Crafted with Heart: How Hand-Painted Oars Became the Colorado Rapids’ Most Cherished Honor

A Matchday Tradition Like No Other

Burgundy and blue luchadores. Retro denim tributes. Snowcapped landscapes infused with Japanese calligraphy. One-of-a-kind artworks painted on wooden oars—these are no ordinary trophies. At Colorado Rapids home matches, the “Man of the Match” doesn’t walk away with a standard-issue plaque or a generic medal. Instead, he receives a unique, hand-painted oar—a tradition that has become as memorable as the goals themselves.

Each oar tells a story. Sometimes it’s Rapid Man dressed as Lando Calrissian. Sometimes it’s Rapid Grandma and Rapid Man Jr. posing together in comic portraiture. But no matter the design, the message is clear: this club values creativity, connection, and community.

The Oar-igin Story

The tradition began humbly in 2013 when members of Centennial 38, a Rapids supporters’ group, stumbled upon a small wooden oar at a craft store. What started as a simple tailgate decoration quickly caught the eye of team staff. The quirky, painted oar made its way into Dick’s Sporting Goods Park—and eventually into the hands of a Rapids player.

Now, every home game is marked by a freshly painted, fan-created oar that becomes a personalized award for the Man of the Match. And unlike generic trophies, no two are alike.

“It was something special, something different,” said midfielder Cole Bassett, who has taken home several oars. “Every game, it’s a completely different oar. You get to remember a game for what they put on the oar—or what the night was about.”

The Artists Behind the Award

Each oar begins as a blank wooden canvas, sanded and prepped before being given to a local artist or supporter. There are no rules—paint, ink, tape, even mixed media can be used. On match day, the oar makes its way from the tailgate party to the pitchside walkout, through the supporters’ section, and finally into the hands of the deserving player.

For the artists, it’s more than just a design—it’s a personal gift from fan to player.

“Each oar is a projection of that emotion, that commitment,” said Centennial 38 member Trevor Curry. “It’s a physical way of saying, ‘We’re with you.’”

Beyond the Trophy: A Deeper Connection

The moment when a player collects the oar in front of the fans has become a meaningful ritual. It’s a time for handshakes, signed shirts, and the kind of connection rarely seen in professional sports.

“It just provides a moment to connect with the fans,” said Bassett. “Sometimes you meet a kid who wants a jersey, or say hi to someone who’s always there. That moment wouldn’t happen without the oar.”

Even head coach Chris Armas, who met with fans at a pub soon after arriving in Colorado, sees the tradition as part of a bigger mission to keep fans and players intertwined.

“At home, we feel invincible,” Armas said. “That noise, that energy—it’s palpable. Our players know that even a tackle or recovery run matters to these fans.”

Oars for Everyone

The tradition doesn’t stop with the first team. When the Rapids Unified Team played earlier this year, each athlete received their own custom-painted oar. Even rain delays couldn’t keep the fans away—they stayed, cheered, and handed over the gifts in person.

With at least eight more home matches on the schedule, the oars will keep coming. Win or lose, each oar stands as a powerful symbol of unity between the Rapids and their supporters.

“It’s something that connects us,” said Bassett. “A symbol for the club, the players, and the fans—something we all share.”