Post by Kasey on Oct 15, 2013 18:06:59 GMT -8
On October 8, Portland's new Arena Football League team announced that Utah Blaze offensive coordinator Matthew Sauk would be taking on the head coaching duties for its new team.
Sauk is no stranger to arena league play. The former Utah St. quarterback has enjoyed an eight-year playing career, followed by five seasons as an assistant coach, including the past three seasons with Utah.
Sauk began his college career at Orange Coast College in Southern California before transferring to Utah St. A two-year starter for the Aggies, Sauk led the team to the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl while earning second-team all Big Western Conference honors.
His arena career includes accolades AF2 rookie of the year (while with the Nashville Kats) and AF2 offensive player of the year in 2005 (while with the Louisville Fire). As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, he helped guide the Spokane Shock to the Arena Bowl championship in 2010. He was named AFL Assistant Coach of the year in 2011 and in 2012 with the Blaze.
photo courtesy matthewsauk.com
In an exclusive to Sports Coast to Coast, Coach Sauk took some time to answer just a few of my questions.
MKM: What were your thoughts when you first heard Portland may be obtaining an AFL franchise?
Coach Sauk: “I was excited because I knew Portland would be a great situation to be involved in.”
MKM: Now that you've become head coach, could you describe what is involved in preparing for training camp, as well as getting ready for the season?
Coach Sauk: “Right now, we are in the recruiting phase of the offseason. (Director of Player Personnel) Michael DiJulio and I are scouting talent across the country, looking for players that we believe will fit our system. So far, I believe we have found those players. We bring 35 players into camp and right now we have 14 under contract, so we have plenty of spots to fill by the time training camp opens in March.”
MKM: How would you describe the difference from coaching a team with returning players compared to starting from scratch with a brand new team?
Coach Sauk: “Players that have experience do not need to be taught the basics of Arena Football. They understand the rules and how to play the game. Rookies don't know the rules yet and really don’t understand the angles or how to attack people arena-style.“
MKM: Now that the team is beginning to build the roster, at which point do you see the team begin to take shape and how do you envision these guys in the style you plan for this team to play?
Coach Sauk: “I really do like what we have put together so far. Every guy we have signed has great character and when you watch their film, they play fast, hard and finish. We want guys that do those three things every time they are on the field.”
MKM: About which part(s) of this process are you most excited as you head into your first season as a head coach?
Coach Sauk: “I am excited to step out on that field in the Moda Center with 17,000 screaming fans. I know it’s going to be deafening and I know the fans will love this game. I get goose bumps every time I think about that first home game.”
MKM: I've noticed you're very active on social media; how important do you think that is in drawing fan support?
Coach Sauk: “I like using social media so that the fans can stay informed and feel like they are a part of the process. I know there are downfalls to it, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives. I love our fans and can't wait until that first game.”
MKM: What would you like to tell fans about the process of building the team which they might not know?
Coach Sauk: “Building a team is basically convincing 35 players to trust someone whom they have never met with their future. It is pretty powerful when you think about it. Some guys are traveling across the country to a place they have never seen or read about to play a game because they believe in our program.”
Special thanks to Director of Player Personal and Communications Michael DiJulio for arranging this exchange.
Sauk is no stranger to arena league play. The former Utah St. quarterback has enjoyed an eight-year playing career, followed by five seasons as an assistant coach, including the past three seasons with Utah.
Sauk began his college career at Orange Coast College in Southern California before transferring to Utah St. A two-year starter for the Aggies, Sauk led the team to the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl while earning second-team all Big Western Conference honors.
His arena career includes accolades AF2 rookie of the year (while with the Nashville Kats) and AF2 offensive player of the year in 2005 (while with the Louisville Fire). As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, he helped guide the Spokane Shock to the Arena Bowl championship in 2010. He was named AFL Assistant Coach of the year in 2011 and in 2012 with the Blaze.
In an exclusive to Sports Coast to Coast, Coach Sauk took some time to answer just a few of my questions.
MKM: What were your thoughts when you first heard Portland may be obtaining an AFL franchise?
Coach Sauk: “I was excited because I knew Portland would be a great situation to be involved in.”
MKM: Now that you've become head coach, could you describe what is involved in preparing for training camp, as well as getting ready for the season?
Coach Sauk: “Right now, we are in the recruiting phase of the offseason. (Director of Player Personnel) Michael DiJulio and I are scouting talent across the country, looking for players that we believe will fit our system. So far, I believe we have found those players. We bring 35 players into camp and right now we have 14 under contract, so we have plenty of spots to fill by the time training camp opens in March.”
MKM: How would you describe the difference from coaching a team with returning players compared to starting from scratch with a brand new team?
Coach Sauk: “Players that have experience do not need to be taught the basics of Arena Football. They understand the rules and how to play the game. Rookies don't know the rules yet and really don’t understand the angles or how to attack people arena-style.“
MKM: Now that the team is beginning to build the roster, at which point do you see the team begin to take shape and how do you envision these guys in the style you plan for this team to play?
Coach Sauk: “I really do like what we have put together so far. Every guy we have signed has great character and when you watch their film, they play fast, hard and finish. We want guys that do those three things every time they are on the field.”
MKM: About which part(s) of this process are you most excited as you head into your first season as a head coach?
Coach Sauk: “I am excited to step out on that field in the Moda Center with 17,000 screaming fans. I know it’s going to be deafening and I know the fans will love this game. I get goose bumps every time I think about that first home game.”
MKM: I've noticed you're very active on social media; how important do you think that is in drawing fan support?
Coach Sauk: “I like using social media so that the fans can stay informed and feel like they are a part of the process. I know there are downfalls to it, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives. I love our fans and can't wait until that first game.”
MKM: What would you like to tell fans about the process of building the team which they might not know?
Coach Sauk: “Building a team is basically convincing 35 players to trust someone whom they have never met with their future. It is pretty powerful when you think about it. Some guys are traveling across the country to a place they have never seen or read about to play a game because they believe in our program.”
Special thanks to Director of Player Personal and Communications Michael DiJulio for arranging this exchange.
Graphic courtesy of David.
