help you?
I definitely think they have paved the road for me, and knowing they came before me keeps me focused. I want to follow in their footsteps. (Head Coach) Doug Allison is an excellent coach who trains players well to become professionals.
What are your goals on and off the field?
This season, I want to make the 18-man roster and fight for a starting spot so I can get some experience under my belt. Away from the field, I want to set myself up for a career in investment banking after my playing days are over. I am getting my degree is business this semester after finishing up my last classes online.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy rock climbing and other outdoor activities like hiking. Also, church is a very big part of my life, and I like to read.
Reading huh? What’s your favorite book?
Well The Bible. Other than that, How to Make Money in Stocks by William O’Neil. You should check it out.
And now some more practice photos:
Harrington plays a ball wide for Amir Lowery in a 3v3 match.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman parries a ball clear in 6v6 play.
Rookie midfielder Roger Espinoza lines up for the 30-yard dash.Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Chance Speaks
Hey there, bad night for KU basketball fans. Congrats to K-state.
From ussoccer.com, 1st overall draft pick Chance Myers talks a bit about being selected number 1 and his thoughts on the upcoming year. From meeting Chance in Baltimore, we are all very excited about his joining the team. He is a very personable young man with a very nice family. Yes, you are correct in assuming that he surfs. We can't wait to get Chance in Wizards gear and see what he can do. Check out the ussoccer.com story here.
From ussoccer.com, 1st overall draft pick Chance Myers talks a bit about being selected number 1 and his thoughts on the upcoming year. From meeting Chance in Baltimore, we are all very excited about his joining the team. He is a very personable young man with a very nice family. Yes, you are correct in assuming that he surfs. We can't wait to get Chance in Wizards gear and see what he can do. Check out the ussoccer.com story here.
Good Morning on an Off Day
Greetings readers, hope everyone is enjoying their off day. Wait, I guess just our players don't have to work. Lucky guys. Practice will be back tomorrow for our last KC training session prior to the squad jetting off for Bradenton. Come see us at KC Sportslodge! Directions a couple of posts back. We'll all be jealous when the boys come back with quality tans.
Thanks to David Ficklin for the post late last night. David is excellent at what he does and also excellent at articulating his thoughts and opinions. His posts will certainly be some of the more exciting for fans here at Hillcrest Road. Erin Lawless, CR guru has promised to post soon -- said something about needing instructions. We'll fix her up today.
Also, a couple of belated Happy Birthdays. First to 3rd Round SuperDraft selection Matt Marquess. Matt turned 22 yesterday, but I don't think the vets knew, so he escaped any serious ribbing. We'll let them know tomorrow. 2nd year midfielder/defender Michael Harrington also turned 22 last Thursday. Harrington was engaged in the off-season, check out OzCitySoccer's vision of the event here.
Three birthdays coming up in February. Victorine turns 30 on the 3rd, Conrad 31 on the 12th and Wahl 24 on the 23rd. Happy early birthday to those guys. Sorry Sasha, you're adding another decade to the belt. Jimmy's already been old for a while now.
That's all for now. We'll be back with more notes as they happen.
Thanks to David Ficklin for the post late last night. David is excellent at what he does and also excellent at articulating his thoughts and opinions. His posts will certainly be some of the more exciting for fans here at Hillcrest Road. Erin Lawless, CR guru has promised to post soon -- said something about needing instructions. We'll fix her up today.
Also, a couple of belated Happy Birthdays. First to 3rd Round SuperDraft selection Matt Marquess. Matt turned 22 yesterday, but I don't think the vets knew, so he escaped any serious ribbing. We'll let them know tomorrow. 2nd year midfielder/defender Michael Harrington also turned 22 last Thursday. Harrington was engaged in the off-season, check out OzCitySoccer's vision of the event here.
Three birthdays coming up in February. Victorine turns 30 on the 3rd, Conrad 31 on the 12th and Wahl 24 on the 23rd. Happy early birthday to those guys. Sorry Sasha, you're adding another decade to the belt. Jimmy's already been old for a while now.
That's all for now. We'll be back with more notes as they happen.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Busy and Exciting Times on the Venue Front
Greetings Hillcrest Road readers, I’m David Ficklin, Vice President of Development. I oversee the Wizards operations team and issues related to venue design and development.
As promised, I will be posting stadium design and construction updates for the next couple of years. But in the meantime there are a lot of other exciting things happening on the venue side. These are indeed busy and exciting times for us!
Yesterday we broke ground on the permanent renovations to CommunityAmerica Ballpark. As many of you know, we are building three new bleacher seating sections where the left field grass berm had been located. For the next two seasons these sections will house the Cauldron in closer proximity to the field than any MLS supporters’ section has ever been.
As promised, I will be posting stadium design and construction updates for the next couple of years. But in the meantime there are a lot of other exciting things happening on the venue side. These are indeed busy and exciting times for us!
Yesterday we broke ground on the permanent renovations to CommunityAmerica Ballpark. As many of you know, we are building three new bleacher seating sections where the left field grass berm had been located. For the next two seasons these sections will house the Cauldron in closer proximity to the field than any MLS supporters’ section has ever been.
