A Tradition Unlike Any Other | Centennial 38's Man of the Match Oar

By Sydney Kohne

Published Monday, Oct 13, 2025 08:05 PM

The Colorado Rapids' supporters' group, Centennial 38, designs and presents an oar to the Man of the Match each home game.
All Man of the Match oars hang in The Dale's Bar at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park until they're given back to their winners at the final home game of the year.
Pro snowboarder Jason Wolle presenting the Man of the Match oar with C38 ahead of the Rapids' home opener with FC Dallas. Striker Rafael Navarro went on to earn the oar after securing a brace in the 3-3 draw.
Defender and captain Keegan Rosenberry receiving a 'Rosie the Riveter'-themed oar from C38 after the Rapids' match with Portland on March 22.
UCHealth volunteer therapy dog Budge presenting the Man of the Match oar with C38 before the Rapids' afternoon match with Charlotte FC on March 29. Djordje Mihailovic went on to accept the oar after notching a brace in the 2-0 victory.
Djordje Mihailovic and Colorado Water Trust Executive Director Kate Ryan with the Man of the Match oar prior to the Rapids' match with San Diego on April 12. Striker Darren Yapi went on to receive the oar after notching a goal in the 3-2 victory.
Djordje Mihailovic receiving the Man of the Match oar after scoring in the Rapids' draw with Seattle on April 26.
Striker Darren Yapi receiving the Man of the Match oar following the Rapids' match with San Jose Earthquakes on May 10.
Goalkeeper Nico Hansen accepting his first Man of the Match oar after helping the Rapids to a Rocky Mountain Cup shutout on May 17.
Striker Darren Yapi accepting the oar from C38 after securing the lone goal in the Rapids' victory over St. Louis CITY SC on May 24.
Goalkeeper Nico Hansen accepting his Man of the Match oar after the Rapids' match with Austin FC on June 7.
Djordje Mihailovic presenting the oar with C38 before the Rapids' June 25 match with LA Galaxy. Mihailovic would go on to be awarded the oar himself after scoring in the 2-0 victory.
Djordje Mihailovic presenting the oar with C38 prior to the Rapids' contest with Orlando City. Defender Andreas Maxsø would eventually earn the oar for his performance in the match.
Captain Keegan Rosenberry presenting the Man of the Match oar with C38 ahead on July 4. Midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro would later accept the oar for his performance in the contest with Sporting Kansas City.
Djordje Mihailovic receiving the oar after contributing three assists in the Rapids' 3-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps on July 12.
Defender Andreas Maxsø and Jordan Angeli presenting the Man of the Match Oar ahead of the Rapids' Leagues Cup match with Santos Laguna. Striker Rafael Navarro would earn the oar after securing a brace in the victory.
Newly-acquired defender Rob Holding presenting the Man of the Match oar before the Rapids' Leagues Cup contest with Club Tijuana. Striker Darren Yapi would go on to receive the oar for his performance in the match.
Striker Rafael Navarro accepting the Man of the Match oar after securing a brace in the Rapids' 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on August 16.
Newly-signed DP Paxten Aaronson accepting his first Man of the Match honor after helping secure the Rapids' 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo on September 13.
Defender and newcomer Rafael Santos receiving his first Man of the Match oar after scoring in the Rapids' draw with Minnesota United on September 27.