Sirk's Legendary Notebook
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Morning
Chapter 2: Meet & Greet
Chapter 3: The Stern Return
Chapter 4: Clark's Oughton Jersey
Chapter 5: Video Games
Chapter 6: Old Meets New
Chapter 7: Kei and Stern
Chapter 8: Halftime
Chapter 9: TIFOSWEAT
Chapter 10: Reflecting on Top 5
Chapter 11: Family
Chapter 12: Trash Talk
Chapter 13: Camaraderie
Chapter 14: Appreciation
As I went through my voluminous stockpile of quotes, I found many quotes of appreciation. That’s not even counting all of the comments I heard in casual conversation. I figure appreciation is the perfect note on which to end. Arica Kress took the lead on the reunion project, and obviously Anthony Precourt is ultimately the one who paid for it all, but I also know so many other people within the Crew SC organization put a lot of time and effort into the Black & Gold Twenty events. For everyone who worked so hard, and for all the fans that came out, here is a sampling of your Crew SC legends in their own words…
Mike Clark:
“The Crew did an amazing job in bringing all of us together. Any time you do something like this, a lot of effort goes into coordinating everything. It was awesome. They treated us better than anyone could have expected. And I think the fans responded. Columbus is a great soccer city and I think the fans respond when guys come back. Hopefully we can do it again!”
Brad Friedel:
“What they did for the ex-players today was really nice. It was really well-run. It was well organized. All in all, it was a very, very good whirlwind of a 24 hours.”
Gino Padula:
“Thank you very much. It was amazing. I met some old teammates and we were having fun. And then there were guys I didn’t know very well, so to meet those guys, I would like to say thank you to the Crew because it was a beautiful night. It would be really great to see the people around the club. The old players, the new players, and the future players are all important to the club. It was great to see everyone together because it is a big family.”
Brian McBride:
“The whole few days have been amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a win, but the time spent with all the guys from the past, and everything the Crew did to make us not only feel loved, but also to make sure everything was taken care of, was first-class.”
Stern John:
“I think I’m going to go back to Trinidad really pleased. It was an honor being here to support the Crew. There is always going to be a special place for the Crew in my heart, so I want to thank the fans for the love they showed me when I played, and I hope the Crew continue with their good play.”
Brian Dunseth:
“For me, on a serious and personal note, the New England Revolution was the longest period of time I ever spent with one club, and after that, the longest time I ever spent with a club was my time in Columbus. It wasn’t even two full seasons. To this day, I still have a sense of frustration that I wasn’t able to spend more time with this club because it was incredibly special to me. To be a part of something like this, where I felt like I didn’t necessarily belong with that group of legends…and I know I don’t belong with them…I was very thankful for the opportunity to take part in it, especially after being part of the relaunch with Crew SC. For me to be a part of that relaunch was one thing, but to be a part of this was something I will never forget. I am so, so happy that my wife Jade got to be a part of that with me.”
Duncan Oughton:
“From start to finish, I think it was well done. Arica did an excellent job of executing, obviously with Megan Kingston helping her out I’m sure in the background. And then Andy Loughnane. And I had a chance to meet Anthony Precourt, so that was nice too. I think probably all of them probably realize how important and how good it was and what the fans thought of the group. It was nice to see. It was nice to be part of. That was just another cool little event. You saw some old faces that you saw the first day you came to the club and they’re still coming out to say hi. I think that was nice. Everyone’s aged, obviously, but they still love the club.
“I just think the whole weekend in itself was sensational. They did a great job of putting it together, putting our schedule together, and all in all it was a great time. I’d like to thank the Crew, Gregg, all the fans, and the team, obviously, for allowing us to be part of their day. Saturday is the team’s day, so thanks to the team especially. It’s a shame the result didn’t work out. If we’d won, they’d bring us back every week!”
Alejandro Moreno:
“When you feel the love and appreciation from the fans and people who work with the club, and you go from top to bottom, and the people who work here in the locker room that opened the door for you as a player for years upon years, and now you see them again and you see their true happiness to see you and… look, it feels great to be loved. Let’s be honest. And to be appreciated. This whole day has been about people telling us how great we are, so who doesn’t love that? Are you kidding me? But it does send a clear message in terms of not only the mark we made as players, but also the mark that Columbus made on us.”
