Get to know: Don Rheinheimer, Schalke 04 St. Louis Founder

How did you become a Schalke fan? What was the first game you ever watched?
I started watching Schalke in 2008 – there were some very fun players in that team, especially Manuel Neuer, who I loved. They were a couple of fantastic teams early in my support of Schalke, challenging in the DFB Pokal and Europe. I think the game that sealed the deal for me was the 5-2 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League in 2011. Having Schalke go away to the San Siro – especially when Inter were a big deal in Europe – and ending their run in that competition was the defining moment of my fandom.

What’s it like supporting Schalke in St. Louis? How did you start your own fan group?
Saint Louis is a secret soccer hotbed – it always has been. We’ve had a fair amount of people go through to the National Team, we’re a soccer city. Having a German heritage and not having a lot of professional teams in the area, it led me to look abroad for a team to support. I typically watch the German National Team, so that’s what led me to first seeing Schalke in action.

As far as starting supporter’s club – I really think the club found out about me because of how many online purchases I had at the team store! I have so many items of merchandise – when I was a teacher, I wore my Schalke sweatshirt every day, draped a scarf over my computer. I was  a walking advertisement board for the club – everyone knew I was a Schalke fan.

They sent a representative down to our bar to talk to me and a few of friends that came to watch games with me. They were crucial in putting on our first official event – the 4-4 Revierderby a few years ago. The club has been incredibly helpful in pounding the pavement with us – growing person by person, getting themselves known locally. They help us put on events, give us merchandise, and so many incredible things. It’s just grown naturally from there, and it’s so incredible to be a part of.

What makes your home bar – Amsterdam Tavern – special?
It’s one of the most special soccer bars I’ve ever seen – even by European standards. Some guys from Bayern have come by for games and even they are amazed by the place – they claim they have nothing like it in Germany. It’s such a cool place – the atmosphere, the people that work there. Even the supporters of rival teams are so friendly and welcoming. We all cooperate to make it the best soccer bar we can be. Even the Dortmund guys have brought food and drinks to Revierderby mornings! There’s not many bars like this that are so supportive.

What do you love about the club, what makes it special?
It’s a working man’s club, through and through. St. Louis is a working man’s city, and Schalke’s ethos truly resonates with a lot of people in this city. Sports are something that hardworking people latch onto when they come home very night, and it’s their release. The mentality of FC Schalke 04 rings very true with those type of people. Through the struggles and good times alike, that’s why we’re here.

What is your favorite Schalke 04 game that you have watched?
There’s a few that stand out to me. Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League in 2016 is a classic, of course. The 2011 DFB-Pokal final was an incredible watch as well – a 5-0 victory in a cup final is a great feeling. I really enjoyed our pink jersey that year as well – I might be in the minority on that one, but it was a fun one to see.

Who is your favorite player that has played for Schalke?
I really latched on Benedikt Höwedes. He was truly one of my favorites – there’s few players that have ever symbolized the club as well as he did in his time at Schalke. Manuel Neuer was one of my favorites in his time in Gelsenkirchen as well – maybe because I’m a striker I can appreciate the last lines of defense!

Why do you recommend people support Schalke?
Just the sheer number of supporters combined with their passion – it’s hard to beat. It is such an embodiment of the working-class man. When they’re done with their hard day – a community latches onto something. They struggle together, they succeed together – and they get through everything if they stick together. They persevere. That’s what Schalke is like.