National Sports Center Blog

Intern time is here...

By Scott Clasen, Director of Marketing

"Intern time is here, happiness and cheer..." (I'm changing the lyrics of the Charlie Brown Christmas special song, but go with me here.)

Summer seems like a long ways away (although not so much this year with a high temperature of 52 degrees here yesterday in Minnesota). But at the NSC, we're thinking summer interns. We've had our various summer intern positions posted on our website since mid-December and are now culling through resumes and starting to set up interviews.

Thinking of interns reminded me of a blog post I did just about five years ago about the experience of being an intern at the National Sports Center. That entry is as relevant now as it was in 2007, so give it a read and find out why working here as an intern is unlike any other summer experience.

PUMA Bike Night at the Velodrome

 By Tiffany Willits

The Thursday Night Lights Race at USA CUP provided the usual thrills and fun fan contests. The races still had the regular raffle consisting of the Cold Stone Warm Up, Chili’s Hot Race, Bricks Breakaway and Buca Blaster. Fans entered the raffle on the four sponsored races and whoever chose the correct winner of the sponsored race, got a ten dollar gift card to the restaurant.  The four sponsored races are always the same for Thursday Night Lights.

However, the one exception was the addition of a PUMA bike giveaway. “We gave away two bikes for the PUMA race winners along with two bikes to two lucky fans,” said Stephonie Wentz, USA CUP activities director.

“PUMA is somewhat new to the bike world and this is our second year doing the bike giveaway at USA CUP. We partnered with Biomega to give away PUMA’s fairly new line of bikes to some lucky winners,” said Evan Olesh, PUMA Associate Sports Marketing Manager. “Last year went well and this year there may have even been more fans.”

As fans entered the stands they could get their pick of PUMA wristbands, headbands, water bottles and fans.

 While there was a fair share of regular fans, there were just as many first timers. “I grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin and we had a Velodrome there. It’s part of my childhood history,” said Sue Morton. “This is my first time to the Velodrome at the National Sports Center. I now live in New Brighton with my husband so we decided to come out after seeing the sign as we drove by on Highway 65.”   

 Even a giant group of 60 people came out from Lord of the Lakes Church as part of a servant event. “We have a group of people from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Illinois and Nebraska out on a youth event. I found out about the races on the web,” said Pastor Craig Bertram. “Our group works on low income, elderly and disadvantage people who want to stay in their homes as part of a construction crew.”

Mike Rose, NSC business technology support specialist made his first time appearance despite working as a full time staff member. “I liked the races. I liked all the different strategies because some would go up high and some would stay in the back. I currently do mountain biking, but the Velodrome racing would be cool to try.”

The spectator winners of the PUMA bikes were Chloe Westland from Cottage Grove and Emily Henderson from Coon Rapids as they won the PUMA Pico bikes. The racer winners were Chris Ferris from Wayzata, winning the PUMA Nevis bike for his track stand and Matt Mantasano from Minneapolis winning the PUMA Funk bike.

For more information about Thursday Night Lights racing, visit www.nscsports.org and click on “Facilities” and then “Velodrome.”

 
Above: Matt Montesano was bike winner number one. Here he takes his victory lap on his new PUMA Funk bike.

Photo Credit: Mike Rose

 
Above: The racers line up at the start line and observe the large lively crowd in the stands for PUMA Bike Night.

Photo Credit: Tiffany Willits

 
Above: The big bin of PUMA goods consisted of sweatbands, headbands, water bottles and soccer fans. For the fans that came out to the Velodrome, they could choose their prize.

Photo Credit: Tiffany Willits

 
Above: The PUMA PIco bikes were won by spectators Chloe Westland and Emily Henderson.

Photo Credit: Angie Bertrand

Turning a 'nothing burger' into something: Inside KickTV

  By Tiffany Willits, Media Intern

 
Above: Producer Jake Frantzen films Evan Olesh, PUMA’s Associate Sports Marketing Manager about Project Pink Day, while Matt Shoemaker interviews.

