It was a mix of emotions for Columbus Crew SC fans on hand during Saturday’s match with Orlando City SC. The induction of former Crew head coach Sigi Schmid into the team’s Circle of Honor is a prestigious distinction. Being one of only three men in the clubs 25-year history to be bestowed such an award, speaks to the type of impact Schmid made on the franchise. However, it is bittersweet that the tribute comes posthumously for the man who passed away last Christmas.
While his time as the head man for Columbus was relatively short, spanning a scant three seasons, the impact will be forever etched in Crew fandom.