MLS Chicago Fire FC

Peter Nowak to Provide Big Assist for Chicago Fire

Published on February 26, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Wednesday, February 26, 2003) -- The Chicago Fire today announced Peter Nowak's new role with the organization to assist the MLS team with a variety of responsibilities. The team's all-time assist leader will be involved with several departments in the organization as the Fire's Soccer and Business Advisor and Director of International Relations. Nowak's multi-faceted role will include direct involvement with the coaching staff, player recruitment, Fire Academy, Community Relations, Broadcasting and Marketing Departments. Nowak announced his retirement from professional soccer earlier this month.

The Fire also announced that it has received a player allocation from MLS for Nowak's retirement.

"I'm going to miss playing and being on the field," said Nowak. "But with my wife and I expecting a new baby, and my daughter going away to college next year, we thought it would be best to retire now, and in Chicago. Because this city has been my home for several years now and the entire Polish community has been so good to me, we started to talk about how I could go forward with my career and continue helping the Fire."

The primary focus for the 38-year-old Nowak will be as an evaluator of talent for General Manager Peter Wilt and Head Coach Dave Sarachan. The former midfielder will help the coaching staff assess and critique the team's current squad and help identify and recruit potential international talent. Nowak will also serve to help the next generation of Fire hopefuls by serving as a supplementary instructor with the Fire Academy - the Fire's Youth Development Program.

"We're delighted to have Peter on board," said Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "Having someone of Peter's experience assist us at a team and administrative level will be a great asset to our organization. We're very eager to start working with him so he can help us in the scouting and evaluation of players."

Nowak will assist the Fire's Marketing Department to form stronger bonds with the city's international business community. He will also serve as a guest commentator on the Fire's regional broadcasts. He is expected to make regular appearances on WNVR 1030 AM (Polish) and contribute to the team's English language outlets as well.

As one of the most recognizable figures in Chicago, Nowak will represent the Fire to Chicago's Polish community in order to help bolster its already strong support of the Fire. He will assist the Community Relations and Ticketing Departments to grow the Fire's Annual Polish Heritage Night. But Nowak's efforts will branch outside the Polish community, as the former midfielder will continue to serve on FireWorks For Kids Foundation Board of Directors. The Fire will select a game to honor Nowak at a later date.

"Peter's greatest quality as a player was making his teammates more productive," said Fire General Manager Peter Wilt. "He will continue that role by providing more assists than ever to Dave, me and the rest of the organization. The Chicago Fire is fortunate to have a person of Peter's caliber to add to the organization."

Recognized as one of the most talented playmakers ever the grace the MLS stage, Nowak recently wrapped up the last chapter of a playing career that spanned nearly 23 years, the last five of which he spent as the Fire's first and only captain. The Polish international helped Chicago to three championships - MLS Cup '98 and the 1998 and 2000 U.S. Open Cup Championships. Nowak was named to the Pepsi MLS Best XI for three seasons (1998, 2000, & 2001), and received Fire/Honda Team MVP honors for his contributions in 1998, 2000, and 2001.

"The Fire has helped me tremendously these past five years and I'd like to give back in any way possible," added Nowak. "It's a great opportunity for me and for the team to continue to grow together. My major role will be in helping recruit players and doing international scouting. I want to help the organization move forward."

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 26, 2003


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