Inside the life of Kick TV producers, Jake Frantzen and Matt Shoemaker, a ‘nothing burger’ is when a planned story falls through. Filming a daily video show during USA CUP, this rarely happens, but on Thursday it did. Heading out to film an episode of beach soccer a few girls’ U19 teams that were scheduled to play did not show up. That is when the creativity for the producers starts to flow.

 In its fifth season, Kick TV rarely comes up with nothing burgers. According to Frantzen, usually there are one to two days during the tournament when a story comes up empty. “We like to have a backup story planned out in case. Since we shoot a lot of video during the week of USA CUP, we tend to have backup material,” said Frantzen.

Improvising is always another choice besides using backup film and that is what happened when the beach soccer story fell through. Acting took center stage at Thursday’s beach soccer outdoors. On the spur of the moment, Frantzen and Shoemaker had the brilliant idea to shoot a Kick TV staff game versus the Champlin Rebels U16 girls, after realizing their original plan had failed.

 “Are we going to be on TV? What station? Can we please do it? We’ll do it. Pick us. Pick us,” screamed the Champlin girls. With such enthusiasm, how could they resist? It was then that Frantzen took the camera lead and Shoemaker joined in the soccer tournament with three other staff members.

According to Frantzen, about 50 percent of filming is planned in advance while 50 percent is more spontaneous. A typical day involves a morning meeting in the media room where Frantzen and Shoemaker decide what they will film that day. Shoemaker jokes that he and Frantzen get inspiration from Seven Samurai, a Japanese adventure drama film as well as Hidden Fortress, a jidai-geki film.

“Producing a day-by-day web show versus a monthly college show like I did in college is more interesting because if a story falls through, you have to think of a story quick and its fun working 24-hours a day,” said Shoemaker. With a more ‘on the toes’ type of approach, Kick TV seems to be the best of both worlds.

Franzen is in his third year as the producer of Kick TV, while Shoemaker in his first year working as an intern. Frantzen has worked with one other intern in the past, but enjoys getting the chance to collaborate with different people. “Every person has their own style. Learning from other people and how to work with another style is a good thing,” said Frantzen.

This year Shoemaker has brought new ideas to Kick TV. “Putting different twists on an idea from the past that Jake has previously taped provides for a new angle,” said Shoemaker.

With the commotion that USA CUP provides, there are always constant activities taking place. “Sometimes when I ask the staff members if they’ve seen the newest episode of Kick TV, they say no—Even if they made a guest appearance on it. It’s gets hard to catch up with everything going on. It takes time to catch up and take it all in,” said Frantzen.

Adding imagination and creativity to Kick TV is what the show is all about. This year was the first year Kick TV decided to hand out free t-shirts during USA CUP. Emphasizing the importance of social media, Frantzen and Shoemaker together with host Scott Clasen, gave away shirts to loyal fans by picking a remote location and announcing minutes before they left of their ‘where abouts’ on Facebook.

Those that met Frantzen and Shoemaker in the correct location with the phrase of the day would receive a Kick TV t-shirt. “The t-shirt was my idea along with Scott and Angie Bertrand, NSC graphic designer. Angie designed the shirt along with the QR code,” said Frantzen.  The QR code allows for Kick TV fans to scan the barcode on the back of the shirts with their smart phones, where it takes the fans to Kick TV’s channel on YouTube.  

 “The first day we got mobbed by people and we only had a few shirts to give away, so it was a success. We then called PUMA and asked for more goods to give away to our loyal customers,” laughed Frantzen.

Although producing Kick TV may seem fun, it does have its challenges. “On a more challenging aspect, we have dealt with really hot weather this year,” said Frantzen. Frantzen and Shoemaker’s latest night was after opening ceremony where they worked on editing footage until 2:30 a.m. 

“That was the latest we stayed in the media room. Once the show is edited, we have to export it. Exporting takes a good hour plus a half hour to correctly upload it online. Being the last out of the building when it was all dark and no one was around was really late,” said Shoemaker. 

During the wee hours of the night it becomes harder and harder to manage simple tasks. “Thinking isn’t as clear. You really have to focus and you can’t spell peoples’ names wrong and it’s the little things that may become a problem,” said Frantzen.

