posted Oct 6th, 2005 - The NSL News interviewed DeLand Fire member Gary Smith after landing from round three during the USPA Nationals 2005. This live interview was a part of the NSL News story on September 5. An interview with DeLand Fire and PD Factory Team member Ian Bobo in the NSL News story on September 8 offered additional feedback directly from the new USPA 4-way champion and US national team.

The NSL News still has not followed up yet with a performance and meet evaluation directly provided by DeLand Fire. DeLand Fire's point, Gary Smith, visited the NSL office today and took the time for another live interview with NSL News reporter Kurt Gaebel.

Gary Smith has recently been coaching the Norwegian 4-way team Arcteryx and offered his insights from the coaching perspective after Arcteryx' 18.8 performance last weekend in DeLand. He also competed with the DeLand YaYa Sisters and talked about his job as the center inside.

The NSL News was mostly interested in Gary's review of the USPA Nationals 2005 where his team won the gold medals and qualified as the new US national 4-way team. He explains how DeLand Fire went through the ups and downs of the 3-day competition in Perris.

The interview goes further back to the very beginning of the 2005 season, as well, and Gary Smith explained how DeLand Fire became stronger and stronger meet by meet. DeLand Fire competed at the FSL Shamrock Showdown 2005, the Malevsky Cup 2005, the German Nationals 2005 and then at the USPA Nationals 2005.

Next step for his team is the World Cup 2005, and Gary Smith explains the difficulties how to accommodate individual agendas, thoughts and feelings in preparation for the international competition. He also elaborates on Pete Allum's situation with the Italian national team Sinapsi PD.

Last not least, Gary Smith talks about the partnership with his DeLand Fire piece partner, Natasha Montgomery. Gary Smith has the Center Outside position as his A-Slot, while Natasha Montgomery flies the Point position.

The whole interview can now be viewed by clicking here.