Published in Next Magazine, October 15, 2010
"Kicking & Screaming"
By Jeff Kagan
February 1980: The USA Olympic Ice Hockey Team KICKS the Soviet Union’s butts in Lake Placid. May 1980: Pac-Man “wocka-wocka’s” his way onto the arcade scene and KICKS off the video-game craze. September 1980: the New York Ramblers KICK balls around on a sun-speckled, autumn day in Central Park. No, not those balls – SOCCER BALLS!
The New York Ramblers are celebrating their 30th anniversary as the world’s first openly gay soccer club. Their first whistle blew in an area of Central Park known as the Ramble (the perfect place to play with balls, no?) after an ad was placed in the Village Voice looking for gay men who were interested in playing soccer.
Now, the group plays at the Pier 40 Rooftop Field and at Chelsea Waterside Park, far from their original hangout -- but the game is still the same – kick the ball around for a little while, and make some great friends.
Matthew LeBaron, one of the clubs 90 members says, “We are a fun group with a focus on unity and respect (with the perfect amount of fun, gay, witty banter and serious fashion). We have a blast and learn from each other.“
Dean Martin, (no, not the Rat Pack lush), an Investment Banker and native of Ireland, says he was struggling to fit in to the New York scene when he first moved to the city, until he found the Ramblers. “I've met some of the most friendly people and have made some strong friendships.”
The Ramblers have so much fun due to their great attitude about the game. Charlie Welch, the league’s President, leads his teams by example; Welch encourages friendly play in spite of the odds or outcome of a game. “We keep a smile on and always have a good time. I'd rather lose and walk away laughing, with some dignity, keeping everything in perspective,” he says with a grin.
Not sure if the New York Ramblers is the group for you? Marc Basilla, a Management Consultant, who played soccer in elementary school, then stopped for several years before discovering the Ramblers, tells anyone on the fence about joining, “There's nothing to lose. We have a very good representation of the entire New York City spectrum, across the board skill set and representation from the community.”
Dean Martin follows this up with, “Get off the fence and come kick a few balls.” Ain’t that a kick in the head?
Learn more about the New York Ramblers at www.newyorkramblers.org, and save the date for their upcoming 15th Indoor Classic Tournament, April 1-3, 2011.
Quickies
Soft Balls: NYC Titans Softball team placed #1 at the Chicago Senior Cup Tournament. The team, managed by Ed Sokolowski and Vinny Argiro was undefeated throughout the round robin double elimination tournament, losing only one game. Rich Reid played a stellar short stop, while Patrick Bocco pitched a shut-out in one game and threw a guy out at home to catcher Dominick D'Ercole. D'Ercole tagged out the tying run in winner's bracket game that allowed the Titans to advance to the semi-finals, winning 9-8. Eat that, Yankees…
Lick My Sneakers: NYC Gay Basketball League’s Gym Bar B team, captained by Burnie Du Rant Jr., whooped the previously undefeated Glassybaby B team, 49 to 34. In other games, Band of Sisters B licked Bone Lick Park B 37 to 30. And Boxers B knocked out Rock Bar 37 to 19.
Oooh, I’m Wet! Team New York Aquatics (TNYA) congratulates President Stefan Bill as he has accepted a coaching position at St. Paul's Barnes Swimming Club in London! Scott Kohanowski, both a swimmer and tri-athlete, was elected as the new TNYA President. Make a splash, Scott!
Stand Aside, Good Sir Knight: The Gotham Knights Rugby team clobbered the NY Americans of Kingston last weekend, 20-10 giving them a viable shot at the Met NY Men’s Division III Playoffs! Stay tuned.
Sizzle The Pits: Congratulations to Gotham Volleyball members Aron Janssen, Brad Malow, Guy Magrone, and Tony Mercado, for their second place finish playing the Atlanta Mojo!
Freeze Frame: The NYC Gay Hockey Association’s Fall Season started off with a bang as the NY Lions, Tigers & Polar Bears all skated last weekend. The NY Lions won, the Tigers & Polar Bears lost, but the Hotshots and Wizards were victorious in their games. Congratulations to NY Lions Goaltender Chris Brand on his 200th win!
