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Ring of Honor goes dark in 2010
SEATTLE (Aug. 26)—For the first time in six years, a new member will not be induced into FC Spare Tire’s hall of fame.
Seven candidates were up for entry into the Ring of Honor, but all fell short of the two-thirds majority vote required.
Voting was done by FCST players old and current over a two-week period that concluded Wednesday. Twenty-three eligible voters cast ballots while six abstained.
“This is certainly an unfortunate voting result,” said ROH voting coordinator Tim Farley. “But the voters have spoken. We will not celebrate the entrance this year of a new player, which is a bit bittersweet.”
For the first time in Tire history, no players left the team in the past year, and therefore no new candidates appeared on the ticket. All candidates had spent at least a year waiting for entry.
Of those closest to being elected were defender Jacob Pickett (60 percent) and forward Billy Marx (56 percent). Pickett will have a third chance in 2011 for election while Marx, in his fifth and final year as a choice, will hope for Veterans Committee election (VCE) next year.
VCE is a player’s final chance at being inducted via special mitigating vote by the five founding and existing members of the club.
Goalkeeper Mitch King, his fourth year on the ballot, received 39 percent of the vote. King’s validity as a ROH member was the subject of great debate between founding players Tim Farley and Steve Lassiter that turned into a point-counterpoint-style post that surely swayed voters in each direction.
“Sorry, but Mitch should be in,” said voter Scott Strasser. “Billy should also be in after all his contributions both on the field and for what he brought to the team. And then there is Will, who was a decent defender (for those of us who remember).”
“The three I voted for all played with heart, even if their body didn’t agree,” said ROH member Pete Morrison. “And Will was a tough m-effer!”
“I say yes to Mitch,” said ROH member Bryan Monaghan. “Even though he wasn’t the best, an ROH vote should be based on contributions. Jacob didn’t play a lot but was freaking awesome and set the bar for how dominant a defender should be. Billy was Billy, and still lives in infamy today, thanks to the Marx rule.”
Also receiving votes were defender Will Pranzini (fifth and final year) at 21 percent; midfielder Dave Kalinski (third year) with two votes at 8 percent, and Al Byars and Paul Hansen, both with one vote each at four percent.
Among voters, ROH member Jose Bonilla was most generous in voting for four guys.
Players Jim Stern, Shelby Dobbs and Kelly Antoncich had a more critical eye—none of the candidates was fit for entry by their standards.
The Ring of Honor currently holds 11 distinguished members who await one more year for someone new in 2011.
RING OF HONOR
Cannella inducted as the Class of 2009
 SEATTLE (August 9, 2009)—Erik Cannella, an FC Spare Tire forward/defender from 2002—2008, was sent into the prestigious team Ring of Honor by voters to become the 11th and newest entry in.
The result marks only the second time one player on the list made it (defender Jose Bonilla, class of 2006). Cannella was ushered in after receiving 90 percent of votes, well surpassing the 66 percent requirement for entry.
Twenty-one voters, all former and current FCST players, almost voted in a second into the Ring—central defender Jacob Pickett (2004—2008), who unfortunately received 57 percent of the overall vote, two shy of the mark needed.
On average, voters selected three players to the Ring. Two players selected Cannella exclusively for entrance.
“I’m stingy,” defender Leo Berk admitted.
Forward Dean Lencioni, who is one of four original Tire players on the squad today claimed, “If I have to vote one of these guys in, it’s Cannella. If I don’t, I don’t think that anyone should go in this year.”
By contrast, original players and Ring of Honor members Mike McMasters and Greg Heim each gave their votes to seven players, the most by any voter.
“As you know, I do not like to argue,” Heim said in a written statement. “Let’s just agree that I am the best central defender on the planet.”
While fellow ROH member Bryan Monaghan won’t disagree, he also praised Cannella (“A great guy,” he said) and Pickett as a defender (“He and Nate back there were amazing. Inpenetrable,” he said).
 When division 3 team Chicsdigus folded in 2001, Cannella was an available forward in a defender’s body. A nearly original player, Cannella joined FCST in fall 2002, two seasons after the inaugural.
