Cummings explodes in MLS

When discussing the great athletes from the University of Cincinnati, the name Omar Cummings must be included.

Not too many people would disagree with that statement from Hylton Dayes, the UC men’s soccer coach. After all, he knows Cummings very well.

“He was a man among boys when he was here,” Dayes said. “He is easily one of the most explosive players in the league now.”

Cummings left his mark on the field as a two-time NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region first-team member, unanimous first-team All-Big East selection and he ranks fifth in UC history with 16 assists. His 42 career points, set him just outside the top-10.

Dayes pulled the star player from Jamaica in 2003 hoping he would join his college team. After two years at Cincinnati State Community College, Cummings finally appeared on the UC roster.

“He’s very driven, very adaptable,” Dayes said. “It’s not an easy transition to go from Jamaica to Cincinnati, and he had to go it on his own.”

But anticipating change is nothing new for Cummings.

“From learning, I guess the American-type game, and to change from coach to coach, it teaches you to always adapt to your environment,” Cummings said. “You change, the team changes, the coach changes. It does really open my mind to what’s next in the game because there is nothing really consistent there.”

Although hampered by minor injuries this season, Cummings must focus on the final push into the playoffs.

“The focus level is that much greater,” Cummings said. “This is not only something you love and want to do, but this is your livelihood: this is your paycheck.”

His ties to UC are still strong. He keeps in touch with players, especially the current seniors who were only freshmen when Cummings picked up his Bearcat jersey. His former coach, Dayes, is more of a friend now, text messaging and e-mailing each other to remain up-to-date.

“He’s not only a phenomenal player and tremendous athlete, but a great person,” Dayes said. “He’s very humble and relates to everyone.”

His smooth transfer to UC placed him at the top of the team. Former teammate, Kenny Anaba, fell into sync with Cummings almost immediately. Dayes refers to them as lightening and thunder.

“Kenny would be working off of me and I’d get the ball and distribute more or less,” Cummings said. “He’s a real big presence there, but didn’t quite have the same role as Casey Conor.”

Conor joins Cummings as forward on the Colorado Rapids Reserves currently with 16 goals and Cummings with eight.

The Rapids finish the 30-game season at Real Salt Lake on Saturday, Oct. 24, to determine their place in the playoffs.

Fully committed to the MLS team, Cummings cannot picture himself playing for any other
U.S. team.

“I’m open for experiences and you want to play at the top level in whatever sports you’re playing,” Cummings said. “I’ve had some success but I’ll definitely look into taking it to the highest level and, providing that we get into the playoffs this year,
the championship.”

Recently married and looking for the right time to complete his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Cummings enjoys his success day by day.

“I think he’s just now breaking through,” Dayes said. “The best is yet to come for him.”