Rick Thomas
My blogs
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohio |
| Introduction | The history of Rust Belt Tifo actually goes back to 1998 in Cincinnati. After watching matches from Italy's Serie A, I was a 21 year-old inspired and determined to play my part in creating tifo passion in Major League Soccer. The first banner that I made was 'MIX IT UP', a small but meaningful banner to inspire the Columbus Crew to mix up their style of play and not be so predictable. In 1999, the opening of Columbus Crew Stadium brought visual opportunities for longer and bigger banners. After a four year hiatus from Ohio, I would return in 2007. With this return, came a vision to not only create a passionate enviornment through tifo, but also to motivate others to use whatever gifts and talents to make tifo. The 2008 season wasd a storybook success on and off the field as the Columbus Crew would win their very first MLS championship and more people began to show interest in tifo. As the Columbus Crew continue on their quests for more trophies, so is the supporters aim to be the best in the U.S.A. |