Cannella was the elder statesman of the team for the bulk of his career, where when he wasn’t standing firm as a defender, he starred up top as a forward. His 19 goals and 17 assists place him as No. 10 Top 10 on Tire’s career scoring list.
When he announced his pending move to Chelan last summer, this Web site devoted a page to his retirement—the only and a first for fcsparetire.com.
“Cannella is a helluva nice guy and longtime member,” defender Don Gill-More said. “Pickett ... probably needed a little more longevity and games played (26.5), but what the hell, a damn good player.”
“I don’t know any of the other guys on the list, so they don’t make it,” said midfielder Kelly Antoncich, who voted for only two. “Cannella always had good humor. Jacob had great closing speed on defense.”
“Can’t vote in the ones I never met,” midfielder Brian Speir said of his nods to Cannella and Pickett. “Won’t vote in the other two that I did.”
Defender Shawn Menning voted for two players. “I just remember Mike Holloman as good, strong player,” he said. “And Cannella is a good guy who had moments of greatness (especially when he was hungover or had just finished his morning Bloody Mary and steak).”
“Does Menning have a memory?” founder Steve Lassiter asked.
 Keeper Shelby Dobbs voted Cannella in … and in a strange move, also punched a ticket for former midfielder Paul Hansen. The two rarely got along during their playing days together, and FCST Nation was certainly surprised by the such an olive branch act.
“Yes, it is true,” Dobbs confirmed in a written statement. “I will be starting a ‘Paul Hansen for Ring of Honor’ push for induction. We sorely misunderstood this great defensive player who sacrificed himself for the good of the team by playing out of position!”
Hansen tallied zero goals and one assist in his time with Tire and was known well by his many shots that clanged off either post. It was also disclosed upon his leaving the team at the start of the 2008 year that Hansen’s true role was as a defender.
When asked if he had been drinking as he gave his answer, Dobbs replied, “I never stopped!!!”
In another head-scratcher of a vote, Lassiter voted in Dave Kalinski among Cannella and two others. Lassiter, who was never shy expressing his dislike of some, if not all, of Kalinski’s tactics on the field, would only explain “No comment” as to his reason.
Later, he clarified: “I don’t vote based on personal feelings,” Lassiter reminds, “even though Dave wasn’t the friendliest guy on the field he did score more than the other 75-plus players who have played for Tire.”
“There are two ‘Hell No’s’ when I speak of Mike Holloman and Dave Kalinski,” stated forward/midfielder/defender Scott Strasser, who voted for five. “And I know some people think Ring of Honor should be the best players over the years. I however believe reputation should also be a factor as in the case of Billy (Marx) and Mitch (King). They will be remembered with or without the Ring of Honor status.”
 “Mitch was an institution—like the financial ones this past fall,” related all-time team scoring leader Mike Gill-More. “He was at the back for a fledgling club looking for respect. I think his numbers look bad (2.55 goals allowed per in 109 games) only because the defense has improved over time. He gets my vote because he kept coming back to man the goal after some pretty rough initial seasons.
“And Al Byars, a few more sessions and he gets my vote. Al, come on back!” Gill-More said.
Center midfielder Doug Hodson voted Cannella in and also gave a nod to Marx.
“I like that they were both original Tire members—that counts for a lot from my perspective,” Hodson said. “I mean, I wasn’t there at the beginning, but I think when a team is starting up, it is perhaps at its most vulnerable, and the players who were there at the beginning to help give the team an identity deserve a lot of credit.
“Neither Billy nor Cannella were the most talented players in the field but I appreciated their contributions and their attitude,” Hodson continued. “They were mostly positive, up-beat teammates, they tried hard most of the time, and they were also pretty dependable. Plus, they were nice guys and fun to play with.”
“I so enjoyed playing with you guys,” Cannella said. “The only thing I miss about Seattle is Sunday soccer. I need to say thank you to all. The team’s support after my divorce and unemployment provided me with a happy place. I would not have stayed in Seattle long enough to meet Adrianne without FC. Cheers to you all.