View from the Cauldron
The Cauldron seating will consist of aluminum bleachers with back rests, attached to concrete treads and risers. This is the same system as found in the Home Depot Center and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, to name two many of you have seen. This is a permanent upgrade to the stadium, which we will leave as a legacy to the T-Bones.
In the next two weeks we will be installing additional sports lighting poles. This is necessary to upgrade and balance the lighting to MLS broadcast standards. In March we will add 2 banks of temporary bleachers behind the Cauldron section (approx. 340 seats) and directly behind the left-field wall (approx. 1,200), which we have designed with a concourse under the bleachers so fans can continue to circulate around the entire park.
Out at CAB we will also have three hundred Fieldside Reserved seats, up from 80 in 2007. Demand was great for Fieldside Reserved seating last year, as we sold the section out the first week they were available. New for this year Fieldside Reserved ticket holders will have all-you-can-eat, in-seat food service. This allows us the opportunity to continue to develop best practices for serving this type of seat prior to opening our permanent home in 2010 with very similar seating options. One insight I can offer – when the permanent home opens at Hillcrest Road in 2010, Fieldside Reserved seating will be on the bench side of the field. We are working hard to develop premium seating options that are unique and include a higher level of service than people are used to experiencing.
Also, 10 months to the day after we broke ground on our Swope Park Training Center, we broke ground on Phase 2. We are rebuilding field 3 into a world-class lighted synthetic pitch. When completed in late March, field 3 will be home to:
· Kansas City Wizards practices and reserve games
· KCW Juniors practices and matches
· UMKC Men’s Soccer practices and matches
· Brookside Soccer Club practices and matches
· Community soccer programming
Our technical staff is very excited about field 3, as the team will now be able to train on the same type of pitch they will see in any stadium in MLS. Whether playing at BMO Field (FieldTurf), Pizza Hut Park (Bermuda) or TOYOTA Park (Bluegrass), our players will be able to get the feel of every surface without ever leaving our training center.
First clear day and the lights go in
Speaking of playing surfaces – as many of you may know, in November we sodded over the infield at CAB with Bluegrass to match the rest of the playing surface and ensure an all-grass field for Wizards matches. In mid-May, we will strip the Bluegrass and replace it with Bermuda that we anticipate playing on for the rest of our stay at CAB. The Bermuda will be better able to handle the daily wear of soccer and baseball during the months our seasons overlap.
Thank you all for your readership and support. Please feel free to ask questions below and I will try to answer them in future posts. As Robb mentioned earlier, we are getting close to unveiling the stadium design, and we can’t wait to show you your new home.
Until next time, go Wizards,
DF
Starting 11 Girls Tryouts Part 2
Hello all, we would like to put out a call to all intelligent, fun-loving, soccer-loving females over age 21 to join the Starting 11 Girls squad for the 2008 season. Tryouts will be held Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT at McFadden's across from Sprint Center in the Power and Light District.
Interested women 21 years of age or older can apply by emailing the following to Jenny Matthews at jenny@kcwizards.com:
· First and last name
· Age
· Two phone numbers where you can be reached
· A short bio (where you are from, what you do for a living, why you think you would be a great Starting 11 Girl)
· Self photo (.jpg files only)
**Deadline for submissions Feb. 15 at noon CT**
Last year's squad was very helpful, and with the move to CAB, we think there will be more opportunities for the Starting 11 Girls to interact with fans in 2008. If you are interested in joining the squad or know anyone who would be, please contact Jenny soon! To see last year's team, visit our website here.
Interested women 21 years of age or older can apply by emailing the following to Jenny Matthews at jenny@kcwizards.com:
· First and last name
· Age
· Two phone numbers where you can be reached
· A short bio (where you are from, what you do for a living, why you think you would be a great Starting 11 Girl)
· Self photo (.jpg files only)
**Deadline for submissions Feb. 15 at noon CT**
Last year's squad was very helpful, and with the move to CAB, we think there will be more opportunities for the Starting 11 Girls to interact with fans in 2008. If you are interested in joining the squad or know anyone who would be, please contact Jenny soon! To see last year's team, visit our website here.
Practice/PV for HoF
Good afternoon all. The guys wrapped up day two of training today with another quality session. They started with passing drills followed by small-sided games on small goals and then small-sided games on full goals with 'keepers. Pictures below.
As many of you may know, Wizards Technical Director Peter Vermes is eligible for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Now PV would never campaign for votes himself, but we can certainly try. From his 67 appearances and 11 goals (tied for 13th all-time) for the U.S. National Team, to his seven seasons of outstanding MLS play (including MLS Defender of the Year honors in 2000 when our Wizards captured MLS Cup), Vermes was a standout player and valuable leader on every team he ever played for.
If you agree with us that PV deserves some love and a place in the Hall, comment below with why you believe he is one of the most outstanding players in the history of American soccer. Whether it's a specific play or game or experience with PV off the field, we want to hear about it. If you feel ambitious, go ahead and start throwing around PV's exploits on Big Soccer and the other message boards. Voters tend to read those things as well. Whether he qualifies for the Hall or not, we're very pleased to have PV on board as the leader of our technical staff and feel he's the best at his job in MLS, bar none.
