Gladiators Training Camp: Q & A with Coach Barto
February 22, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Las Vegas Gladiators Head Coach Danton Barto answers some tough questions regarding the past few weeks of training camp and looks into the future as the season opener is only three weeks away.
Q: What are you most pleased with about the past two weeks of camp??
A: I have been pleased with the work ethic and attitude of this team. The coaching staff has really pushed this team extremely hard and the players have responded every day to the challenge. Also this team has a desire to learn and become the best team they can.
Q: Who has been the biggest surprise??
A: The biggest surprise on offense I would have to say has been Joe Douglass. Joe comes out every day and works his tail off. On defense I would have to say the biggest surprise is Karon Riley. I knew he was a good football player but he has been unblockable all camp.
Q: What are some of the areas you think you need to address the most in preparation for the first game??
A: We need to get more consistent on offense as a whole. We come out some days and look like a very good football team and other days we look average at best. The last few days though I can see us turning the corner.
Q: What concerns do you have about going against Austin who was 10-6 last season and being on the road the first two games?
A: I think that Austin is going to be a very strong football team. They are a team that has a lot of good veteran players and added a lot of good new arena talent. It will be a great test for us right out of the shoot. Also being on the road the first two weeks is very difficult to a young team. We have been telling our players all camp long that these first two weeks will be crucial to our success.
Q: How do you feel Shaun King is adjusting?
A: I believe that the switch finally turned on for Shaun today. He went out and led our team to a scoring drive in our first team period. Also he made a lot of great decisions and made some throws that I have been waiting for all camp. At the intra-squad scrimmage Tuesday, Shaun turned it up.
Q: How do you feel about Steve Azar and the kicking situation??
A: Steven has been with me a long time and made an awful lot of clutch kicks. I know Steven will get the job done.
Training camp will continue through Saturday, February 24th. Today, February 22nd only one practice will be held in the afternoon at 2:00pm outside the Orleans Arena.
The Gladiators will kickoff their 5th season on the road March 4th against the Austin Wranglers at 1pm. Season tickets for the 2007 Las Vegas Gladiators home schedule are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Gladiators office at 702-731-4977.
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