Owner Spotlight: Top Kiefer
Next up in the owner spotlight, a realitive new comer on the sim football scene. Please Welcome Top Kiefer.
Give some of the background of who you are and why your history with football/sim sports will make you best owner in the WFL?
I grew up in the football focused South (East Tennessee) and an alum of two universities well know in the sport, Auburn and Tennessee. While I did not play football IRL beyond grade school, I have been going to high school, college, and pro games since the 80s. I have enjoyed football gaming since its inception, however I am still relatively new to the concept of simulation football. After participating for a short period, I realized that having my own organization would be a great deal of fun.
Why did you bring your WFL franchise to this market?
There is a history of Germans being fans of American football, especially around locations that are/were American Air Force bases. I have been lucky enough to visit Munich and spend time in Bavaria, and thought that would be an ideal location. I am also an intermediate speaker of German.
What was the inspiration for your team branding?
I have been a "Metalhead" since the early 90's, and played bass in a metal band in high school. I think football and metal are a lot alike in some ways.
Going into the draft, what kind of team are you trying to build?
I am really looking for a solid team atmosphere and making this a place where the players can enjoy their sim football experience.
What team are you most excited to face off against?
My fellow European team, Scotland. Between the their unicorn and our shoulder spikes, I'm just hoping no one gets an eye put out
What's your process for evaluating team chemistry when making personnel decisions? How do you weigh talent versus cultural fit?
I think cultural fit will be paramount - we want players to enjoy themselves as we become the powerhouse in this league.
How do you approach developing young quarterbacks? What do you look for when evaluating QB prospects?
I think that being open to suggestion and direction goes a long way. Physically we are looking for a QB that is solidly built, precise with the ball, and can run downfield when required.
Do you build a team based on your scheme or do you get the best players and build a scheme around them?
I think especially this season, we will be building the scheme around the players than vice versa.
What is the most important position to you (other than QB) and why?
I will say running back, particularly one that can catch the ball out of the backfield. Our philosophy is to remain flexible at all the skill positions so a potential threat to the other team could emerge from anywhere.
Who is your favorite musical artist of all time?
I must say Metallica, but I am one of those people who believe they fell off after the Black album. I do like Hardwired... to Self-Destruct from 2016 though. My all time favorite album though is ....And Justice for All, which despite being almost 40 years old is even more relevant today.
Thank you very much for your time Top Kiefer.