Now for the pictures from this morning, including a new face:
The whole group warming up prior to practice (led by Fitness Coach Dave Tenney in the center).
Second-round draft pick Jonathan Leathers (23), defender out of Furman, stretches with goalkeeper Boris Pardo.
Goalkeeper Eric Kronberg plays one-touch passes while balancing continuously on his right foot.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman (right) rips a first-time shot at Pardo who makes a quick save.
As many of you may know, Wizards Technical Director Peter Vermes is eligible for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Now PV would never campaign for votes himself, but we can certainly try. From his 67 appearances and 11 goals (tied for 13th all-time) for the U.S. National Team, to his seven seasons of outstanding MLS play (including MLS Defender of the Year honors in 2000 when our Wizards captured MLS Cup), Vermes was a standout player and valuable leader on every team he ever played for.
If you agree with us that PV deserves some love and a place in the Hall, comment below with why you believe he is one of the most outstanding players in the history of American soccer. Whether it's a specific play or game or experience with PV off the field, we want to hear about it. If you feel ambitious, go ahead and start throwing around PV's exploits on Big Soccer and the other message boards. Voters tend to read those things as well. Whether he qualifies for the Hall or not, we're very pleased to have PV on board as the leader of our technical staff and feel he's the best at his job in MLS, bar none.
Now for the pictures from this morning, including a new face:
The whole group warming up prior to practice (led by Fitness Coach Dave Tenney in the center).
Second-round draft pick Jonathan Leathers (23), defender out of Furman, stretches with goalkeeper Boris Pardo.
Goalkeeper Eric Kronberg plays one-touch passes while balancing continuously on his right foot.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman (right) rips a first-time shot at Pardo who makes a quick save.Monday, January 28, 2008
Yomby William QnA/Photos from Practice
As promised, we're back with a QnA. Wizards second-round selection Yomby William of Old Dominion stayed after practice for a quick chat. Yomby is a delightful young guy who is very excited to be playing soccer and finishing up school. His smile is contagious. Now for the QnA:
Defender Yomby William comes to the Kansas City Wizards from Old Dominion University and Bafoussam, Cameroon. William came to the United States in the fall of 2005 and spent the last three years at ODU, studying economics and playing center back. William is just two classes shy of graduation with a bachelor’s degree from ODU and will finish the required courses this spring. He stopped by after this morning’s practice for a quick QnA session with Hillcrest Road. William was all smiles as he told us about his family back in Cameroon and his hopes for the season.
What is your favorite part of living in the United States?
I like the mentality of the people here, the soccer and the school. I am pleased to be graduating this spring and still playing soccer.
What is your favorite soccer moment of all time?
When I found out I would be drafted by the Wizards. I was jumping up and down when my college coach called to tell me.
What did your parents say when you told them you were drafted by the Wizards?
They were very proud. They were so happy—so full of joy. They just told me to make sure that I finished my classes. I have a big family—three brothers and three sisters—back in Cameroon that I haven’t seen since I left. Now that I am playing professionally, I hope I will be able to go back and see them sometime soon. I am the first in my family to play soccer in the U.S.
Which player did you look up to as a young player? Why?
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan/Italy) because he is such a good defender. He has good team spirit and all the qualities a solid defender must have.
What are your goals for the season?
I want to help the team win a title this year. I will fight for a starting spot and hopefully help the team be successful.
What’s your favorite off-field hobby?
Tennis.
Did you watch the Australian Open?
Yes, I was a little disappointed about Federer not advancing. The fans did not seem to like Djokovic very much in the final.
What should Kansas City Wizards fans know about you?
I’m very happy to be here!
Sorry it's a little blury. Yomby kept on laughing!
Goalkeeper Boris Pardo smothers a shot from Eric Kronberg during goalkeeper training.
Supplemental Draft selection Tom Gray holds the ball against Kerry Zavagnin and the blue squad.
Coach speaks with Bob Luder of the Kansas City Star after practice.
Defender Yomby William comes to the Kansas City Wizards from Old Dominion University and Bafoussam, Cameroon. William came to the United States in the fall of 2005 and spent the last three years at ODU, studying economics and playing center back. William is just two classes shy of graduation with a bachelor’s degree from ODU and will finish the required courses this spring. He stopped by after this morning’s practice for a quick QnA session with Hillcrest Road. William was all smiles as he told us about his family back in Cameroon and his hopes for the season.
What is your favorite part of living in the United States?
I like the mentality of the people here, the soccer and the school. I am pleased to be graduating this spring and still playing soccer.
What is your favorite soccer moment of all time?
When I found out I would be drafted by the Wizards. I was jumping up and down when my college coach called to tell me.
What did your parents say when you told them you were drafted by the Wizards?
They were very proud. They were so happy—so full of joy. They just told me to make sure that I finished my classes. I have a big family—three brothers and three sisters—back in Cameroon that I haven’t seen since I left. Now that I am playing professionally, I hope I will be able to go back and see them sometime soon. I am the first in my family to play soccer in the U.S.