Whenever athletes see Frantzen, Shoemaker and Clasen walking around campus with the camera and headphones, they flock towards them. “I want to be on TV” is a common phrase. “I always say we have the most fun because we interact with people all over. We rarely focus on soccer games, but focus more on human interest stories,” said Frantzen.

 “My favorite part this year at USA CUP has been interacting with the British referees and listening to their accents,” said Shoemaker.

Kick TV can be found by visiting www.usacup.org. The most recent episode is always featured on the homepage. For archived episodes, visit usacup.org and click on “Fun Stuff” and then “Kick TV.” 

There’s no denying energy with Kick TV. Just look for the bright green color shirts on Frantzen and Shoemaker along with the camera and you will see fans waving to the camera and asking the ever so famous phrase, “Can we be on TV?”

 
Above: Host Scott Clasen and Kick TV producers Jake Frantzen and Matt Shoemaker talk with a athlete after a game.

 
Above: Fans flock the Kick TV crew as soon as they heard the word that prizes were involved.  

 

Edgars Youth Programme from Uganda: Making their first trip to the United States

 By Tiffany Willits, Media Intern

 
Above: Edgars Youth Programme from Uganda, Coach Peter Makanga and four American guest players pose after their 5-1 win over Minnesota North Metro Fury on Wednesday.

Uganda entered the Schwan’s USA CUP with a U11 boys’ team for the first time ever. While the journey was long and some players didn’t receive their passports due to the state shutdown, for the Uganda Edgars Youth Programme (EYP) team that were able to make the trip, it was a time to remember.

EYP has participated in several World Youth tournaments including the Gothia World Youth tournament in Sweden in 2008 and 2009 and the UK Welsh Super Cup in 2009 and 2010. EYP has even traveled to Norway in 2010 to take part in the Norway Cup. Uganda’s EYP mission is to provide opportunity to youth using sports and believes every child should be given the opportunity to play soccer. They want to help give back to in appreciation to those who have helped them gain success.

Participating in two previous games at the USA CUP on Tuesday, the Uganda EYP dropped games one and two. Bouncing back from their two losses, EYP played the Minnesota North Metro Fury on Wednesday. EYP would go on to win with a score of

5-1. Uganda had many smiling faces on the players, families and home stay parents. Joining the Uganda team this year were three guest players from Forest Lake and one guest player from Minnesota Thunder Academy.

“This is my first time to America and Minnesota,” said player Lydia Alaba.  “I’ve been playing soccer since 1^st grade. My coach is nice and I like the way people study hard in Minnesota.  I liked the skydivers yesterday at opening ceremony,” Alaba smiled.

Nakkazi Prossie, a traveling parent with the team, works as a medical assistant and fan. “I help give medication to the kids and this is also my first time to America. America has been very good to us and helped our kids out a lot,” said Prossie.

The Uganda team split up and homestayed in three different houses. “This is my sixth year of being a host and it is absolutely wonderful,” said Julie Miller, homestay host. “I have hosted Japan, Equador, Denmark, Uganda and Northern Ireland before. My sons wanted to host another team this year and they really enjoyed meeting new the kids. The Uganda families have been nice and so great. The Edgars Youth Programme has been trying to build their club because they know sports will help get their kids to universities.”

Tamela Greene and her son Jason Greene are hosting four children from the team. This is their first year being involved with the process. “A typical day involves a lot of soccer. The opportunity has been good. It’s a great experience for their kids and our kids to learn about another culture,” said Tamela. “We have taught them about McDonald’s and ever since the kids have found out about the Chicken McNugget happy meal, they have fallen in love. We’ve been to McDonald’s three times already since they’ve arrived.”

 “When we get some extra time it’s fun to play the Wii and Playstation,” said Jason Greene.  Jason is on the Edina Soccer Club and is also participating in USA CUP. “Adding more kids to our week and having someone to play soccer with is an experience you don’t usually get. Not to mention cheering for two teams—you don’t normally get that experience. I would recommend homestay and we’d love to do it again. I would love to have the Uganda team participate again,” said Tamela.