“Outside of choking an opposing player, my other favorite memory was Bracey’s bicycle clearing attempt. Where he missed the ball and landed on his back. I will always applaud his enthusiasm,” Cannella said.
Today, Cannella enjoys life as a renowned chef and gourmet connoisseur. What he’s forgotten about wine alone is double what Strasser and Dobbs know today.
 Cannella is recently married (after a four-day food and wine party some team members attended) to the lovely Adrianne in beautiful Chelan County where they hope to open a restaurant spot this month. “Invites are always open if any one gets to Chelan,” he said via e-mail in July.
As his Web site, 3feasts.com, states, Cannella’s “passion for wine and cooking come through in brilliant fashion with Three Feasts. His simple, flavorful food combined the Chinese use of five flavors with southern Italian sense of ease. To experience Chef Erik is to experience true hospitality and unparalleled foods. These qualities are magnified in Three Feasts and are there for you to enjoy and apply for yourself.”
Current forwards Isaiah Harris and Matt Loesch abstained from voting, and representatives from the Greater Seattle Soccer League turned down the chance for a vote by the office.
A total of 16 candidates were on the ballot this time around; only Shane Coburn, Jason Felton and Marc Plano failed to receive votes. Among the others, in order: Billy Marx (10), Mitch King (7), Carmine Coburn (4), Mike Holloman, Will Pranzini and Al Byars (3), and Dave Kalinski (2).
Mike Melbourne, Josh Quarles, Chris Holloman and Paul Hansen each received one vote.
Eight players will be removed from the ballot at next vote after failing to get in after five years. As it stands today, the class of 2010 looks to have seven candidates and none added, as those considered for the ROH must have retired from the team for at least a year—FCST is fortunate enough not to have had a single player leave in the past full year.
Below are the past entries into the FCST Ring of Honor.
Introducing the class of 2008
SEATTLE (August 3, 2008)—In the largest candidate and voting pool in FCST Ring of Honor history, three men are today the newest inductees into the team’s most hallowed of halls.
Defenders Mike McMasters and Nate Burger and midfielder Bryan Monaghan were the only ones of the 17 players on the ballot to gain entry by receiving at least 60 percent of the nods from 22 voters, all current and past FCST players. GSSL staff did not respond to an invitation to take part in the voting.
Nearly all candidates played with and all have been away from Tire for at least a year. Burger and Monaghan each received a vote-high 16 votes and McMasters received 14 to become the class of 2008.
“Absolutely three stand-up fellows who indubitably deserve Ring of Honor status,” said ROH moderator Tim Farley. “These guys had unique skills on the field, were well-liked on the team and the voters clearly acknowledged that.”
Missing the cut for the second straight year was Tire’s first-ever keeper Mitch King and his lifetime 2.55 goals against average. King received 12 of 22 votes.
Also narrowly missing entrance was forward Billy Marx, the team’s ninth all-time scoring leader with 17 and nine assists. Marx received 11 thumbs up.
Everyone but three received at least one vote; those with more than one included Josh Quarles and Marc Plano (two each), Mike Melbourne (five), Will Pranzini (six), Carmine Coburn (eight) and Mike Holloman (nine).
While voters selected on average five players as their choices, those not receiving votes were Chris Holloman, Dave Kalinski and Paul Hansen.
“Paul didn’t bring anything to the table,” explained Steve Lassiter, who voted for five. “And on the field Dave didn’t represent what we are about. I have no problems getting a little pissy at a ref, but his refusal to sometimes sub out was something we don’t tolerate.
“I almost voted for Mike Holloman, because he at least contributed a little something with a hat trick [Oct. 17, 2004 vs. Cumulus United] and probably the funniest moment in team history,” Lassiter continued, referring to Holloman’s decision to once take and let sail grossly high a penalty kick during a dead ball which resulted in a yellow card.
“Carmine Coburn … is Tire’s FIRST EVER GOAL not a good enough reason?” asked voter Matt Maxwell, referring to Coburn’s trivia-question reputation upon knocking in two during game two vs. 45th Street Brewers April 14, 2002 on the dirt at Shorview Park.
