Weekly update: Landing a big fish

Michael Harrington

Zavagnin Catches 180-Pound Marlin off Mexican Coast

Wizards midfielder Kerry Zavagnin returned over the weekend from a short trip to Cabo San Lucas. During the stay, Zavagnin did a little fishing and came away with a 180-pound Marlin to his credit.


"It was the fight of my life," Zavagnin said of the reeling process that took over an hour. "The next day my left arm, back and shoulder were all sore. If you ever get in a fight with a Marlin, you'll find out what kind of a man you are."


Zavagnin is happy to come back from vacation with bragging rights from his fishing story.


"I think I caught the biggest fish on the team this year."


Buy Wizards Holiday Ticket Packages Today

This holiday season, give the gift of soccer to the sports fan in your family. The Kansas City Wizards will open 2008 with a new stadium and a new experience that is fun and entertaining for the entire family. Buy your favorite soccer fan tickets to five action-packed Wizards home games starting at just $99. Visit kcwizards.com now or call 913.387.3400 to speak with a Wizards rep about this limited-time offer.


Package includes:


• Bleacher Seats: Home Opener, Season Finale, 3 Flex Games--Flex Games & seats can be chosen the week of February 25-29.

• Each seat receives a branded Wizards Stadium Seat Back (includes branded stadium blanket & cup holder).

• $99.00 per package-plus a service fee per order.

• Can upgrade packages to 1/2 season or full packages, contact a Wizards representative for details.


2008 Season Tickets on Sale Now

The Kansas City Wizards will play 2008 home matches at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas. Deposits for 2008 season tickets are now being accepted. Call the Wizards at (913) 387-3400 or (877) 828-7222 to reserve your seats today.


The 2008 ticket-pricing chart is listed below:

Seating Category
Walk-Up
Season (18 Games)
Stadium Seat
$25.00
$405.00
Bleacher
$20.00
$324.00
Grass Berm (GA)
$15.00
$150.00

Defender Jimmy Conrad up for U.S. National Team Performance of the Year

Wizards defender and captain Jimmy Conrad is one of eight U.S. National Team members up for 2008 Performance of the Year. Conrad faces fellow men's national team members, women's national team members and men's U-20 players for the award. Conrad was nominated for his standout performance February 7 against Mexico.


Jimmy Conrad vs. Mexico - Feb. 7 @ Glendale, Ariz.

With a home winning streak against Mexico on the line, defender Jimmy Conrad played one of the best games of his national team career in front of 62,000 fans in Arizona. While acting as the general along the backline to shutout the USA's archrival for the eighth straight time on home soil, Conrad also tallied the game-winner with a driven header on a corner kick for his first-ever goal for the national team.


Vote for Conrad performance here.


Conrad is also nominated for his performance in a U.S. Soccer all_access video from last January.


Vote for Conrad all_access here.


Holiday Store at Ward Parkway Center Open Through January

The Kansas City Wizards have opened a holiday kiosk at Ward Parkway Center through Sunday, January 6. Merchandise (including the popular personalized Wizards jerseys), gift cards, ticket packages and other Wizards information will be available during regular shopping-center hours.


Fans are able to customize Wizards jerseys on site and buy gift cards redeemable at 2008 Wizards home games, for merchandise or tickets. Merchandise from other MLS clubs and special events such as the 2007 Sierra Mist All-Star Game will be available.


Contact the Wizards holiday store by phone at (816) 363-GOAL.


Burciaga to Visit Fairview Elementary in Olathe Monday

Who: D Jose Burciaga
When: Monday, November 26; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Where: Fairview Elementary, 600 North Marion, Olathe, KS
What: Burciaga will be traveling to Olathe to speak to groups of students at Fairview Elementary. He will be talking about achievement and overcoming hardships to a group of 3-6th graders and reading a book to Kindergarten-2nd graders.


Zavagnin to Visit Maranatha Academy Thursday

Who: M Kerry Zavagnin
When: Thursday, November 29; 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Where: Maranatha Academy, 15000 West 63rd Street, Shawnee, KS
What: One of the winners of the "Take A Wizard to School" contest is a 2nd grader at Maranatha Academy. Kerry Zavagnin will be visiting his school to discuss working hard, setting goals, and what it is like to be a professional soccer player. Following, he will be showing some of the students his moves that work so well on the soccer field.