Hello there, Newburgh's Mike Roopchandsingh
By Justin Rodriguez (varsity845.com)September 16, 2008Newburgh Free Academy's Mike Roopchandsingh is a slick two-footed striker, capable of quick moves and pretty goals.
And Roopchandsingh, a senior, is also stylish off the field: Just check out his long, flowing black locks. For Roop, just like his game, his hair is a form of expression.
We talked to Roopchandsingh, who already has six goals and five assists this year, about his game and his hairdo.
So what happened to the Manny Ramirez braids you were sporting early in preseason? "I had to take them out. I like having my hair loose. Braids kind of mess up my flow."
I know it's all in good fun, but you seem to catch some flack from your teammates about your hair. "Yeah, I hear 'You look like a girl, cut your hair.' But everybody has their own style. This is my style."
Where do you get your style from? "
I like Ronaldinho. I just like how he plays, distributes the ball, his touch. His tricks. I also like Anderson (from Manchester United). I did the box braids like him."
Has an opponent ever tried to pull your hair during a game? "Yeah, not too often, but it has happened. I've gotten really mad about that. I was just like, 'Don't pull my hair.' That's something you just don't do."
What would it take for you to cut your hair? "Nothing, I'm never cutting it. I've had it for three years."
How about a state championship in exchange for a haircut? "No. I can't see myself doing it, I just can't."