Christy Wagner and her son Tommy are the third set of homestay families who have taken Uganda under their wing. “This is also our first year and it has been great. All three of the players staying with us have been very sweet. Adding in our two daughters and Tommy, it’s been a little crowded but such a wonderful experience. My husband and I are used to the commotion as we have been boarding school teachers and we used to teach on the east coast. This has a very similar feeling to it.”

Just like Jason, Christy’s son Tommy is also on the Edina Soccer Club. “We’ve done team picnics and have adopted together. At such a big event it’s neat to watch the kids be very welcoming towards each other. We had a great day last Monday the Edina team and Uganda met at the Mall of America. The kids shared their experiences which travel way beyond soccer. I hope Uganda gets the chance to come back to USA CUP in the future,” said Christy.

Coach Peter Makanga has brought positive affirmation to his team. During halftime he stated, “Just continue to play your game. No pressure.” Makenga has played from 2000-2008 on the Uganda International team as a defensive left side. He has played against World Cup finalists and is hoping to re-qualify for the Uganda Cranes team again.  

Speaking about the team’s travel journey he stated, “My team has made a very long journey and the players have become tired. The weather was so hot and playing three games in one day was hard. However, they pulled together and played. The overall first time experience has been so positive. This is a lively group of players and host families.”

“Everyone has been very good to us—words can’t explain it. We wish next year to be hosted again. While the weather was challenging, playing with a few American guest players has been a good experience to take on. The players have been getting used to the soccer so that maybe when the time comes to move onto a higher level, they will be ready,” smiled Makanga. Uganda will play their Thursday game against EPSC Explosion at 8:45 a.m. on field A5.

 

Above: Three families have been the host families for the Uganda team. Julie Miller, Tamela Greene and Christy Wagner have all become one giant family welcoming team members into their homes.

 

Above: Uganda players cheer their teammates to a victory Wednesday morning.

 

Above: Lyda Alaba was all smiles whether he was in the game or on the bench.

 
 

Above:The players huddle inside their tent at halftime on hot and sunny Wednesday morning as they faced Minnesota North Metro Fury.  Here they listened to their coach's words of wisdom.

 

Above: Even I caught up with a few of the EYP players in the parking lot before they left to head back to homestay with their new families. What a great group of kids!

From ground level to the cauldron, USA CUP prepares on their day off

 By Tiffany Willits, Media Intern/USA CUP Reporter

Monday, July 18 marks the one day that there are no games played at USA CUP. Following a crazy weekend tournament with rain and intense heat, Monday marked a day where the staff continued with final team check in and also started preparing for the weeklong games. Dealing with a 95 degree day was no easy task.

Take a inside look into what it takes to turn a field into a stage for opening ceremony. Opening ceremony will take place tomorrow (Tues.July, 19) at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the only time that every player is in the same place at once. This year is special because of live entertainment provided for players by the Minnesota Brass, Totino Grace High School Show Choir and Theatre Mu Daiko Drum Team. Come watch as 20 states and 17 countries are represented at the 27th annual opening ceremony!

 

Above: Ultimate Events in Bloomington, MN have been assisting with building the stage for opening ceremony for 8 years. Here is the initial ground level shot on Monday in the NSC stadium.

 
Above: The cauldron takes a rest near the shed before the operations team carried it to the NSC stadium.

  
Above: A high stage was added to the frame work on the NSC field by Ultimate Events. Manager Jamie West from Ultimate Events is originally from Phoenix, Arizona so he stated working in the hot weather wasn't that bad.

 
Above: The tall cauldron is mounted by the operations crew. Whew! What a heavy piece of equipment!
 

 
Above: The flame is lit! It works! But, whoa! Extra hot with the 95 degree heat wave.

Girls' vElite Championship Game: So Cal Blues force overtime, come up short

 By Tiffany Willits, Media Intern/USA CUP Reporter

 

 

 
Above: A few Lamorinda girls raise up their trophy with goalkeeper Sophie Leksan. Lamorinda would go on to win the championship game, despite So Cal Blues making a run to force overtime.

 

The girls’ vElite U17 championship game of the So Cal Blues versus Lamorinda took place at 12:50 p.m. in the NSC Stadium following the boy’s vElite championship game. Lamorinda’s Megan Turner scored the first goal during the 21^st minute of play. Lamorinda SC took the early lead 1-0 on an early mistake by So Cal Blues goalkeeper, Ashton McKeown. McKeown came up too far in her goal, which lead to the first goal of the game.  

