RagingBullNation congratulates Marvell Wynne II as the recipient of the 2006 RagingBullNation Heart of the Bull Award. In his MLS rookie year, Wynne is the first recipient of this prestigious honor. Furthermore, the Heart of the Bull annual honor is the first award of its kind, which was conceived by RagingBullNation to officially recognize specific contributions by individual New York Red Bulls players.
According to Marc Bernarducci, Chief ["Toro"] Officer, the recipient of this award 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 his or her 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.
In only his first campaign as a Red Bull, Wynne worked his way into the starting lineup by the end of the season. Already known for his blazing speed, Wynne vastly improved other parts of his game during the year, including his crossing and attacking ability. The 20-year-old defender started the last seven games of the regular season and both playoff games for New York. For his effort this season, Wynne won the Red Bulls' 2006 Young Player of the Year Award.
Wynne tallied three assists for the Red Bulls while displaying a knack for getting involved in the attack. Of his three helpers, two of them contributed to 1-0 victories, including a cross to Josmer Altidore that gave New York a crucial victory over the Chicago Fire that helped pave the Red Bulls' way into the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"The concept of this award reaffirms RagingBullNation's commitment to supporting a team that is well-rounded and to creating an environment in which both Red Bull supporters and players can nurture their mutual bond," said Bernarducci. "We congratulate all the award finalists, and especially Marvell. Marvell was in good company, with his teammates Jon Conway, Carlos Mendes, Danny O'Rourke and Seth Stammler also in the running."
RagingBullNation looks forward to next season and to Wynne's continued contributions on and off the field for the New York Red Bulls.
