|
Player Spotlight highlights the finer details and elements while supplying insight to the fans on what a player's thought process may be pertaining to a certain play, game or situation. It brings the intensity, passion, and inner most thoughts of the individual player that otherwise may not be felt or heard. |
03/01/03 Bill Greer - Columbus Landsharks Bill Greer of the Columbus Landsharks had a few words with PLPA Correspondent David W. Unkle following their 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Wings. Twice named the Labatt Blue Overall Player of the Week this season, along with being named NLL Defensive Player of the Week. | ||
 |
You are averaging almost 11 loose balls a game; what is the secret to your success? | |
 |
Well, I have to give credit to my teammate Rodney Tapp. He has come in this year and has done a great job on the face-offs for us, which makes it easier for me…we are young and we are fast… I'm not the biggest guy on defense but I seem to use my speed a little bit so I get to loose balls quicker. It's something that we pride ourselves with here. Loose balls and face-offs are how you win games.
| |
|
|
The Landsharks are 2nd in the NLL in loose balls; is that a focus of the team and do you see that as one of the reasons for the team's success this season? | |
|
|
I definitely think so, its key for us. We do loose ball drills in practice and we say before every game that if we win all the loose balls and face-offs, we're going to win the game. That is the key for us. | |
|
|
The team had a great start this season but then seemed to tail off as the season progressed; can you account for what happened? | |
|
|
We came out and had a great start. We're a young team and that start gave us a lot of confidence. We won some really close games which we didn't do last year. Offensively, we struggled with some low scoring games. Defensively, we're giving up transition goals and that's what has hurt us recently. Again, we're a young team and if the other team comes out and scores a few quick goals on us, we tend to get down on ourselves. That's what happened tonight against Philly. If we can get over these things, I think we have a good chance this season.
| |
|
|
Columbus seems to live and die with their special teams play (last in power play scoring and first in penalty killing). How do you explain such a dramatic difference? | |
|
|
We started off well on the power play but lately we struggled. Playing with a man down, we've played solid all year long and goalie Mike Miron's done a great job. I think a lot of credit has to go to the coaching staff. Before every game, we know who is on their power play and exactly what we have to do. We all have jobs to do when we're a man short. We're super-prepared and I think that helps.
| |
|
|
What can be done to spark home attendance and generate fan interest in lacrosse in Columbus? | |
|
|
We are trying to do all we can do…we all realize that the players have a responsibility in growing the team. We try and come down to the game early and do public appearances. We're doing radio and television appearances. Our home record is 4-1 right now and I think that once lacrosse catches on in Columbus, we'll be all right. It is awesome to play in front of large crowds like we had tonight here in Philly and we hope to have similar crowds in Columbus.
| |
|
|
A 1st round pick taken 9th overall in the draft, talk about your career with the Landsharks. | |
|
|
My first year in Columbus was amazing. Coming here, I was able to play in every game, which helped me develop my game and gain some confidence. We're a young team, we all get along and the team unity here is incredible. I think that is a big reason for our success.
| |
|
|
You grew up in Ontario, what other sports did you play? | |
|
|
I played hockey but growing up I was a die-hard lacrosse player. It is so hard to make it in hockey. When I was young, I concentrated on hockey. When I was 14 or 15, I switched to lacrosse. Growing up in the Whitby area of Ontario, lacrosse is huge. I had some great coaches through the system, which has helped me be successful at this level.
| |
|
|
What player do you emulate? | |
|
|
I would say Toronto's Jim Veltman is the player that I emulate the most. Growing up in Toronto, he is a player that I watched and I try to pattern my game after his.
| |
|
|
You play both field and box lacrosse; which version of lacrosse do you prefer? | |
|
|
Box lacrosse for sure…that is what we play all the time in Ontario and what we strive to excel at. The field lacrosse league is not as big but it is growing in popularity. The field game is really picking up and the competition is really improving.
| |
| PLPA Correspondent David W. Unkle is the host of The Topcat Sports Show airing on Philadelphia's Renaissance Radio Station, WNJC 1360-AM every Tuesday from 4:30-6:00PM (Eastern Time). The Topcat Sports Show is a personal interview style program that explores the world of professional sports that exists beyond the game. Join David W. Unkle as he delves into the lives and careers of a wide array of local, national, and international sports figures. David also is a Staff Writer for South Jersey Sports On-Line (www.SJSports.com) and Our Sports Central (www.oursportscentral.com). David is a former semi-professional football player and ice-hockey enthusiast, and covers the Philadelphia Wings (NLL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL), Philadelphia KiXX (MISL), and Philadelphia Charge (WUSA). You can write to David at: topcatsports@msn.com or topcat4469@comcast.net |
|