October 25, 2007
VI Questions with Mary O'Neil
Full Name: Mary O'Neill
CVI member since: 2005
City you call home: Denver
Favorite Player: Bouna!
Mary on the right with good friend Mary Katherine on the left
I. I heard you're trying to turn every kid in DPS into Rapids Fans! Excellent indeed. Can you share the master plan?
Actually, I work in Littleton Public Schools. (Perhaps conquering DPS should be incorporated into the master plan.) A big part of teaching is making connections with kiddos - and soccer is a great way to do that.
Many of my students play in youth leagues, and I check in on their teams' progress. They've told me about times they've gotten to participate in opening ceremonies for Rapids games, or about playing games on the new fields. I also have many students who follow the Mexican league, and I try to keep up with that, too.
As far as promoting the Rapids - my room is a bit of a shrine. I have 2 Rapids flags hanging up, player cards, posters, etc. I have photos taken at games posted near my desk. I even had a student ask me once if I was related to one of the players because I have so much Rapids stuff in my room. I've encouraged kids to wear their Rapids stuff on a select day. Hey - it's easy to overlook that missing homework assignment if the kid is wearing a Rapids jersey.
II. What's the best part of having Dick's Sporting Goods Park as our new home?
Not a drop of blue or orange in sight! No confusion over which lines are for football, which are for soccer. I like that it is the home of the Rapids, and not some place the Broncos were nice enough to let us borrow.
III. What Rapids player would you welcome as a son-in-law?
I am still holding out to have grandchildren sporting dreadlocks and the last name of Beckerman. Kyle is not a dirty hippie! (editors note: she's referring to the chant at the last home game) He's a nice guy, and both of his parents are teachers. But if I had to pick a current player.... I guess I'd have to say whoever would make Kelly happy.
IV. What has been the High and Low moments of your Rapids loving days?
Watching the Fake Salt Lake fans walk off the field with the Rocky Mountain Cup last weekend was sad. Another low moment was the disappearance of Rapidman. (Is he really buried under one of the goalie nets in the new stadium?)
As far as high moments - any time Jeff boos the cheerleaders is a high moment for me. Other high moments - opening day at the Dick, and watching last year's playoff game against FC Dallas that went to penalty kicks at the Bulldog with all the fans, including Thiago Martins who wasn't playing that day.
V. How about those Rockies! Jealous much?
I have to admit, Rockies paraphernalia is also taking up a lot of space in my classroom right now. It's fun supporting a winning team (Oops, did I say that out loud?) (editor's note: Damn Straight!)
VI. Who should the next CVI profile be of?
I'd like you to interview Jeff - I want to know how that dislike of cheerleaders got started.
Thanks Mary! And Holden you're next!
Posted by mark at October 25, 2007 10:02 AM