Eating too much, crushing levels on video games, and making an impression on the couch is how many people spend their vacation. This is not the case for MLS Champion Colorado Rapids.
Examiner.com caught up with Rapids’ midfielder, Wells Thompson, to find out how he filled the two months away from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“It was great, but went by way too fast, as it always does,” the North Carolina boy explains. “As an athlete and someone driven to compete and do his best, it is really hard for me to take time off from training and working out.
“I took about a week off but couldn’t stand that so I began gradually training and preparing for the up coming season.” Thompson shares, “The way I and most athletes look at it is that we have no off season. I thought maybe a Championship might help me to relax a little, but it has done nothing but motivate and push me more than I ever have.”
The pressure that comes from defending the MLS Cup is definitely on, but Thompson made it a point to enjoy the people who are most important to him.
“I got home just in time to head down to our farm in eastern NC to spend Thanksgiving with Daphne and my family,” the 27-year old mentions. “This and Christmas are my favorite times of the year! We had ‘the best meal ever’, got to do a bunch of hunting, and just enjoyed being on the farm in the country!”
Winning the MLS Cup was a highlight of his career, but during the offseason Thompson experienced a moment that is a highlight of his life.
“Daphne and I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic for about a week in early December,” the born-again Christian shares. “It was a special time for us to serve the Lord and give back, and a great reminder about the true significance of Christmas.
“It was also special because we got engaged! Daphne is the woman of my dreams, and we are so excited about getting married and spending the rest of our lives together,” announces the Wake Forest graduate. “Other than that I have just enjoyed being back in the ‘promised land’, good ole NC, hunting as much as I can, being with my family, friends, and wonderful fiancee.”
The Colorado Rapids start training for the 2011 season next week. They plan to defend their MLS Championship title, and rise to the top in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Comments