Welcome to “We are Common”, our series where we showcase members of the Lansing Common community. In this feature, we introduce you to Westen Shelton.
How long have you lived in the Lansing area, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have lived in the Lansing area for about 5 years. I’m originally from the metro Detroit area. I like the city feel but on a small scale. There’s a good amount to do in town, but it’s not as crowded and hectic. It’s also a very friendly area and I’ve been able to meet a lot of great people since moving here.
What was the moment or team that got you invested in Lansing soccer?
I went to my first Lansing United game in 2018. I remember being sucked in by the energy The Ransom (Lansing United supporters) had throughout the game. I was fully bought in after the Milk Cup semifinals, which still remains one of the craziest games I’ve ever seen.
Lansing Ignite got me even more invested in Lansing soccer with the exciting team and great group of guys they put on the field.
What made you want to become a member of Lansing Common FC and what do you view as your role with the club as a member?
With the group of people that were looking to start this team, I knew it would be done right, and I knew I would want to be involved. I’m very passionate about the Lansing area having their own men’s team, as I believe there are many like me that will get stuck in with the sport when they have a team to see live and call their own within their own community.
I host the podcast “The Robin Needed a Podcast,” which I hope allows people to feel more connected with the team as it forms. I also have experience running some podcast social media pages, so I have been helping with team social media.
What is something important that the team needs to do to be as successful as we want it to be?
I think the board has mostly set up this team to succeed as best they can. From here, I think it’s on us as fans to evangelize to our friends and family and get them involved. Lansing Common likely won’t have any real marketing budget, so it’s on us to spread the word and make this as big as I think it could be.
Where do you see Lansing Common FC in 5 years?
I think by that point, if we all do our part, it will be an integral part of the Lansing community, and hopefully on the path to even bigger and better things.
If you would like to be featured on a future “We are Common”, please head here to submit your answers to these questions and upload a picture. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the many who are “common”.