Which player did you look up to as a young player? Why?
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan/Italy) because he is such a good defender. He has good team spirit and all the qualities a solid defender must have.
What are your goals for the season?
I want to help the team win a title this year. I will fight for a starting spot and hopefully help the team be successful.
What’s your favorite off-field hobby?
Tennis.
Did you watch the Australian Open?
Yes, I was a little disappointed about Federer not advancing. The fans did not seem to like Djokovic very much in the final.
What should Kansas City Wizards fans know about you?
I’m very happy to be here!
Sorry it's a little blury. Yomby kept on laughing!Now for some more photos from this morning's session:
Here Coach instructs from left to right Tyson Wahl, Carlos Marinelli, Kurt Morsink, Ryan McMahen, Ryan Raybould, Michael Kraus, Aaron Hohlbein.
Here Coach instructs from left to right Tyson Wahl, Carlos Marinelli, Kurt Morsink, Ryan McMahen, Ryan Raybould, Michael Kraus, Aaron Hohlbein.
Goalkeeper Boris Pardo smothers a shot from Eric Kronberg during goalkeeper training.
Supplemental Draft selection Tom Gray holds the ball against Kerry Zavagnin and the blue squad.
Coach speaks with Bob Luder of the Kansas City Star after practice.
Morning Practice/Look-a-likes
Hello all; it was great to see the guys out training again and to see some fresh new faces! Practice went well today. They opened with some passing drills for a warm-up then went to small-sided games on mini goals while the goalkeepers worked with coach Dave Tenney. Then the 'keepers came over for some small-sided games on full-size goals.
Practice begins at 10 a.m. again tomorrow and is open to the public. For directions, see the post below.
Another tidbit to chew on:
Australian Open Winner?
Kansas City Wizards Forward?
Practice begins at 10 a.m. again tomorrow and is open to the public. For directions, see the post below.
Another tidbit to chew on:
Australian Open Winner?
Kansas City Wizards Forward?Wizards forward Ryan Pore and Australian Open Winner Novak Djokovic look remarkably similar (especially the profile view). Pore has assured us, however, he was not in Melbourne for the last few weeks.
We'll check back in shortly with some photos from practice and another QnA.
We'll check back in shortly with some photos from practice and another QnA.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Metro Sports Blog/Practice Monday
Hello all, hope your weekend was wonderful. A couple of pieces of info for everyone to chew on:
Metro Sports (mostly Brad Porter) has started a new blog dedicated to the Wizards and MLS. Great work Metro (Brad). Check it out here. Email or write the Star and let them know we want a Wizards/soccer blog on their website as well. News outlets love reader feedback.
Also, practice Monday will be held at the new KC Sportslodge in Independence and is open to the public. Practice begins at 10 a.m. and will wrap up sometime around 11:30. Directions from Downtown and Overland Park are listed below. Basically, if you can find I-470/M-291 and head East on HWY 40 (exit 16 A), you can find it.
One of our fan blogs, OzCitySoccer.com got some major love last week from national soccer bloggers/reporters Steven Goff and Ives Galarcep for its rendition of Fulhamerica. See it here if you haven't already.
Directions:
From downtown
· Take I-70 East to I-470/M 291 South (Exit 15 A)
· Go south on I-470, taking the first exit (16 A) onto 40 HWY East
· Take 40 HWY East to Little Blue Parkway South/NE Lakewood Way
· Head South onto Little Blue Parkway until the KC Sportslodge sign (1/4 mile)
· Turn Right at the KC Sportslodge sign onto a gravel road
· KC Sportslodge will be on the right-hand side of the street
From Overland Park
· Take I-435 East to I-470 East
· Continue on I-470 until exit 40 HWY East (Exit 16 A)
· Take 40 HWY East to Little Blue Parkway South/NE Lakewood Way
· Head South onto Little Blue Parkway until the KC Sportslodge sign (1/4 mile)
· Turn Right at the KC Sportslodge sign onto a gravel road
· KC Sportslodge will be on the right-hand side of the street
See you all Monday.
Metro Sports (mostly Brad Porter) has started a new blog dedicated to the Wizards and MLS. Great work Metro (Brad). Check it out here. Email or write the Star and let them know we want a Wizards/soccer blog on their website as well. News outlets love reader feedback.
Also, practice Monday will be held at the new KC Sportslodge in Independence and is open to the public. Practice begins at 10 a.m. and will wrap up sometime around 11:30. Directions from Downtown and Overland Park are listed below. Basically, if you can find I-470/M-291 and head East on HWY 40 (exit 16 A), you can find it.
One of our fan blogs, OzCitySoccer.com got some major love last week from national soccer bloggers/reporters Steven Goff and Ives Galarcep for its rendition of Fulhamerica. See it here if you haven't already.
