July 29, 2010
My TWO CENTS
Fans want a day for Woly as well
John Wolyniec has been a fan favorite of Red Bulls fans for years.
Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
If they had their way, the Red Bulls fans would make sure the MLS club would have a special day for John Wolyniec.
In response to Michael Lewis' Offside Remarks column earlier this week, this is what they had to say:
Will Smith, a frequent contributor to this column, had this to say (perhaps the shortest piece Will will ever write for BigAppleSoccer.com):
"100 percent agreed. My then - six-year-old daughter met [him] at camp day a couple of years back. He was so nice that he became her favorite player and she is a fan for life. He is a great ambassador for the club."
Frank Vetri wrote:
"Thanks for expressing your feelings about John Wolyniec and for documenting so many of his past accomplishments. I share your opinions and I've had the same thoughts about honoring John since learning that he would be leaving the club soon.
"I couldn't agree more that John is a hometown hero deserving of a day to commemorate his hard work and successes. John Wolyneic Day would be an opportunity for all RBNY fans to demonstrate their appreciation to John for his many years of dedicated service. In fact, I believe that he should have one more moment in the sun - he should be permitted to sub in to the next RBNY home game against Toronto on Wednesday, August 11th before his retirement becomes official! He should ride into the sunset in style!
"If you have any influence with the club, maybe you can convey to the Red Bull's management my sentiments which I know are shared by many other long time Metro/RBNY fans ."
Marc Benrarducci, former leader MetroNation and of RagingBullNation wrote:
"You may or may not be aware, but RagingBullNation (now and UNofficial RBNY supporters club) located in Section 129 of Red Bull Arena, has been voting on the "Heart of the Bull" award for the last 4 seasons. Previous recipients are:
Marvell Wynne 2006
Joe Vide 2007
Seth Stammler 2008
John Wolyniec 2009
"This season will be the fourth time the RagingBullNation membership will vote on the award. You make a strong case for Wolyniec to be the first player to ever win this award twice, and in consecutive seasons, to boot! Certainly food for thought. Who knows, at this point, what Woly will do?
"Although some of our award criteria might not work in Woly's favor this season, here is more about the criteria for the RBN HOB award:
"According to Keli Sorrentino (aka “Mama Bull”), Executive Director of RagingBullNation, the recipient of this award is one of five finalists who is voted on exclusively by the eligible Nationals of RagingBullNation after the conclusion of the regular season. The award recipient has proven himself on and off the field. Consistent with RagingBullNation’s vision Statement, this award is given to the New York Red Bull player who best combines the elements of teamwork, outreach, passion, community, and compassion; with proven performance on the field.
"Award finalists are determined by consensus among the trustees of RagingBullNation through a retrospective analysis of objective (e.g., match statistics) and subjective performance criteria (e.g., interaction with supporters), with each category weighted equally to derive a composite “rank.” Similarly, the vote subsequently cast by each eligible National reflects their own comparative evaluation of objective and subjective performance criteria between each of the finalists.
"Performance on the field reflects work ethic, sportsmanship, and overall match contributions to the New York Red Bulls throughout the recently concluded regular season. Performance off the field reflects player appearances at events for season-ticket holders, supporters clubs, and children. This includes time spent with fans at the Bulls’ Corner Pub, as well as at events sponsored by the Red Bulls organization or affiliated supporters’ clubs. Importantly, regardless of the match venue or outcome, unsolicited acknowledgement of Red Bull supporters before, during, and/or after matches, is also considered.
Al Nigrin, the son of Silver Lake Soccer Club founder Dr. Gabriel Nigrin -- the youth club where Woly learned about the beautiful game:
"I hope the Red Bulls FO does it."
"The opinions reflected in the My Two Cents columns do not express the views of the editors or management of BigAppleSoccer. com" If you want to respond to this story or have an opinion of your own, send it to email.
