Having made the transition from college football to rugby, Monte Gaddis is in the right place playing a sport he loves.
Chrissie Wellington once said, “Some sessions are stars, and some sessions are stones, but in the end, they are all rocks, and we build upon them.” Well, one thing which everyone should keep in mind is that every athlete is an individual. As such, a trainer/coach should never burden an athlete with their thought process. Instead, they should gain an insight into the individual and then deduce a coaching plan applicable to that individual.
TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka caught up with Monte Gaddis, a Cleveland native and a Defensive Captain/MVP at Towson University before he ventured overseas to play for the Gdynia Seahawks.
Monte in action
Ravi: Thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview, Monte. How do you define athletics, and what do you most enjoy about being a professional athlete?
Monte: First off, I want to thank you for contacting me for the interview and Mike Morris for the connection. I like to define athletics as a kind of art, sort of like poetry in motion. You get out of it what you put in, so I make sure I put 110% into everything I do. The part I love about being a professional athlete is the fans! Especially in Rugby League, the fans can help you win or lose a game. I also love that I get to play at the highest level of Rugby League in the USA.
Ravi: You started your career as a middle linebacker in football and then transformed into a rugby player. Talk us through the process and transformation.
Monte: Well, after getting cut by the Iowa Barnstormers (Indoor Football League), the Toronto Wolfpack gave me a tryout of a lifetime. After going to three Rugby League tryouts around North America, I was chosen with 17 other trialists to fly over to the United Kingdom to grind for a professional contract. The Wolfpack heard of my story with the Cleveland Browns, and my college film also opened some eyes.
Ravi: Who were your idols and heroes growing up in the U.S.? Was there anyone outside football and rugby you idolized?
Monte Gaddis
Monte: My idols growing up were Jim Brown, Jay-Z, Bruce Lee, and LaDainian Tomlinson. Outside of sports, I can say my mother (Sytoya West-Wingfield) has shown me (and still is) how to grind, be determined, stay disciplined, and always have faith no matter the situation.
Ravi: Being a professional athlete isn’t easy. What’s especially challenging?
Monte: There is nothing easy about being a professional athlete or you would see more people doing it. The sacrifices, injuries, early morning and late-night gym sessions are never easy to deal with. It takes the right, focused individual to be a modern professional athlete. That said, while it is challenging in the beginning, once you learn the ins and outs (like anything else in life) it becomes easier.
Ravi: You’ve played with a variety of teammates over the years. Do you have a few favorites among them?
Monte: I love all of the teammates with whom I’ve played, but, yes, I have a few favorites, including Rajko of Red Star Belgrade, Brett Turner of Shaw Cross (Coach), James and Daniel of Amsterdam Cobras, and every one of Cleveland Rugby League. We are still working on having more team bonding moments with Cleveland Rugby League. It’s always a good time at training or touch sessions.
Ravi: If I have to ask you about your highlights in your professional career, what would you list out?
Monte: Being able to travel the world is a highlight in my life. Just from sports alone, I have traveled to over ten countries, and I’ve made lifelong friends.
Ravi: Drew Darbyshire for the Love Rugby League has written about you as the pioneer of the Cleveland Rugby League.
Monte: My goal is to bring a new vibe to the city of Cleveland, and I feel that I am the special person for that. I’ve shown the world my journey to make it easier for people to love the sport. I want to show the world how Americans can play. Also, it’s for the neighborhoods with low income to have another outlet.
Ravi: Do you participate in any other sport, recreation, or fitness activities?
Monte: I love to train younger athletes and prepare them for the next level, which I didn’t have growing up. A game of chess also helps me slow my day down and focus.
Little Rockers
Ravi: How do you see modern-day rugby at the grassroots level?
Monte: The overall goal is to have more kids of all ages, genders, and ethnicities have a Rugby League ball in their hands. Doing that will change the narrative and make Rugby League a Top 3 sport in the USA.
Ravi: I know you are high on having a solid academic foundation outside of sports.
Monte: Yes, that is very important because that knowledge will last forever. Rugby League and your athletic ability will not.
Ravi: If I ask you to pick the greatest Rugby XIII, who would they be?
Monte: Billy Slater or Johnathan Thurston
Ravi: What is your philosophy in sports and life, and where do you see yourself in the years up ahead?
Monte: Make every day your masterpiece. I can see myself being a mogul in the Rugby League community as a coach, author, trainer, player, and fan. And always remember that SLOW FEET DON’T EAT!!!
Ravi: Lastly, what message would you give to the younger generation about ethics and character?
Monte: Character and ethics will take you places money can’t. It’s food for thought.
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- Instagram @MonteGaddis
- @clevelandrugbyleague @gaddisguidance
- Twitter @MonteGaddis
- YouTube
