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Houston - Houston Dynamo president Oliver Luck announced Friday that Olympic gold medalist Chad Hedrick will perform the ceremonial first kick at the team's inaugural game against the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, April 2 at Robertson Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Houston.
"We're honored to have Chad perform our franchise's ceremonial first kick" Luck said. "He is a great athlete, a great person, and a great Houstonian, and we're proud to be associated with him."
Hedrick, the first Houstonian to win three gold medals at a Winter Olympiad, said that his association with the Houston Dynamo is a part of his mission to share his Olympic success with his home city.
"I'm from Houston. I grew up here, and my roots are really important to me," Hedrick said. "So the first thing I did after winning at the Olympics was come back to share the medals and share all of my success with the city."
On hand to present Hedrick with an autographed soccer ball was Pat Onstad, Houston Dynamo goalkeeper and 2005 goalie of the year.
"I remember watching the Olympics on television as they were going on, and Chad is a great athlete. That's what it comes down to; we're all athletes and it's great that we're supporting each other here in Houston."
Houston Dynamo season and individual game tickets are now on sale for the 2006 inaugural season. Fans can purchase their tickets by calling Houston Dynamo at 713-276-7500, or Ticketmaster at 713-629-3700, or on the web at www.houstondynamo.com.