“I don’t think guys like the Coburn brothers or Quarles played long enough to make any difference, which is why I was always opposed to Ford making it in,” admitted Lassiter. “And Josh did nothing but keep my original No. 3 jersey.”
As a voter, McMasters gave 10 generous nods; midfielder Casey Antoncich was also charitable in granting checkmarks to nine candidates.
“Not knowing any of those guys,” he said, “I thought that nominating the original crew would be a nice thing for those guys.”
Stingy with his voting voice was Scot Rogers who liked only Monaghan. Keeper Shelby Dobbs, who was introduced to Tire by Monaghan, gave a lone positive nod to Burger. He says he has a policy of not voting anyone in who has appeared more than once on a ballot.
“If you have not been voted in by your fourth time, you are out,” he boomed. “If you have been asked not to come back and play with us because of your on-field behavior, you’re out. And more importantly, if your name is Paul Hansen, you are especially out!”
“Shouldn’t there be some form of vetting (nominating) process to even making it on the ballot?” asked forward Mike Gill-More, who selected only two. “I mean, Paul Hansen … are you kidding? He wouldn’t be on the 100 Greatest Spare Tire Players list (even if there aren’t 100).” [Editor’s note: 82 guys have played for FCST]
“Carmine, Shane, Jason and Marc didn’t play long enough to be considered and McMasters isn’t done yet if you ask me,” said original member and forward Dean Lencioni. “Nate could be back at any time also. Alan Byars wasn’t with us long enough either. Monaghan is in next year. Do I even have to say anything about Dave and Paul? Mitch should be in because he is the only guy who could possibly be blinded by the sun—at nighttime.”
Burger is regarded as the first solid defensive player to man the back line. Mike Gill-More invited Burger to the team upon meeting him in an MBA class they shared at the University of Washington.
“When Mike brought Nate along to play, it marked a change in Spare Tire,” Lassiter remarked. “For the first time we had someone who had the pace to keep up with same of the quicker forwards in the league. If we look back at it when he joined—sorry, Don—our defense turned a corner and stopped giving up as many goals.”
 Burger introduced “communication” to his teammates and made organizing a backfield look easy. In his winter 2004 debut, FCST gave up half as many goals as it did just the winter prior.
In his first season, Tire won its first division 4 championship. Burger scored one and assisted on three; he also own-goaled but once. Burger took a year off from playing between spring 2005 and spring 2006 before work forced a relocation to Dallas after spring session 2007.
Burger’s defensive influence was so remarkable that teammates voted him team MVP in 2004—the first and only time an MVP award has been doled.
Burger’s brother Phil joined the team in April 2006 and continues to be a steady player at just about every position as he carves himself a nice little tidy path of his own to Ring of Honor status.
McMasters, an original Tire member, was a formidable presence in the defensive line. Sure, there were faster forwards who could and would zip around McMasters deep in the Tire box, but what McMasters lacked in speed he made up for with a big body and ability to impede ultimate progress.
His shining offensive moment came came off a Tim Farley corner kick vs. SD United on Feb. 13, 2005 at Nathan Hale when he leapt and head-flicked in his first and only Tire goal that was as pretty as they come. Car troubles, ladies, school, travel and work issues forced McMasters to miss much of his final two years with the team, but with McMasters on the field, anything could happen.
“McMasters was a lot like Bryan except that he was more likely to show why we are called Spare Tire. He would always give his best effort, in fact, so much so that I don’t think his hamstrings liked it,” Lassiter said. “If you wanted someone to make you laugh at a game, McMasters would be the one to do it with a funny story. He was also always willing to tell Gilly or me to shut up when he had heard enough of our comments.”
“I am humbly thankful to be in the company of such great soccer players since I never really considered myself to be a soccer player,” McMasters said. “It’s interesting how so many of the defensive players have retired, which just proves that Don Gill-More isn’t really a defensive player as much as he is an offensive player who is lagging behind. Just kidding. Much love, Don.”
McMasters says his most fond memories of playing with FCST are first and foremost just being around the guys.
