TicketsOct. 24, 2005
by Becky Hart, Sports Communications Student Assistant
It has taken 24 years and thousands of miles, but men's soccer player Ewan Blair has made it to Cincinnati. From St. Catherine, Jamaica to junior college and St. John's University, and finally to UC, Blair has covered plenty of ground on and off the field.
Like many Jamaicans, soccer has been a part of Blair's life since birth. He was playing soccer competitively by age eight and, between his hometown and his family, the defender had little choice but to develop a love for the sport.
"I was born in a soccer community and a soccer family," said Blair. "My dad had his own team. He was a manager."
Following graduation from high school, Blair opted for college in the United States. He attended Bryant and Stratton Junior College as a way to get in the door.
"Right after I graduated from high school, the junior college coach contacted me and that was an easier way out to get into college," said Blair. "College was always the dream."
In his first year, he helped his team to a national championship and was named to the all-tournament team, an achievement he repeated the next season.
Blair's success took him to St. John's, which he chose for its location near his family in New York. "That was the main reason I went to St. John's, but St. John's just didn't work out," said Blair, who was quick to explain that the desire to transfer was no one's fault. "I just didn't fit into the program, and there was Cincinnati -- final destination."
When Blair chose to become a Bearcat, it was the realization of one of his early aspirations. "Cincinnati was one of the first schools I really heard about and I wanted to come here," said Blair. His short time at Cincinnati has been a successful one thus far. In 2004, he was named an All-Conference USA third team honoree after starting all 19 games as a defender.
Now as a senior, Blair has become someone who his teammates look to for direction, both literally and figuratively. As a central defender, his position on the field enables him to see the plays developing in front of him.
"I'm looked at as one of the leaders, not only as one of the older guys, but as the guy who carries the communication on the field during the game," explained Blair. "I make sure the people on the field around me and in front of me are doing things correctly."
Blair and his teammates seem to be doing a lot of things correctly this season. The Bearcats have pulled off several upsets, including a win over the top-ranked team in the country at the time, Connecticut. The accomplishments don't come as a big surprise to Blair, although he is glad that the team has had "more ups than downs" throughout the year. "We've worked hard and prepared for the success since January and now it's time to let all the hard work pay off," he said.
As Blair gets his final year at UC underway, he is faced with what to do after graduation. Being an international student creates the interesting obstacle of having to get a green card or work permit to remain in the U.S. Staying in the country is something Blair would like to do, but he hasn't ruled anything out.
"I'd sure like to stay here and play professionally or get a job somewhere," said Blair, "but at the same time, I can leave going back home as an option." Going back to Jamaica would open the door for him to play for his own country and be with his family again. "Most of my family is in Jamaica, so going back could never be a bad thing."
Blair has enjoyed his time in the U.S.and he and his family are impressed with what he has achieved while in Cincinnati. "It's a pleasure being here at UC," said Blair. "UC has helped me change so much in a positive way. I hope I can share what I've learned here in America, not only at UC, but at the previous schools, to the younger kids, especially back home."