COLUMBUS, Ohio - Rusty Wummel has been named the Crew's new equipment manager, General Manager Mark McCullers announced today.
Wummel comes to Columbus after spending the 2006 season as an assistant equipment manager with the Chicago Fire, a position he also held from 1999-2002. In between, he was the New England Revolution's head equipment manager from 2003-05 and he was named the Kwik Goal MLS Equipment Manager of the Year following the 2005 campaign.
"We are very pleased to add someone of Rusty's experience and expertise," said Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "He has been an equipment professional in our league for a long time and has been recognized as being among its best."
One of the highlights of Wummel's career came in August of 2005, when he had the distinction of being selected to travel to Spain as the equipment manager for the MLS Select team that took on world-power Real Madrid at its famed Bernabeu Stadium.
"I am absolutely thrilled to come to Columbus," Wummel said. "Working with such a high-quality coaching staff and organization will provide opportunities to continue to learn and grow as an equipment manager and person. When the opportunity came about, after talking with Sigi, it really was a no-brainer for me. The club has already gone a long way toward making me feel welcome and at home.
"I am particularly pleased that there is no white in the uniforms," he added tongue-in-cheek.
Founded by Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members, it will open its 12th season overall and ninth in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium on Saturday, April 7, when it plays host to the Eastern Conference-rival New York Red Bulls.