Directions:
From downtown
· Take I-70 East to I-470/M 291 South (Exit 15 A)
· Go south on I-470, taking the first exit (16 A) onto 40 HWY East
· Take 40 HWY East to Little Blue Parkway South/NE Lakewood Way
· Head South onto Little Blue Parkway until the KC Sportslodge sign (1/4 mile)
· Turn Right at the KC Sportslodge sign onto a gravel road
· KC Sportslodge will be on the right-hand side of the street
From Overland Park
· Take I-435 East to I-470 East
· Continue on I-470 until exit 40 HWY East (Exit 16 A)
· Take 40 HWY East to Little Blue Parkway South/NE Lakewood Way
· Head South onto Little Blue Parkway until the KC Sportslodge sign (1/4 mile)
· Turn Right at the KC Sportslodge sign onto a gravel road
· KC Sportslodge will be on the right-hand side of the street
See you all Monday.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
New Look Crusaders
Hi,
We're in the process of re-introducing the Crusader program so it's much more beneficial to those that work within the group. It will be modeled very closely to the "old-school" royals lancers program with enhanced benefits are prizes to those that help out the club. Additionally, we'd like to have this group morph in to our Wizards Supporters' Trust which will have it's own club in the new stadium, as well as access to information in advance. If you have an interest in coming to an informational meeting on the Crusaders, please respond here and email Mark Naster at the Wizards - mnaster@kcwizards.com
thanks,
rh
We're in the process of re-introducing the Crusader program so it's much more beneficial to those that work within the group. It will be modeled very closely to the "old-school" royals lancers program with enhanced benefits are prizes to those that help out the club. Additionally, we'd like to have this group morph in to our Wizards Supporters' Trust which will have it's own club in the new stadium, as well as access to information in advance. If you have an interest in coming to an informational meeting on the Crusaders, please respond here and email Mark Naster at the Wizards - mnaster@kcwizards.com
thanks,
rh
Friday, January 25, 2008
Team White is Victorious
Team White, captained by Brian Roberts pulled out a close 10-9 victory at the KC Soccerdome Friday afternoon. MVP trophy goes to intern Shannon for her oustanding skill on the ball, passing and finishing. Special props to Accountant Nick Dombrowski for scoring the game-winning goal and goalkeeper/graphic design guru Chad Reynolds for playing much of the match hurt. Video highlights to come at a later date.
To the winners go the spoils (name drops). Team White included:
Brian Roberts (c) - Ticket Sales
Shannon Eberle (MVP) - Intern
Heather Lichtenauer - Intern
Jimmy "the Flex" Flexman - Corporate Partnerships
Ben Madeo - Ticket Sales
Brian Roth - Ticket Sales
Kyle Rogers (Hillcrest) - Communications
Nick Dombrowski - Accounting
Shaun Culley - Ticket Ops
Jose Luis Portillo - Intern
Sean Kosednar - MLSnet Video
To the winners go the spoils (name drops). Team White included:
Brian Roberts (c) - Ticket Sales
Shannon Eberle (MVP) - Intern
Heather Lichtenauer - Intern
Jimmy "the Flex" Flexman - Corporate Partnerships
Ben Madeo - Ticket Sales
Brian Roth - Ticket Sales
Kyle Rogers (Hillcrest) - Communications
Nick Dombrowski - Accounting
Shaun Culley - Ticket Ops
Jose Luis Portillo - Intern
Sean Kosednar - MLSnet Video
Jimmy Conrad QnA/More
Since Captain Kansas City won't be joining the team for the start of training next Monday due to National Team duty, we figured we'd kick off our QnA feature with an exclusive set of questions for Conrad. More on that below.
Also, Myers is getting some more love, this time from his California ODP program. Check it out here.
Trash talk around here for staff soccer is getting heated. Jimmy "the Flex" Flexman, Corporate Partnerships Guru, has warned us all that an onslaught of goals is coming from him this afternoon. We'll see Jimmy.
Now for the Conrad Qna:
What is the biggest reason for last year’s success and how will the team improve on that?
Perseverance. We had a lot of history to overcome. We went a couple years without making the playoffs because we couldn’t translate everything onto the field. But this past year we played well when needed and now the trust is there. We have an understanding from last year of what needs to be done this year.
What did you personally learn last year?
I learned a lot more about being a leader -- most importantly, how to be a better communicator. I learned that I need to be consistently talking and using the same vocabulary all the time.
What is your favorite Wizards memory so far?
(Vice President of Marketing and Communications) Rob Thomson coming back to the Wizards.
You have been a dad for almost a year now. How has Julia changed?
She now says, “DaDa”. Julia also has “summer teeth”. As in some are here, some are there. It’s really exciting to see her becoming a little person. She is also mobile so it’s a whole new level.
Do you have any words of advice on fatherhood?
You have to be flexible in every situation. Every 10 minutes is different, and if you don’t roll with it, you will get frustrated easily.
Any exciting U.S. National Team news? Are you going to score again?
My roommate is Landon Donovan, and he is cute as a button. And yes, I plan on scoring in every game.
How do you feel about playing out at CommunityAmerica Ballpark this year?
