#83 Randy Staats (Photo Credit: Kyle Hess)
Randy Staats had a historic 2016 rookie campaign as he set a new rookie scoring record with 95 points en route to earning Rookie of the Year honors. The Syracuse product is off to a fast start again in 2017, tied with a team-high six goals. Georgia (2-0) will look to stay undefeated when it takes on the New England Black Wolves (0-2) Friday night at The Hive.
Q: We have seen the team start out on the right foot with a 2-0 start. What are your emotions like so far this season with the strong start?
A: I think that we are more relaxed than last season. I think that it was new to a lot of us at the beginning and throughout the year because a lot of us were new to the league. I think now we are more relaxed and calm. I do not think the 2-0 start means anything. The league is tough and anything can happen on any given week. We always have to come prepared and keep playing the way we are playing.
Q: We have seen the Swarm step-up on the field this year. We beat the two-time defending champions (Rush) and the runner-ups (Bandits) in the first two weeks of the season. Is this success foreshadowing for the remainder of the season?
A: I think the first two games mean something but I do not think they define our season. The only way we can define our season is by going out every week and working during the week, watching film, and taking care of our bodies. Then once Friday or Saturday comes we have to battle for each other.
Q: You have become what some professional athletes dream of: a bobble head. How does this feel?
A: It is cool. Never in my life have I thought about having my own bobblehead. It is somewhat different seeing me on a desk of someone in the office.
Q: You were a standout attackman at Syracuse University prior to your young NLL career. How has the transition from being a college athlete to a pro athlete opened your eyes?
A: I think when you are done with college you are more accountable. It is more on you to keep yourself in shape. In college, we had timeslots and mandatory practices we had to attend but now it is up to me to stay in shape and keep the stick in my hands.
Q: Last year, you were named the NLL's Rookie of the Year and set a new points record of 95 for all NLL rookies. What insight did your rookie season give you coming into your second season for the Swarm?
A: It made me more prepared. I know what to expect now rather than when I was a rookie. I think I am more relaxed.
Q: How did the locker room upgrades enhance the team’s attitude heading into game one?
A: Yeah, that was great. I mean they did the unveil last year and did the re-unveiling this year. Andy and John did a great job; It is what we needed. Obviously, the locker room is state of the art. It is one of the best in pro sports and the best in the NLL.
Q: Describing yourself or your performance can be a difficult task. I want to ask you to do that, what is one word to describe your performances thus far this season.
A: Calm.
#83 Randy Staats (Photo Credit: Kyle Hess)