Second half began at 1:45 p.m. with 40-minute halves. So Cal Blues made a change in the goalie net at the half and put Naomi Willett in for McKeown. With a chance to easily score and tie the game up for the So Cal Blues, Amber Munerlyn just missed her shot.

Lamorinda’s Katie Tao took a free kick, but the save was made by Willett. A corner kick was then awarded to Lamorinda and after a few bounces, forward Hilary Buchanan scored making it 2-0 Lamorinda in the 53^rd minute.

As plenty of time was left for the So Cal Blues to make up the deficit, play continued. The So Cal Blues had 17 shots on net, but nothing to show for it as they couldn’t seem to knock any in. Shots were taken by forward Sydney Zuccolotto and midfielder Jordan Magnin for So Cal Blues.

During the 69^th minute, Zuccolotto was able to knock in a goal to put the So Cal Blues on the board and cut the lead in half.

With a few minutes remaining in the game, Buchanan worked by herself towards the end to break by defenders working a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Trying to score her second goal of the game, she fell short.

With virtually no time left on the clock—Kelly Fitzgerald tied the So Cal Blues up to force the game into overtime at 2-2.

Overtime would be played with two 5-minute halves due to the heat. An early chance by So Cal Blues forward Taylor Alderete resulted on an injury for her shot on goal. The shot was no good.

 A few moments later Lamorinda’s forward Kaitlin McGee put Lamorinda up on top with a one-on-one breakaway goal. Lamorinda would go on to win the 2011 vElite girls’ championship game 3-2.

“We strongly believe the team worked through the heat. It’s awesome. This is our second tournament for the summer and our girls’ played through,” said Lamorinda’s coach Mohamed Mohamed.

“We are not used to the humidity, but this was a great game. I appreciate the USA CUP organization.” This is our first year to Minnesota and to have facilities like this, I am very pleased. I appreciate the organization for the tournament and it was a great first year with PUMA.

“We had a great time staying in the dorms; it was a nice team bonding experience. For our girls that will be going to college soon, this was an overall positive experience,” Mohamed smiled.

Goalkeeper Sophie Leksan had 17 total saves in the game. “I have no words to describe the feeling. We played our hearts out.  We came back when we had to,” Leksan said. 

The girls will travel to the WPS championship game in the location for the highest seeded team in the WPS.

 

 

Above: Raising their number one's to the sky, Lamorinda SC will travel to the WPS championship game as their prize for winning the vElite girls' championship game on Sunday, July 17 during USA CUP.

 
 

Above: Despite forcing overtime in the final minutes of the vElite girls' championship game on Sunday, the So Cal Blues pose with their second place medals falling short 2-3.

 

Albion takes the boys' vElite championship for the second straight year

  By: Tiffany Willits, Media Intern/Reporter USA CUP

    With the hot weather and high humidity, the boys’ PUMA vElite Championship U16 game between Albion and So Cal Blues went underway on Sunday at 11:10 a.m. in the NSC stadium. During the 8th minute the first goal was scored by #20 Alberto (Fofo) Arriola from Albion making it 1-0 Albion. Later on #19 Oscar Ortega from Albion had a good chance to score, but it hit the post.

    On a set piece, Jason Ramero from Santa Clara had a nice shot on the net and it just missed it. No time was wasted for either team as play resumed at a quick pace.  At halftime the score remained 1-0, Albion.

    Both sides took water breaks around the 25^th minute mark and a yellow card was issued against Santa Clara at the 34th minute for jersey pulling.

    A foul was called and a free kick was given to Santa Clara during the 48th, but the shot was long by Romero. Albion SC doubled up their total with a goal by Tony Kirouac at the 53^rd minute. Albion would take the 2-0 lead at the 53^rd minute mark.

    Ricardo Martinez had a nice touch and beautiful finish at the 56^th, putting the score at 3-0, Albion. Albion would go on to win the boy’s vElite for the second straight year.