It’s great! It will be much more of an intimate setting, and we will get more of a home field advantage. We are all excited to get out of cavernous Arrowhead, even though we had some great years there. The fans will love it too because they will get a proper soccer atmosphere.
What are your thoughts for the new season and direction of the team?
I am excited. Its Curt’s second year as coach, so I think he and the staff now have a better understanding of what needs to be done. They are making moves that are necessary to make our goals happen. It should be a pretty great and exciting year.
Also, Myers is getting some more love, this time from his California ODP program. Check it out here.
Trash talk around here for staff soccer is getting heated. Jimmy "the Flex" Flexman, Corporate Partnerships Guru, has warned us all that an onslaught of goals is coming from him this afternoon. We'll see Jimmy.
Now for the Conrad Qna:
What is the biggest reason for last year’s success and how will the team improve on that?
Perseverance. We had a lot of history to overcome. We went a couple years without making the playoffs because we couldn’t translate everything onto the field. But this past year we played well when needed and now the trust is there. We have an understanding from last year of what needs to be done this year.
What did you personally learn last year?
I learned a lot more about being a leader -- most importantly, how to be a better communicator. I learned that I need to be consistently talking and using the same vocabulary all the time.
What is your favorite Wizards memory so far?
(Vice President of Marketing and Communications) Rob Thomson coming back to the Wizards.
You have been a dad for almost a year now. How has Julia changed?
She now says, “DaDa”. Julia also has “summer teeth”. As in some are here, some are there. It’s really exciting to see her becoming a little person. She is also mobile so it’s a whole new level.
Do you have any words of advice on fatherhood?
You have to be flexible in every situation. Every 10 minutes is different, and if you don’t roll with it, you will get frustrated easily.
Any exciting U.S. National Team news? Are you going to score again?
My roommate is Landon Donovan, and he is cute as a button. And yes, I plan on scoring in every game.
How do you feel about playing out at CommunityAmerica Ballpark this year?
It’s great! It will be much more of an intimate setting, and we will get more of a home field advantage. We are all excited to get out of cavernous Arrowhead, even though we had some great years there. The fans will love it too because they will get a proper soccer atmosphere.
What are your thoughts for the new season and direction of the team?
I am excited. Its Curt’s second year as coach, so I think he and the staff now have a better understanding of what needs to be done. They are making moves that are necessary to make our goals happen. It should be a pretty great and exciting year.
Good morning/RH/Congrats/Later today
Good morning all. How about RH checking in late last night with some exciting news? We in the organization get just as pumped about hearing the plans as you do, so reading that post is music to everyone's ears.
Congrats to everyone affiliated with the organization that got exciting news yesterday. We're excited to see Jimmy called back in (let's hope he heads another dagger Mexico's way in a couple of weeks) to U.S. camp. Also, Chance Myers gets his first U.S. (U-23) call as a member of the Wizards. We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our Supplemental Draft picks Pat Healy, Vicente Arze, Tom Gray and Andrew Kartunen. Hopefully we've found a couple of gems like Hohlbein!
Later today we will officially announce our mantra for 2008 "The World's Game ... Kansas City's Team." Those of you with eyes have already seen the mantra at the top of our website and the top of Hillcrest Road, but it officially kicks in today. Tell us what you think below--not that we can change it now, but we still love your feedback.
Also, the front office will be engaging in an indoor staff soccer match this afternoon. We'll post the score, MVP and some quotes from the match this evening or tomorrow morning. Team white, captained by former Wizards defender and current Ticket Sales Guru Brian Roberts, is the early favorite. Team blue, captained by Merchandising Manager Jacques Tournoy, will have something to say about that, however.
We'll check in with more info as it comes. Happy Friday all.
Congrats to everyone affiliated with the organization that got exciting news yesterday. We're excited to see Jimmy called back in (let's hope he heads another dagger Mexico's way in a couple of weeks) to U.S. camp. Also, Chance Myers gets his first U.S. (U-23) call as a member of the Wizards. We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our Supplemental Draft picks Pat Healy, Vicente Arze, Tom Gray and Andrew Kartunen. Hopefully we've found a couple of gems like Hohlbein!
Later today we will officially announce our mantra for 2008 "The World's Game ... Kansas City's Team." Those of you with eyes have already seen the mantra at the top of our website and the top of Hillcrest Road, but it officially kicks in today. Tell us what you think below--not that we can change it now, but we still love your feedback.
Also, the front office will be engaging in an indoor staff soccer match this afternoon. We'll post the score, MVP and some quotes from the match this evening or tomorrow morning. Team white, captained by former Wizards defender and current Ticket Sales Guru Brian Roberts, is the early favorite. Team blue, captained by Merchandising Manager Jacques Tournoy, will have something to say about that, however.