“Somehow the ragtag assembly of offset personalities worked out well ... at least for me,” ol’ No. 12 says. “My fondest memories of actually playing were in the early days when I played center fullback and sweeper and spent all of my time running down the quick little dudes. I miss the mental and physical challenges that came with playing sweeper in particular and having to be ready to run like hell while knowing how the other team’s players were going to develop their particular play. That and the camaraderie of the defensive players is what I miss the most.”
Monaghan was the team’s Den Mother. A stocky midfielder who joined the team upon stumbling across fcsparetire.com and asking to join up, Monaghan scored seven games into his Tire career.
 Monaghan’s scoring trailed off a bit—he would put in just one more and add six assists to his Tire resumé—and the skill that emerged more than any other was his ability to befriend nearly any opponent. His affable personality and infectious laugh won over many an opponent to create lasting friends of other teams as opposed to bitter rivals.
Upon his retirement (that he threatens to end whenever he next ventures west of the mountains), teammates sent him off with a pizza party and framed keepsake of photos of him in action, signed by all the players on the team along with their well wishes.
Monaghan says to be voted in by his peers is pretty humbling, and that his three years with FCST were awesome.
“It feels great, especially to be indicted, er, inducted with Mike and Nate,” he says. “I certainly miss seeing everyone on Sundays, but for the time being I am in Spokane in order to be closer to my ill mother. Honestly, I do think about moving back to Seattle and may pursue that in the future.
“What could even remotely compare with the Tire experience?” Monaghan asks. “As for memories, ahh, so many ... probably my favorite is the [Nov. 19, 2005] playoff game against Monkey United at Nathan Hale, though we blew a game we had [Editor’s Note: Tire went ahead 3-0 but tied 4-4 and fell 4-3 on PKs].
“Others were my two goals, playing at Memorial Stadium on my birthday, Don’s form-fitting lumberjack warmup jacket, Greg’s orange socks, the mud game in Bellevue [vs. Pumas at Newport Hills], shedding blood for the cause [a head wound 2-12-06 vs. Seattle Blue Demons at Lynnwood], and somehow discovering that I am pretty good at crosses. And getting to be Den Mother and making nice with all the other teams; can’t forget that.”
“Monaghan represents why we play on the team,” Lassiter said. “He may not have had the most skill but he would always work hard and got along with everyone on the team. I think we are better off for knowing him. The only thing he needs to do is not socialize with the opponent during the game.”
“Bryan has, uh, let’s say, very good people skills,” said defender Don Gill-More. “He could lull them into losing focus on the game ... a very good defensive tactic!”
Burger was unavailable for comment at publication time, but brother Phil relays that Burger is doing well near Dallas, especially in his career where he is slated to be tapped for a managerial spot upon a new store’s opening. Sadly, Phil reports Nate has not been able to play any consistent soccer in the Lone Star state.
Monaghan today is currently focused on attaining an athletic training degree at Eastern Washington University. His Sundays are now reserved for sleeping as he works nights as an MST.
“I’m playing on a coed team for kicks,” Monaghan adds. I also went back to my first love of track and am trying to get in shape [Editor’s note: What? You’re not already in shape?] to maybe do some meets next year. Plus with school, I am doing lots more academic reading.”
 Monaghan says he plans to return for a fall season game and looks forward to chumming with the pals then. “Though I’m four hours away, I still very much feel a part of FCST and always check the site and harass Farley when possible. It sounds corny, but you guys were and are a big part of my life. Thanks for everything, and see you all soon.”
Monaghan became the first ROH member to re-appear as a player when he took the field vs. ECS FC and Elliott Bay United during the weekend of Sept. 20-21, 2008.
Today, a typical Sunday for McMasters usually involves sailing, of all things. This past weekend he competed in the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association District 6 championship at the Fern Ridge Yacht Club in Eugene, Ore. in a qualifying event for the world championships next spring.
“It’s funny that I went from being a non-soccer player who played soccer all the time to being a non-sailor who sails,” McMasters muses. “Hmmm … identity crisis?” Check out www.starclass.org for more on the type of sailing McMasters enjoys.