     “This was a great weekend for us. We were off to a slow start due to delays, but I give credit to the tournament for dealing with everything,” said Albion coach Bill Bates. 

    “We suffered several injuries, but our new guys stepped up and every person contributed to the team. Winning always feels good, but it feels even better to know that my team has defended, being that we won the vElite last year and got to travel to England.”

    “It was awesome! I’m excited for the win, especially because we’ve defended two years in a row.  We remained very composed. I just love USA CUP,” smiled Albion midfielder,Eli Bunton.

    “As far as a strategy for the game, we play the same every day.  We tried to keep possession every single game.  We defended numbers against a very good team from start to finish.”

    Albion took first place in the boys’ 2010 vElite and they now have another title to put down in history as the 2011 champions. This year the Albion team will travel to Lisbon, Portugal to train with the world famous club ‘Sporting Lisbon’ as their prize for winning.

Jamaican’ their way to the Cup

By Karly Wallack, USA CUP Reporter

 
Above: Jamaican referees get together for a photo. A total of 16 Jamaicans made the trip to the USA Cup to referee this year. Photo credit: Greg Savino

Each year the Schwan’s USA CUP, presented by PUMA, attracts thousands of soccer enthusiasts from around the world, and for teams and referees making the trip to the United States can be no small feat. For the Jamaican referees, months of collaboration and planning are put into making a successful trip, but the hassle seems to be worth it all once they’ve finally arrived.

Planning the trip to the U.S. requires countless hours of time and coordination for the Jamaicans, and at the center of all the effort is referee Keble Williams. Williams has been refereeing for almost seven years and is now a FIFA assistant referee. This will be his fifth consecutive year at the USA CUP and his second year of coordinating the trip to Blaine, MN.

“We came here for the first time in 2007,” said Williams. “A Jamaican who was a naturalized citizen of the U.S and a referee came down to Jamaica and said that it would be good for a group of us to come over and check it out.”

Ten Jamaican referees took the advice to heart and came to Minnesota to take part in the USA CUP for the first time. Since then, Jamaican referees have been returning to participate every year. A total of 16 Jamaican referees came to participate in the 2011 USA CUP with three of them being new to the tournament.

“We really don’t decide which referees are coming to the tournament. Basically, people hear about the opportunity and express interest. We try to get as many people to come as possible because it’s our low season back home right now for refereeing,” Williams said.

Referees from throughout Jamaica choose to participate in the USA CUP. This year’s list includes several current and former FIFA referees who seized the opportunity to ref the tournament. Being able to represent their home country is exciting for these guests even if they aren’t all from the same area.

“Jamaica is an island of many different sections. We have different groups of referees, but they are all linked to one main group,” said Williams. “This year we have brought referees from KSAFA and the Eastern, Western and South-central Confederations, but ultimately we are all one group from Jamaica, representing Jamaica.”

The planning of the tournament requires a multitude of decisions and the synchronization of ideas. Referees from all over Jamaica have an interest in taking part in the USA CUP, and it’s Williams’ job to make sure they’re all on the same page.

“Planning? That’s a headache,” said a laughing Williams. “Its hard to coordinate with different people from different areas. Some of the refs are not readily available so you have to do it all by phone and try to organize how and when to get here,” Williams said.

So what exactly makes all of the effort worth it? For the Jamaicans it’s the combination of the whole experience. The variety of teams and styles of play add to the excitement of the trip and challenge the referees to perform at their top level. Getting the chance to referee with people from across the country allows them to learn from each other. It’s fun for the referees to be able to sit down and exchange stories of their own experiences in the game of soccer.

“The USA CUP brings a mixture of culture, camaraderie, friendships,” said Williams. “It’s always good for the Jamaican referees to come and experience it for themselves. I’ll continue to come here for as long as I can afford it.”

What does it take to be a guest player at USA CUP?

 By Tiffany Willits, Media Intern

It is surprising the various reasons that guest players choose to play at the Schwan’s USA CUP, presented by PUMA. The USA CUP guest player program is designed for coaches that are short players due to injury as well as any other conflicting commitments. The guest player program connects coaches with players who want to have a great USA CUP experience and each team can have up to six guest players.  

