During today's interview I will be speaking with the San Juan Cabelleros field goal kicker and kickoff specialist. Kicky McBallstriker.
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Q. Kicky, you have had a pretty solid season so far. What do you attribute that to?
A. I think the secret to my recent success has been my dedication in how I play and practice. There isn't a game where I've thought "I could have given a little more for the team." I've given my best in every game, and it has paid off.
Q. The Cabelleros are sitting in fourth place in the alpha conference. How do you think you'll finish?
A. Our final three games of the season should be straight forward, so we'll finish the season playing strongly. I think either 3rd or 4th place will be our final finishing place.
Q. Would you say that you will guarantee the playoffs for the Cabs this year?
A. Without a doubt, we'll be in the playoffs. The Cabs simply would(n't) accept any less, and neither would I. I also think we will be carrying home (field) advantage in to the first playoff game, which is good for everyone involved...as the home fans want to see us play as much as possible.
Q. Do you like your chances of moving up to a higher league next season?
A. I feel that the Pro League is where this team belongs, and we have as much chance as any of the other "big" teams of making it to the big time. I managed to get a game in the South America Pro League at the end of the season 1, and it was a tough test, but I thouroughly enjoyed it. Everyone wants to play in the highest league they can, and I'm no exception to that.
Q. Now that the owner of the Cabs has extended for another few seasons do you think that your success will continue?
A. I see no reason why not. The owner has built a solid foundation for long term success. He has a roster of dedicated and motivated players, and our stadium is second to none. We have everything we need in place to make sure (we) achieve our full potential.
Q. What do you think of that defense?
A. What can I say...those guys are as tough as nails. It's not a glamourous part of the game, and it's not something I would enjoy doing, but it's absolutely vital to the success of any team and I respect them a lot for the the way they play.
Q. Would you say that between you and Bassy Jano that the Cabs have the best kicking tandem in the league?
A. I think that Bassy is the best Punter in the league, no question. We spend a lot of time together both on and off the field, so I get to see his skill first hand. And he has bags of it. I think i've been the weaker of the tandem...and there are plenty of skilful kickers in the league competing with me. But as long as I keep applying myself on the pitch, I'll get as good as Bassy.
Q. The Cabs switched quarterbacks in game 2 and traded away their previous starter for an untested rookie. What was your initial thoughts on this?
A. At first, I was a little cautious about that decision. Our starting QB was progressing nicely, and we won our opening game comfortably. However, I have complete faith in the owner's decisions. He knows exactly where this team is at, and where there needs to be improvement. With hindsight, it's been a great trade. John Cash has had some outstanding games this season, with multiple awards to his name.
Q. I've heard a few of the Cabs defensive players aren't happy with their starting time. What do you know about that?
A. Unfortunately, not everyone can start every game. But backup players can come fresh off the bench and go up against tired opponents. It is vital to have a strong, unified squad, but there will be plenty of time for the current backups to make themselves noticed, and secure a starting spot.
Q. If the Cabs win the title this year, then where will you go?
A. I'll be going to the Pro League with the best team around. The San Juan Caballeros.
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Kicky McBallstriker is the field goal and kickoff specialist for the San Juan Cabelleros.
------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Kicky, you have had a pretty solid season so far. What do you attribute that to?
A. I think the secret to my recent success has been my dedication in how I play and practice. There isn't a game where I've thought "I could have given a little more for the team." I've given my best in every game, and it has paid off.
Q. The Cabelleros are sitting in fourth place in the alpha conference. How do you think you'll finish?
A. Our final three games of the season should be straight forward, so we'll finish the season playing strongly. I think either 3rd or 4th place will be our final finishing place.
Q. Would you say that you will guarantee the playoffs for the Cabs this year?
A. Without a doubt, we'll be in the playoffs. The Cabs simply would(n't) accept any less, and neither would I. I also think we will be carrying home (field) advantage in to the first playoff game, which is good for everyone involved...as the home fans want to see us play as much as possible.
Q. Do you like your chances of moving up to a higher league next season?
A. I feel that the Pro League is where this team belongs, and we have as much chance as any of the other "big" teams of making it to the big time. I managed to get a game in the South America Pro League at the end of the season 1, and it was a tough test, but I thouroughly enjoyed it. Everyone wants to play in the highest league they can, and I'm no exception to that.
Q. Now that the owner of the Cabs has extended for another few seasons do you think that your success will continue?
A. I see no reason why not. The owner has built a solid foundation for long term success. He has a roster of dedicated and motivated players, and our stadium is second to none. We have everything we need in place to make sure (we) achieve our full potential.
Q. What do you think of that defense?
A. What can I say...those guys are as tough as nails. It's not a glamourous part of the game, and it's not something I would enjoy doing, but it's absolutely vital to the success of any team and I respect them a lot for the the way they play.
Q. Would you say that between you and Bassy Jano that the Cabs have the best kicking tandem in the league?
A. I think that Bassy is the best Punter in the league, no question. We spend a lot of time together both on and off the field, so I get to see his skill first hand. And he has bags of it. I think i've been the weaker of the tandem...and there are plenty of skilful kickers in the league competing with me. But as long as I keep applying myself on the pitch, I'll get as good as Bassy.
Q. The Cabs switched quarterbacks in game 2 and traded away their previous starter for an untested rookie. What was your initial thoughts on this?
A. At first, I was a little cautious about that decision. Our starting QB was progressing nicely, and we won our opening game comfortably. However, I have complete faith in the owner's decisions. He knows exactly where this team is at, and where there needs to be improvement. With hindsight, it's been a great trade. John Cash has had some outstanding games this season, with multiple awards to his name.
Q. I've heard a few of the Cabs defensive players aren't happy with their starting time. What do you know about that?
A. Unfortunately, not everyone can start every game. But backup players can come fresh off the bench and go up against tired opponents. It is vital to have a strong, unified squad, but there will be plenty of time for the current backups to make themselves noticed, and secure a starting spot.
Q. If the Cabs win the title this year, then where will you go?
A. I'll be going to the Pro League with the best team around. The San Juan Caballeros.
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Kicky McBallstriker is the field goal and kickoff specialist for the San Juan Cabelleros.
