Fire Creates "Ring of Fire" as Permanent Tribute Inaugural Inductee Peter Nowak to be Enshrined Prior to Fire-MetroStars Match Saturday

June 26, 2003 - The Chicago Fire has announced the creation of the "Ring of Fire," a new tribute of honor that will add one member each year beginning in 2003. This year's inductee will be former Fire captain Peter Nowak, who retired from professional soccer earlier this year. Nowak will be formally inducted to the "Ring of Fire" in a ceremony this Saturday, June 28 as the team celebrates Peter Nowak Day prior to the Fire's match against the MetroStars at Cardinal Stadium (3:00 p.m. CT, ESPN2).

"It's an honor to be the first person to be recognized with this great tribute," said Nowak. "I have always felt a very special connection with this team, the fans and this city, and I'm thankful to Peter Wilt, AEG, MLS, the fans and everyone else that contributed to this incredible ride over the past five years. Bringing home three trophies and wearing the #10 Fire red are moments that are ingrained in my heart forever. I am looking forward to sharing this great moment with my family, my friends, and my fans."

The names of "Ring of Fire" inductees will be displayed at all Fire home games, beginning with the raising of a flag honoring Nowak this weekend. The flag will be raised as part of the ceremony.

"The creation of a permanent tribute to honor those who have made the Chicago Fire a proud and successful organization is a testament to the tradition and history that has been generated in less than six seasons," said Fire GM Peter Wilt. "Credit for that tremendous tradition belongs to Peter, his teammates over the years, Bob Bradley and the Fire's enthusiastic supporters. Only Peter could serve as the inaugural inductee into the "Ring of Fire." His skill, leadership, work ethic, charisma and generosity will forever represent all the Fire strives to embody."

Future members of the honorary tribute will be selected by a committee made up of members of the "Ring of Fire." v Nowak, 38, retired from professional soccer last February, ending a career that spanned nearly 23 years, the last five of which he spent as the Fire's first and only captain. He helped the team to three championships, including "The Double" in the team's inaugural season (1998). Nowak remains actively involved with the club, serving as the Fire's Soccer and Business Advisor and Director of International Relations and as a guest commentator on the Fire's regional broadcasts on WNVR 1030 AM (Polish).

Prior to the Saturday's game, fans will have the opportunity to meet Nowak during an autograph session at Cardinal Stadium at 1:30 p.m. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Peter Nowak T-shirt, courtesy of LaSalle Bank, upon entrance to the stadium. Fans can also purchase other Nowak memorabilia at the stadium.

"This will be a special day for me and my family," said Nowak. "It will be nice to be surrounded by my old team as well as my old coach Bob Bradley. I'm very proud of what we accomplished as an organization in the past and embrace the goals we have set for the future. I hope our fans will continue to show their support and loyalty to this team, our new coach and our new captain."his will be a special day for me and my family," said Nowak. "It will be nice to be surrounded by my old team as well as my old coach Bob Bradley. I'm very proud of what we accomplished as an organization in the past and embrace the goals we have set for the future. I hope our fans will continue to show their support and loyalty to this team, our new coach and our new captain."

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