“Interested players registered with USSF or FIFA affiliated associations can fill out a guest player application online,” said Zac Carlson, sports service intern and guest player coordinator.

 “A high priority for foreign players is to place them accordingly.  Having the chance to play with an American team is great experience and the same idea goes both ways, whether it’s an American player on a foreign team,” said Carlson.

Just what are some situations that guest players are needed or requested? “Having injuries on a team and needing to fill spots is one reason,” said Carlson. Colombia purposely left extra space on their roster to get the experience of playing with U.S. players. One Colombia player is trying to be recruited by colleges, so he is coming as a guest player. Another example would be in the case of a family event that a player can’t make the tournament; a guest player pass would be requested.”

This year at USA CUP 305 players signed up as guest players and 201 were placed. The Red River Soccer Club Girls’ U14 Premier White from West Fargo, North Dakota will be having two guest players from Mexico in the weekend tournament.

 “We were short players this year for USA CUP so we decided to add guest players,” stated Stephanie Sumers, team manager. “This is the first year we’ve used guest players and so far it has worked out very well.”

Renaud Soccer Club Girls’ U14 from O Fallen, Missouri will be having two guest players from Puerto Rico and one from Canada in the weekend tournament. “The guest players were brought to me from the USA CUP staff. Coach Tom Renaud made the decision to go ahead with adding them,” said Shari Lecomte, team manager. “All of our athletes are getting along fine. They jumped right in and started playing and the girls welcomed them.”

 “During the rain delay on Friday, we all met in the Schwan’s hockey rink and my girls asked our guest players about speaking Spanish. The USA CUP guest player program is a good idea and it helps the kids get to know other cultures. Getting the chance to play with teams from other countries to see how they play soccer is wonderful. My girls are really having a great time with it,” said Lecomte.

The NWIFC Boys’ U19 Galaxy from Spencer, Iowa has two guest players. Joining Iowa this year will Menelik Kaza-Amlak from the U.S. Virgin Islands and André Santos from Brazil. In 2008 Santos played as a guest player on the Alaska USA CUP team. Joining him was Carter Gerdeman, who is a current member of the NWIFC Boys’ Galaxy team. They will be reunited on the field this year.

“We added guest players to give our Iowa boys an international and cultural experience. The only small issue of mixing my players from Iowa with the U.S. Virgin Island player and the Brazil player is the language barrier. However, I have high hopes that all the players will presume the language of soccer which is universal and that they will mesh on the field,” said team manager Colleen Gerdeman.

“The USA CUP guest player program is awesome. I’ve been involved with guest players on our own team as it is a tremendous opportunity to meet and gain new friends,” Gerdeman smiled. “All three of my kids have been guest players on other teams in the USA CUP.  This is my seventh year coming to USA CUP and I’ve come in many different forms: manager, coach and parent.  The opportunity has provided my kids with a lifelong, great experience.”

Those interested in adding guest players to their roster for future USA CUP tournaments are encouraged to visit www.usacup.org and search “team central” to find the guest player forms and rules.

 
Above: NWIFC Boys’ U19 Galaxy from Spencer, Iowa welcome guest players #7 Menelik Kaza-Amlak from U.S. Virgin Islands and #22 André Santos from Brazil. Kaza-Amlak and Santos pose with their team standing to the far right of the top row next to their coach.

Saint Paul Saints’ mascot, Mudonna, will run the PUMA 5k at USA CUP

 By Tiffany Willits, Media Intern

 

“Good publicity for a good cause.” 

It’s not everyday that you observe a mascot taking part in a competitive race, but you will get your chance to at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 17 at the 27^th annual Schwan’s USA CUP, presented by PUMA. The diva of the diamond and duchess of pork’s very own Saint Paul Saint’s Mudonna will run the 5k PUMA dash in partnership with the USA CUP. Not only will Mudonna be running the 5k, but she (yes the pig is a she) will also be running the Twin Cities Marathon this year on October 2 in an attempt to break the mascot marathon world record of 4:15:03 held by Jefferson the Dog (Peter Donato) in Canada.