We'll check in with more info as it comes. Happy Friday all.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
checking in for the first time
hey everybody,
glad to have the opportunity to join you on hillcrest road. we've been drawing all sorts of pictures next to the damn thing for the past year, so it's good to actually add it to the context of our discussion. we've been relatively active lately trying to push this process to the finish line since the city council approval. as you all know, richard tolbert's "save the mall" group has been attempting to slow the process, but i think we're hopeful it should come to an end soon.
i'm meeting in the morning with the architects (360) to finalize the seating bowl, as well as the corner suites that we're building in the stadium. we also should have bids on six different roof structures and will make a final decision. as soon as that's done, we should be able to put the finishing touches on the renderings.
currently, we're working on a plan to put the cauldron in the south end of the stadium behind the goal. the contours of the site allow us to create a "cave-like" structure that should be loud and intimidating for the opposition. also, it will allow easy access in and out to the english pub in the central square outside the stadium. i'm hopeful we can make this happen. it really depends on how much the steel truss will cost to support the earthen roof structure. again, bids on this should be in approx. 2/7...
tomorrow we start designing the english pub. it's going to be really cool. the pub will sit in the center of a mini-park in a giant event space just south of the stadium. we're intending on the pub being its own free-standing two story victorian style building. it will really be the signature item of the entertainment district. we're working on a number of plans to incorporate a bunch of marketing services and incentive programs for wizards fans, particularly the cauldron, that involve the pub and the other concepts in the entertainment district.
training starts next week, so i'll do my best to throw my two cents in on how things are going. based on our plan going in, we did very well in the draft. we wound up with 6 of our top 12 ranked players, so in a couple years we'll really be able to look back at draft '08 and say we scouted well, or we blew it. we'll be the first to admit mistakes. i think if we work our asses off and are brutally honest with our fans in good times and in bad, we stand a chance to grow in to one of the top 2 sports teams in this town. we'll keep workin' - you keep watchin'
rh
glad to have the opportunity to join you on hillcrest road. we've been drawing all sorts of pictures next to the damn thing for the past year, so it's good to actually add it to the context of our discussion. we've been relatively active lately trying to push this process to the finish line since the city council approval. as you all know, richard tolbert's "save the mall" group has been attempting to slow the process, but i think we're hopeful it should come to an end soon.
i'm meeting in the morning with the architects (360) to finalize the seating bowl, as well as the corner suites that we're building in the stadium. we also should have bids on six different roof structures and will make a final decision. as soon as that's done, we should be able to put the finishing touches on the renderings.
currently, we're working on a plan to put the cauldron in the south end of the stadium behind the goal. the contours of the site allow us to create a "cave-like" structure that should be loud and intimidating for the opposition. also, it will allow easy access in and out to the english pub in the central square outside the stadium. i'm hopeful we can make this happen. it really depends on how much the steel truss will cost to support the earthen roof structure. again, bids on this should be in approx. 2/7...
tomorrow we start designing the english pub. it's going to be really cool. the pub will sit in the center of a mini-park in a giant event space just south of the stadium. we're intending on the pub being its own free-standing two story victorian style building. it will really be the signature item of the entertainment district. we're working on a number of plans to incorporate a bunch of marketing services and incentive programs for wizards fans, particularly the cauldron, that involve the pub and the other concepts in the entertainment district.
training starts next week, so i'll do my best to throw my two cents in on how things are going. based on our plan going in, we did very well in the draft. we wound up with 6 of our top 12 ranked players, so in a couple years we'll really be able to look back at draft '08 and say we scouted well, or we blew it. we'll be the first to admit mistakes. i think if we work our asses off and are brutally honest with our fans in good times and in bad, we stand a chance to grow in to one of the top 2 sports teams in this town. we'll keep workin' - you keep watchin'
rh
Supplemental Draft
With the 11th pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select M Pat Healy from Towson State.
With the 25th pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select M Vicente Arze from Mercer.
With the 39th pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select M Tom Gray from Monmouth.
With the 53rd pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select GK Andrew Kartunen from Stanford.
Press release with further details available later at kcwizards.com.
With the 25th pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select M Vicente Arze from Mercer.
With the 39th pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select M Tom Gray from Monmouth.
With the 53rd pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, the Kansas City Wizards select GK Andrew Kartunen from Stanford.
Press release with further details available later at kcwizards.com.
Good morning/Supplemental Draft/EJ
Hello all, thanks for all the kind comments yesterday (and the help doc iowa). We are very excited about this new venture. Robb Heineman just set up his account, so he will be checking in later (probably this evening) with some thoughts in his usual candid style (as Big Soccer regulars can attest). David Ficklin (VP of Development) and Erin Lawless (Community Relations guru) should be stopping by sometime today or tomorrow to introduce themselves as well.
Big day today as we prepare for the players to arrive over the weekend and kickoff training next Monday. The Supplemental Draft will be held today at 2 CT. We will post our picks here as they happen. Remember that last year we snagged Hohlbein in the 1st round of the Supplemental Draft. Also, Arnaud (5th Round SuperDraft 2002) and Jewsbury (5th round SuperDraft 2003) would have been Supplemental Draft players had the current system existed when they were selected.
Goodbye and good luck to EJ. His smile (seen below, thanks to G. Newman Lowrance) and goal-scoring will be missed, but Coach and PV know what they are doing. Our roster will be loaded up by the time the season rolls around. Fulham is now officially every American soccer enthusiast's favorite team. With former MLS stars Dempsey, McBride and EJ in the squad, we are almost assured of seeing an American striker whenever team LG takes the field.
