Connor Berry has spent the last 11 years at Northfield High School, where he initially joined the staff as a football coach before discovering a deeper passion for teaching social studies. His enthusiasm for history extends beyond the classroom, as he is an avid fan of his local sports teams. This connection to the past and the present is currently manifesting through his support for the Denver Summit, the city's newest professional soccer club.
Berry is a proud member of the 14ers, a group of volunteer-led independent supporters dedicated to cheering on the Summit. His involvement began with a watch party for the national team, where he was accompanied by his three young daughters. During that event, he met a group of individuals who were already organizing support for the start of Denver Summit FC, which led to a lasting bond with the community.
The experience has been a significant bonding opportunity for Berry and his family. He recalled that the excitement intensified when the team was officially announced. His daughters have accompanied him to major milestones, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium in Centennial and the official team announcement. Berry described the period as a series of amazing events unfolding in rapid succession.
In his classroom, the influence of this new team is visible. While the walls are traditionally covered with history maps, they also feature posters of his favorite teams. The orange and blue colors of the Denver Broncos are prominent, but the evergreen hues of the Denver Summit are equally represented. Berry has also displayed several family photos that capture memorable moments from the team's inaugural season, ensuring these memories are preserved for his children.
Berry views the current moment as a historic time that will be remembered for years to come. He has taken it upon himself to document every event his family attends, often framing his daughters in the foreground with significant landmarks in the background. His goal is to share these images with them in twenty years, allowing them to recall the excitement of living through the formation and growth of their new local team.
The enthusiasm for the Summit is not limited to Berry's family but has also permeated his student body. Many students have been seen wearing team merchandise, indicating a growing sense of pride and identity among the younger generation. The presence of a professional women's team in the Mile High area has been particularly exciting for students involved in soccer.
Elizabeth Harrison, a senior at Northfield High School, plans to play soccer in college. She expressed delight at the news of the new professional women's team, noting the importance of seeing large crowds support women's sports. Harrison observed that while soccer in the United States is not yet as dominant as it is in Europe, the sport is becoming increasingly popular and significant.
As the team wraps up its first season, the excitement across Colorado continues to build. The Denver Summit is leaving a lasting impact on the community, fostering a strong sense of unity and pride. The 14ers are planning to celebrate this growing community with a block party scheduled for November 14, marking the end of the inaugural year.
Throughout the season, the team has played home matches at DICK's Sporting Goods Park, with other games scheduled for the new Centennial Stadium. The combination of historical context and modern sporting excitement has created a unique narrative for fans like Berry, who see the Denver Summit not just as a team, but as a pivotal chapter in the history of their city.
