A tribute to Peter Wilt's time in Chicago: Greg Zaskowski - Chicago Red Stars
Name: Greg Zaskowski
Current place of employment & current job title: Chicago Red Stars - Director of Ticket Sales
Previously: Chicago Fire (2000-04) - Manager of Group Sales
When did you first meet Peter?
I first met Peter when I was a Marketing Intern for the Chicago Fire during the summer of 2000. But I could have very well met him prior to that and not even have realized it, since I spent a lot of time at Fire games during my summer breaks from college in '98 and '99.
What was it like working with Peter? Did he influence you in any way, and if so, how?
Peter has a way of making you feel like you're the most important person in the room, that is the kind of respect and attention he will give you. I've experienced this all the time and witness this when he interacts with people that have praised and/or criticized his teams. I have a treasure chest full of knowledge that I've learned from Peter, but his biggest influence on me has been the lesson of having fun while working hard and treating everyone with respect... a truly simple plan, really.
How has Peter influenced soccer in the Chicagoland area; what sort of impact has he made?
"The Fire's Frank Klopas, left, helps pay a tribute to former Chicago Stinger owner Lee Stern, whose club won its final outdoor title 25 years ago in the North American Soccer League." Orrin Schwarz - Daily Herald Columnist
In my opinion, there is no question (and I think Peter would agree) that Lee Stern is the "Godfather of Chicago Soccer". Without the early pioneers of soccer in America and Philip Anschutz's trust, Peter would not have been able to launch soccer in Chicago to its current levels of awareness and commercial success.
However, without Peter's guidance during MLS's expansion into Chicago, the Fire would not have won the double in 98. Without his guidance during the Soldier Field renovations, the Fire may have lost their identity in Chicago. Without his devotion, the Red Stars would not exist. Without his guidance and persistence, Toyota Park would not get built. When the time comes for the Fire to find a new home because they have outgrown Toyota Park it will have much to do with the foundation that Peter put in place with Chicago's premier soccer entity.
Favorite soccer related memory with Peter:
There are SO many! So instead of going crazy trying to think of one, I'll share one, two part story.
Part I: In 2000 when I was an intern with the Fire the team had won a game at Soldier Field against New England (from what I remember) on a late goal. I was standing on the west sideline. As the final whistle blew, Peter came flying down one of the aisles through a gate that allowed access to the field. As he made the turn to the Fire bench, he gave me a high five and screamed, "that was awesome Greg!" Up until that point of my internship I wasn't sure if he even remembered my name. Peter's excitement towards me that day had drilled home to me. I knew then that my contributions with the Fire were as important as anyone else's on staff. We all (players, coaches, staff, interns, fans, volunteers, season ticket holders, sponsors, citizens of Chicagoland) had something invested in the team and should be proud.
Part II: Later that summer, I had the fortune to volunteer at the MLS All Star Game in Columbus, OH. At one of the league events that same evening I was lucky enough to have a relaxed one on one conversation with Peter. He asked if I was enjoying my internship and if I had considered working in sports after graduation. I knew that I did based on my experience as an intern, but at the same time, I felt that I would have felt guilty abandoning my 4.5 years of studying the arts. He said, "well if you do, you won't make a lot of money. Not at first at least, but you can have a lot of fun at it." A month after graduation, I was working at the Fire. I got over my guilt pretty quickly.
Here is a photo of some of the fans, owners and staff (including Peter) upon arrival at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville for the Red Stars first ever game vs St Louis Athletica.
Part III (this two part story has turned into a three part story): Wait, NO! My favorite soccer related memory with Peter is when he asked me to move back home to Chicago and work for the Red Stars!
****
You can find more about Greg's work with the Chicago Red Stars at his Women's Professional Soccer Fan Corner Profile.
No Comments
Leave a Comment?
What your comment will look like:
said: