STAIRING CONTEST. Larry Mboga at Eau Claire City Hall.

From FC to CC, Larry Mboga is leaving a mark on Eau Claire. Moving here from Kenya 27 years ago, he attended Augsburg College in the Twin Cities, where he played soccer and ran cross country and track. Last April, Larry was elected to the Eau Claire City Council. He is also a high school coach and playes on the Union FC soccer team. When he’s not rockin’ it in City Hall, you can find him on the soccer fields.

What’s your involvement with the local sports scene?

I coach high school cross country and track, I play on the Union FC soccer team, and I organize pickup soccer and basketball.

What place in town considers you a “regular”?

The soccer park.

Do you feel there is a connection between sports and politics/city council? 

Yes. Politics do impact sports both directly and indirectly. 

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley?

We don’t have a dome where people can play indoor soccer, football, baseball, track and field, etc., in the winter months.

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve ever had in the Chippewa Valley?

Playing soccer with people of other backgrounds, especially Hmong, Mexican, and people from all parts of the world.

What’s your favorite local festival?

International Fall Festival.

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to the other members of the City Council?

Mindset by Carol Dweck.

If you were on your death bed and you had to choose one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?

A chicken burrito (no cheese) from Burrito Xpress.

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area?

More affordable houses.

If you could rename Eau Claire with a different French name, what would it be?

“Bateau,” which means “Ship.”

Larry’s Shoutouts

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market. “I go there to buy fresh food that I can’t necessarily get in the stores.”

YMCA Indoor Sports Center. “It offers a lot of activities for both youth and adults, especially in winter.”

Chippewa River Trail. “It’s really nice for running and biking.”