“The only other thing that I’ll say is that all that a person can do is try to live the best they can with the short time we’re given,” McMasters says. “And, looking back, I have to say that my time on FCST was precious time well spent with great guys. Sorry for the sappy, but I hope you’re all doing well and I’m going to have to try to free up one of my Sundays to come watch you guys again.”
Joining the players who look to gain entry in 2009 is defender Jacob Pickett.
Below are Ring of Honor election results of the past:
2007
Defense rules the roost
SEATTLE (July 23, 2007)—A total of three former FCST players—all defenders—gained admission to the coveted team Ring of Honor after a two-week player voting period and a meeting by the ROH Veteran’s Committee.
A Ring of Honor-high 14 men appeared on the ballot, some for the final time. Voted into the Ring with the requisite 66 percent or better of votes are newest members Greg Heim, Pete Morrison and Jim Vander Veer.
Heim received the most votes—17 out of 20. He was an original Tire member who for many seasons anchored the FCST defense. He scored three goals and notched three assists in his career that ended upon the second game of fall 2005.
In the days when Heim and FCST founder Steve Lassiter were on the same pitch at the same time, the two fed off each other when the referee made a bad call or opponents hacked and fouled like goons while holding a four-, five-, or six-goal lead. Both would chirp at the ref or players, which would result in yellow cards a-flying. Heim earned six in his career, good for third place among Tire players, and is one of only four to have received a red card (though recanted at the game’s end by the referee and reduced to a yellow).
Morrison, another first-ballot entrant, received 14 of 20 votes. Known far and wide as the “center full with all the bull,” the spirited Morrison played inspired defense with his basketball and hockey techniques and references throughout his two-year career that ended upon the fifth of fall session 2005.
Morrison scored seven goals and had three assists as a Tire player. His witty and insightful postgame comments were the spice to the articles reporting the many losses in those days on the early FCST Web site.
“What?!! Second-most votes? I demand a re-count,” Morrison said in his acceptance speech. “No, I am seriously honored and proud to have made the Ring of Honor to join the elite group before me.”
Morrison says he has great memories of a lot of great games won and lost, but one that sticks out most in his mind occurred when he was very hungover and grumpy.
“A guy was tugging on my shirt so I grabbed his arm and swung him around and around until he went down, all the while the ref blew his whistle. The poor guy asked what I was doing and I thoughtfully said ‘throwing you down.’ Good times!”
While he received seven nods from voters, the six-man FCST Veteran’s Committee stamped the ticket of Jim VanderVeer into the Ring.
VanderVeer played until 2004 as a defender who was relatively new to soccer. He didn’t record a goal or assist as an outside defender, but most remembered was a whiff he had in front of a virtually wide-open net from three yards out in a 2003 game on the old astroturf at Edmonds District Stadium that would have easily made Tire’s Top 10 all-time greatest moments in history had it found net.
VanderVeer thanked his supporters and fans and remarked he’s still feeling the effects of very painful few years with the club.
“My knee is back to normal but the back is still a daily battle,” he said. “Running a mile on two herniated discs was not a good idea.
“My most memorable game was when Mike Gill-More kicked the ball and made a direct hit on my nuts,” VanderVeer said. “Thank goodness my nuts are now in working order and were able to get the wife knocked up. Unfortunately with the baby and lots of home projects, I have missed coming to watch some games; I hope to make to more soon. Thanks again, and I am greatly honored.”
The Veteran’s Committee selected Vander Veer based on his ability to stick with Tire during lean times and his shape—a prerequisite to play on the team in the early days and his sporting at all times a good representation of his team’s namesake.
Those who did not receive a majority vote in their first year of eligibility include forward Billy Marx (13 votes) and goalkeeper Mitchell King (11 votes)—both who have “rules” named for them referenced often today. Second-year ballot member defender Will Pranzini received nine votes and 2008 will mark his last year on the list.
Those who appeared for a third and/or final time are brothers Carmine (7) and Shane Coburn (3), Jason Felton (2), Josh Quarles (6), Marc Plano (1), Mike Melbourne (3), and brothers Mike (4) and Chris Holloman (1).
Online voting in the next Ring of Honor, which will include at least five players, begins in mid-July 2008.
