GB Student Lions Interviews: Running Back Adam Hope

Name: Adam Hope
University: Loughborough
GB Number: 30

Hope (centre) carries the ball during a drill c/o Bec Edwards

DC: First off, congratulations on being named to the travelling squad for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program vs Sweden Students. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying to trial to now?

It has been an extremely enjoyable process from the very start, through the initial application and the following trials being able to test and prove myself among the best University players has been a great experience, and to be a part of the travelling squad among those players is a fantastic feeling.

DC: With the relatively short period of time between trials and going to Sweden, with limited training which has been affected by the weather, how have preparations gone going into Saturday’s game? 

Despite limited practice time together as a team I feel that preparation has been great for the game. There has been a huge buzz about the entire program and that has helped motivate the team to put in a lot of hard work outside of the classroom and field, be that in the gym or ensuring they fully understand the playbook. 

The Coaches have been available to contact throughout and have done an excellent job in answering our questions and providing feedback from practice film. I feel as ready for Saturday as ever.

GB Student Lions Interviews: Defensive End Lloyd Scott

Name: Lloyd Scott

University: Portsmouth

GB Number: 99

Lloyd (#99) is put through his paces by asst Linebacker Coach Fabrizio Gargiulo

DC: First off, congratulations on being named to the travelling squad for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program vs Sweden Students. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying to trial to now?

The selection process has been tough with so many quality players applying, there where over 40 guys trying to get 5 D line-men spots so competition has been massive. But it has been amazing to be a part of, the process was very professional and unlike anything I have done before.

DC: With the relatively short period of time between trials and going to Sweden, with limited training which has been affected by the weather, how have preparations gone going into Saturday’s game? 

The progression of the team has been incredibly quick considering barriers such as time, and weather. The coaches have done an amazing job on installation. You could see the progression every session the team had, even differences between a morning session followed by the afternoons.

GB Student Lions Interviews: Defensive Coordinator Pete Laird

First of all, check out our previous interviews:

QB Coach Ryan Baker
Safety David Saul
Tight End Rob Cartwright

Defensive Coordinator Pete Laird (right) with Head Coach Wayne Hill c/o Bec Edwards

DC: First off, congratulations on being one of the coaches for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying, to trial, to now?

As soon as I heard the program was up and running I knew I wanted to be involved. I have served as a player and a coach with GB student programs previously and know what a valuable learning experience they are.

They really push you to be a better coach and you can learn so much from everyone involved. Once I knew Wayne was going to be Head Coach I knew the program would be excellent from top to bottom and fired my application in straight away. I feel truly honored to be selected as the D-Co for this game.