Mudonna’s record attempt is being organized by Seigo Masubuchi, Director of International Development for the Saint Paul Saints. “I have done marathons and triathlons for a number of years and I was reading Runner’s World magazine in December when I ran across a small article that said a man completed a world record run as a mascot," said Masubuchi. “Together the Saint Paul Saints and I had the idea for Mudonna to run the Twin Cities Marathon.” Masubuchi has helped with USA CUP for more than 15 years as an agent for teams from Japan helping those teams with housing and transportation.

Just why is Mudonna racing?  Mudonna will run in support of the earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan, which was ravaged in March 2011.  Mudonna’s run will benefit Convoy of Hope (COH) and Tokiwagi Gakuen High School in Sendai, Japan. Tokiwagi Gakuen High School and the city of Sendai were some of the areas hit the hardest by the disaster. The school has local ties to the USA CUP as they have has sent a girls’ soccer team to the USA CUP every three years since 1999. Last year the girls’ U19 team won both the week and weeklong tournaments.

“The current teachers and students of Tokiwagi Gakuen High School are fine, but some lost family members and friends,” stated Masubuchi. Convoy of Hope’s mission in Japan will allow displaced families to go back to living normal lives by providing temporary shelters as well as appliances that make up a home.

“The disaster in Japan was striking so I wanted to raise money for Japan by doing something unique. I still remember I was watching coverage on CNN and reporters were saying how there were no riots resulting from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This made me proud of being Japanese and it was surprising to see how calm everyone remained during this hurtful time," Masubuchi smiled.

Athletes, families, friends and the local community will get the chance to see Mudonna run the PUMA 5k dash for the weekend USA CUP.  “The more we have Mudonna running in the public, the better contribute she will make for a good cause," stated Masubuchi.

Mudonna completed the Red, Blue and Boom Half Marathon on July 4^th in Minneapolis, and because of heat and cramps—took a little tumble. “The day was very hot starting at about 70 degrees in the morning and rising to about 80 degrees," stated Mudonna. “My head became very hot and heat doesn’t escape. At mile nine I started to cramp up and unfortunately at mile 12 my little piggy legs cramped up and I fell. Fortunately, my friend was running with me and helped me get back up and finish the race.” 

Just how possible will the attempt be to break the mascot world record marathon time of 4:13:03? “Running in the Red, Blue and Boom Half Marathon has given me proper training for the Twin Cities Marathon and when I run in the PUMA 5k this year at the USA CUP I am bound to be ready," said Mudonna.  “It is for sure possible, yes.  Right now it’s tough but I need to train more to get used to the heat. Training more long distance is key.”

USA CUP will be accepting donations at the PUMA 5k dash for relief funds to Sendai, Japan and Tokiwagi Gauken High School. Join in the fun for a great cause and support Mudonna’s run. “My understanding is that it will take years and years to rebuild the city and that people can’t live there for a long time,” said Masubuchi. “People are still missing and still suffering.” By participating in the PUMA 5k, you will have the chance to help with the connection and history to Tokiwagi at USA CUP.

When Mudonna runs in the Twin Cities Marathon, there are many perks from donations received. By donating a dollar for every mile Mudonna runs, you will receive a Saints hat.  Donating two dollars per mile will get you a Saints hat and two outfield reserved tickets to a game.  Sending five dollars per mile will get you two outfield reserved tickets plus a ceremonial first pitch. The biggest donation at ten dollars per mile will get you two reserved tickets and the “Be a Saint” Experience with the chance to play catch with a player before a game, batting practice and pre-game activities.

Donations and contributions are available online using a credit card at http://www.saintsbaseball.com/funisgood/runforrecovery/. In addition, the Saints’ Seigo Masubuchi will have his CD, “Seigo Sings”, on sale at the Schuler Shoes Fan Services Booth at all Saints home games for just ten dollars with proceeds going to both charities.  For more information contact the Saints office at 651-644-6659 or visit www.saintsbaseball.com.

 
Above: Saint Paul Saint's mascot, Mudonna runs in the Red, Blue and Boom Marathon on July 4th, 2011. Show your support for the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan by attending the PUMA 5k at USA CUP. Come witness Mudonna as she trains for the Twin Cities marathon in October.