Rapids Class VI

VI Questions with Dan Gargan

Colorado Rapids Defender Dan Gargan is entering his fourth season with the Rapids, making him one of six current Colorado Rapids players that were on the team in 2005. Coming off a season-ending injury last season, Dan took some off-season time to answer a few questions from Class VI.

I. First and foremost on Rapids fan's minds is your injury. Can you give us an update on how you're doing?

My injuries are healing very well. If you remember, I separated my shoulder before my knee, and had surgery on that after my knee injury ended my season. Having both surgeries was difficult but I'm glad I got it over with.

My shoulder is completely healed and I can still have a career in the majors as a pitcher if soccer doesn't work out. While I was in Philly I was able to do some rehab with the national team trainer in Delaware which helped immensely. I just got cleared to start playing 5v2 and controlled possession and stuff like that so I'm pretty excited about that.

I feel stronger and faster than before my injury because essentially all I've been doing since surgery is lifting weights to my legs which I am starting to see the benefits of. I can't wait to get back on the field.

II. What'd you do for New Year's? You a wild party animal or what?

New Year's Eve was pretty low key for me actually. I went to dinner with some friends and had a glass of champagne at midnight and then called it a night. My friends and I have a tradition to go to what is called "The Mummers Parade" in Philly on New Year's Day. It's basically like Mardi Gras and Carnivale mixed together with a bunch of crazy Philadelphians dancing down Broad Street to live bands that practice all year to perform in the parade. It's crazy to say the least.

III. This will be your fourth year on the team. You've seen a lot of players come and go. Can you tell us what it's like for a player when a teammate leaves and when a new guy comes in?

As for players coming and going, that is one of the toughest things I personally have had to deal with as a Rapid. Since my rookie year all my roommates have been cut or traded (Eugene Sepuya, Amir Lowery, Hunter Freeman, and most recently Kyle Beckerman, who I lived with for close to two years). So maybe I have a jinx on me or something?? It is not easy to watch players go, but you do get to meet new guys, who in a lot of cases you end up forging pretty good friendships with.

IV. What is match day like for you?

Match days are pretty low key for me. I don't like running around a lot the day of the game. So I get up whenever I get up, no alarms on game days. Some eggs for breakfast, watch a little TV or draw and just chill out. Then I'll listen to some music while I make my pre-game meal, pasta and grilled chicken with veggies, and then get ready to head to the stadium.

Getting to the stadium I'm pretty loose. I take care of the music in the locker room so I get that situated, and then usually a little soccer tennis and messin' around with the guys before it's time to get your mind straight and head out to the field...

V. You trained with Pachuca. Can you tell us about that experience and how it differs from training in MLS?

My experience in Pachuca wasn't very beneficial, to be honest. We weren't partners or whatever yet so we weren't taken very seriously when we were down there. So I'd rather not comment too much about that since we are partners now and it's in the past.

VI. Tell us something about the Rapids that the fans don't know - is there a clown or prankster on the team?

Clowns or pranksters on the team? I would have to say almost everyone that has been with the Rapids while I have been here has been a delight in the locker room.

According to the older guys they always say there is a great camaraderie here and I would agree with that. Everyone pretty much gets along and enjoys each other's company in and out of the Rapids uniform. We're a fun group of guys, and if soccer didn't work out we could start a business livening up other peoples parties!! Haha j/k...

Dan, thank you for taking time out for your fans! We hope you have a great season, and we'll be giving you support from 108. Want to wish him luck? Drop him a note by CLICKING HERE

Posted by mark at January 26, 2008 10:32 AM