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The OSC Interview: New York Dragons QB Aaron Garcia

by Fran Stuchbury
January 23, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons


OSC Correspondent Fran Stuchbury had the opportunity to talk to New York Dragons starting quarterback Aaron Garcia prior to the team's recent scrimmage against the Philadelphia Soul at the Wachovia Spectrum. Garcia is entering his 13th season in the AFL. Last season with the Dragons Garcia passed for 4,112 yards, 90 TD's and 13 INT's. He was named last week as one of the Top 20 players in AFL history, coming in at number eleven.

Fran Stuchbury: Are you happy the New York Dragons re-signed most of the weapons you had on offense last season?

Aaron Garcia: Definitely, I was very pleased. Actually when they brought in some players I played with in the past, now being in the same system for a year with offensive coordinator Tony Kimbrough's offense, with him returning, we feel comfortable with that and it's a great feeling.

FS: What's the status of offensive specialist Kevin Swayne? Is he still injury prone or will he stay healthy this season?

AG: We're going keep him healthy. The AFL is a rough sport. It's a demanding sport. I think the transition of him coming back from the NFL to the Arena League is a big transition. I think having that year under his belt, knowing how to train again during the off-season, he looks really good right now and we're looking forward to him having a big year.

FS: How do you like playing under head coach Weylan Harding? What does he bring to the table as a coach?

AG: I love it. He brings energy, he's young, he's aggressive and he is a fighter. That's how he was when he played the game and that's what he's trying to pass on to us as a team.

FS: How did you feel about making the Top 20 list of AFL players of all-time?

AG: It was pretty cool. Just looking at that list and knowing some of the guys that could have made it, should have made it and didn't. Guys that I have been able to watch and play with and against. It was a definite honor.

FS: Do you think the EA Sports video game will help the AFL grow and become more popular?

AG: I hope so. I feel like we're on the verge of either really blowing up or maybe taking a step back, so hopefully there's little things like that, with us going out on the field and putting out a good product, will do a lot for the league.

FS: What's your impression of Dragons owner Charles Wang? Is he a good person to deal with?

AG: He's a great person to deal with. I know he has his hands full and a lot of things on his plate. I'm not exactly sure where we fit into that mix. He's been a great owner and that is the only reason I went to New York and have been away from California where I'm from for this long.

FS: After your playing career is over do you have any interest in going into coaching?

AG: We'll see. I love coaching. I feel like a coach sometimes both on and off the field already and that's a definite option, but right now I'm not thinking about those days. I'm going keep playing as long as I can and keep enjoying what I do.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 23, 2006


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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