Hillcrest's favorite EJ moment? Watching him boo back at the crowd after scoring the first-ever (and game-winning) goal in BMO Field's opening match last season.
Big day today as we prepare for the players to arrive over the weekend and kickoff training next Monday. The Supplemental Draft will be held today at 2 CT. We will post our picks here as they happen. Remember that last year we snagged Hohlbein in the 1st round of the Supplemental Draft. Also, Arnaud (5th Round SuperDraft 2002) and Jewsbury (5th round SuperDraft 2003) would have been Supplemental Draft players had the current system existed when they were selected.
Goodbye and good luck to EJ. His smile (seen below, thanks to G. Newman Lowrance) and goal-scoring will be missed, but Coach and PV know what they are doing. Our roster will be loaded up by the time the season rolls around. Fulham is now officially every American soccer enthusiast's favorite team. With former MLS stars Dempsey, McBride and EJ in the squad, we are almost assured of seeing an American striker whenever team LG takes the field.
Hillcrest's favorite EJ moment? Watching him boo back at the crowd after scoring the first-ever (and game-winning) goal in BMO Field's opening match last season.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Welcome to Hillcrest Road
Hello and welcome to Hillcrest Road, BRAND NEW and official team blog of the Kansas City Wizards. Hillcrest Road? Why this name? Well, Hillcrest Road is a street in Southeastern Kansas City, Missouri that currently runs next to the vacant Bannister Mall and will run adjacent to our permanent stadium, scheduled to open in 2010 (see site-plan graphic below). In our opinion, Hillcrest Road will become a street synonymous with the Kansas City Wizards and soccer for years to come, so we decided to embrace that process now.
Sadly the graphic above, while beautiful (thanks Chad, graphic design guru), will be changing shortly. The image of the stadium, hotel and surrounding development (seen from Hillcrest Road itself in this rendering) will change as the stadium design process evolves. Our Vice President of Development David Ficklin (who you will hear from at Hillcrest Road throughout the duration of the stadium project for updates and inside info) has assured me and everyone else that we will play in the finest soccer-centric stadium in the country and one of the finest in the world. The goal of our stadium is to help grow the sport through the design of the facility. That’s a really cool concept. David will introduce himself shortly.
Hillcrest Road, the blog, will be about much more than the stadium, however. We will offer a wide breadth of information from post-game reports to exclusive player interviews and from community-outreach updates to YouTube clips worthy of laughs and “wows”. OnGoal and Wizards President Robb Heineman will post regularly regarding whatever he wants (He owns part of the team; he gets to). David will also offer regular posts once stadium construction begins. Erin Lawless, our Community Relations guru, will check in regularly with updates on the philanthropic arm of the organization. (I like the word “guru” a lot. It’s like the blogger’s term for expert. “Guru” will be applied to players as well: Jimmy Conrad is a defensive guru; Carlos Marinelli is a dribbling guru. You get the picture.)
We have some other fun things in the works, but we are not closed-minded. If there is anything you desperately need from the Wizards or something you’re dying to know, tell us. Comment below with your thoughts, ideas and opinions of the blog and tell us what you want to see. Hillcrest Road, the blog, is your direct path to the Wizards organization, much like Hillcrest Road, the street, will be the direct path to Wizards home matches starting in 2010.
Welcome to Hillcrest Road. Come back often.
Sadly the graphic above, while beautiful (thanks Chad, graphic design guru), will be changing shortly. The image of the stadium, hotel and surrounding development (seen from Hillcrest Road itself in this rendering) will change as the stadium design process evolves. Our Vice President of Development David Ficklin (who you will hear from at Hillcrest Road throughout the duration of the stadium project for updates and inside info) has assured me and everyone else that we will play in the finest soccer-centric stadium in the country and one of the finest in the world. The goal of our stadium is to help grow the sport through the design of the facility. That’s a really cool concept. David will introduce himself shortly.
Hillcrest Road, the blog, will be about much more than the stadium, however. We will offer a wide breadth of information from post-game reports to exclusive player interviews and from community-outreach updates to YouTube clips worthy of laughs and “wows”. OnGoal and Wizards President Robb Heineman will post regularly regarding whatever he wants (He owns part of the team; he gets to). David will also offer regular posts once stadium construction begins. Erin Lawless, our Community Relations guru, will check in regularly with updates on the philanthropic arm of the organization. (I like the word “guru” a lot. It’s like the blogger’s term for expert. “Guru” will be applied to players as well: Jimmy Conrad is a defensive guru; Carlos Marinelli is a dribbling guru. You get the picture.)
We have some other fun things in the works, but we are not closed-minded. If there is anything you desperately need from the Wizards or something you’re dying to know, tell us. Comment below with your thoughts, ideas and opinions of the blog and tell us what you want to see. Hillcrest Road, the blog, is your direct path to the Wizards organization, much like Hillcrest Road, the street, will be the direct path to Wizards home matches starting in 2010.
Welcome to Hillcrest Road. Come back often.
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