Below is previous ROH inductee information.
2006
A unanimous decision
BONILLA INDUCTED INTO THE CLASS OF 2006
 SEATTLE (Aug. 6, 2006)—Only one in a 12-man field gained entry into FC Spare Tire’s prestigious hall of fame, and that man’s name is Jose Bonilla.
Bonilla, a defender by trade and an original member in 2002, had his soccer playing career cut short in early 2005 with nagging knee issues.
One can’t say he was a tireless defender, because, let’s face it, the running joke was the guy was tired all the time. In a spoof on possible FCST merchandise published here two years ago, a popular item was the “Jose Bonilla No-Tired Energy Drink.” It was a fake product, but Bonilla wondered where he could get some.
Bonilla had more own-goals than goals, it’s safe to say, even though he was set up beautifully for at least two sure scores during his career that ended up as missed shots wide.
Bonilla received all votes out of the 10 who cast; runners-up who did not receive a majority vote in their second year of eligibility include brothers Carmine (2 votes) and Shane Coburn, Josh Quarles (3 votes), Mike Melbourne (4 votes), Marc Plano, Jim Vander Veer (2 votes), Chris Holloman and Jason Felton. Those in their first year on the ballot who did not receive majority votes include Mike Holloman (1 vote), Will Pranzini (4 votes) and Lee Moores.
Bonilla has been unavailable for comment since publication time.
2005
Three players inducted into first Ring class
SEATTLE (July 5, 2005)—A quarter of eligible former FC Spare Tire players were selected by current players in May to be the first class of inductees into the FCST hall of fame, the Ring of Honor. Those were received 15 percent of overall votes received entrance into the new, prestigious membership.
Three of twelve ex-players were elected: Defender Brent Diaz, who received the vote majority, and midfielders Jeremy Ford and Bob Lagasca.
“Brent did more on the sideline for the team than anyone else did or maybe ever will,” wrote one anonymous voter in his ballot.
Diaz anchored the left side of the FCST defense in 2002 and 2003 before injuries sidelined him. Though rumors swirl that Diaz quit the team, it’s also rumored nagging injuries prevented him from playing further.
Diaz said he felt blessed upon hearing the news and notes that while his time with Tire was short (two seasons), he made a point to thank his fellow teammates for their votes and leading him to the realization of his true goal of couch potato.
“While kicking the ball around on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. through hangovers, twisted ankles, wind, rain, and sleet was truly an amazing experience, I have come to know greater happiness with my wife’s ‘big’ breakfasts and the remote at my side as I cheer on my teams and drivers on Sundays,” Diaz said. “I am truly a greater man today (about 15 pounds greater).”
Diaz thanked the voters and teammates, one and all, for putting up with him and saving his ass time-and-time again as he let another guy blow by him on the pitch.
“I enjoyed almost all of it. Good luck to you all in the future and I guarantee I’ll be out on a Seahawk bye week or a non-race day to see how much greater the team is now that I’ve moved on to greener pastures. Love and kisses, bitches,” Diaz said.
Lagasca was known as a midfielder with speed in his early days as a Tire member. However, a brainless Deportivo Espanol midfielder’s slidetackle in October, 2003 severely injured Lagasca’s ACL-weak knee and cut short a promising Tire career.
Diaz and Lagasca are founding Tire members.
Greener pastures took star midfielder Jeremy Ford to Wyoming in 2003; in his playing days with Tire, he was a bright spot who shored up a thin FCST midfield that year where he had no goals and an assist.
A total of seven voters had their say on the field of possible Ring of Honor members. Ford and Lagasca each received 17 percent of all votes (five each). One voter selected eight of 12 for entrance; two voters selected only two candidates.
Lagasca and Ford were unavailable for comment at publication time.
Narrowly missing entrance to the Ring was defender Jim Vander Veer who received 13 percent of votes.
The remaining field who weren’t elected will have another chance as they go on the ballot in June 2006.
Each player listed on the ballot had to have worn the blue and white for at least a few games, was either integral or an also-ran, and has been out of action with Tire for at least a year.
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