Team Captain Interview: Elon Hughlis of Team Maraqua

[antiaircraft]

<p>Disclaimer: This news report is largely fictional, composed from various fan comments and the whims of our imagination in an attempt to inspire a sense of realism through our reporting. While we do our best to keep things reasonably neutral, this report is in no way intended to be a completely bias-free representation of the parties involved, nor does it claim to provide critical analysis of past and potential outcomes from qualified Altador Cup experts. If professional analysis is what tickles your fancy, take a look at our predictions (global/daily).

 

Well, it seems some problems at the Colosseum counting office are holding back the results, so we can't bring you the latest updates on yesterday's matches. Hopefully this will be taken care of soon, but for now, we hope this interview is enough to tide you over.

 

<img src="

https://images.neopets.com/altador/altadorcup/head_shots/maraqua_1.gif" style="margin:5px;border:1px solid black;"><img src="https://images.neopets.com/altador/altadorcup/teams/2008/maraqua_3.gif" style="margin:5px;border:1px solid black;">

 

With an impressive squad of hardy defenders, Maraqua's Yooyuball team is infamously difficult to score against, and arguably one of the best defensive teams in the tournament. However, despite the talents of their proficient forward, Elon Hughlis, the team has suffered from a crippling lack of scoring capacity themselves, a major weakness which has relegated them time and again to the lower-middle tier - until last year, that is. Surprising many analysts with a series of never-before-seen hybrid attack strategies, the team surged to the top of their tier to claim fifth place, a remarkable performance which showcased the squad at the top of their game. This season, they're back and ready to prove to Neopia that AC IV was no fluke. Elon Hughlis was kind enough to clear a spot in his schedule for an interview.

 

Note: This interview took place before the start of the tournament.

 

Captain Hughlis and Dorina Hals, thank you for joining us today.

Elon Hughlis: Eh, don't worry, I didn't really need any more practice anyway.

 

Right, would you mind introducing yourself and your teammate then?

Hughlis: Sure. As you probably already know, I'm Elon Hughlis, captain of Maraqua's Yooyuball team and one of the top scorers in the game. I specialise in slipping clutch goals through tight defensive screens, and also improvise advanced team strategies when they're needed. Some people know me as "The Black Hole", which is a title I earned for my sharp focus and cold, emotionless calculations on the field.

Dorina Hals: Elon, I'm not sure if that's your nickname's usual connotation.

Hughlis: Well... that's open to a little interpretation. Er, this is Dorina Hals, a member of my team and a very talented defender. On the rare occasions when I run short on ideas, she also helps out a bit with strategy.

Hals: I'm very honoured to be here. Thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview.

 

Likewise. Will any other members of the team be joining us?

Hughlis: I don't think so. Our goalie, Tonie, is practising with Barit, one of our other defenders. As for Runeu... I have no clue where that guy's run off to.

Hals: Snack bar.

Hughlis: Right. Of course.

 

I see. On to the main questions then. Your team's track record before last year's tournament was mediocre at best, but you really managed to pull through, stunning pretty much everyone when you ploughed through the second round and the finals in AC V. Did you have some solid strategy or other elements in place which you can attribute your success to, or was it a complete surprise to you as well?

Hughlis: A surprise? Not in the least! I always knew it would take just a few small adjustments to my attack plan to carry the team to victory, and what do you know, I was right!

Hals: I concur with Elon. As a team with only one scorer, it's extremely important for us to integrate our defence with our offence in order to maximise his potential on the field. We worked really hard on our coordination in the lead up to AC IV, and with the refinements we made after the first round, well, the results were self-vindicating.

Hughlis: Eh, I'm not sure I would put it quite that way.

Hals: How would you put it then Elon?

Hughlis: Er... on second thoughts, that sounds close enough.

 

Okay, so going into this year's tournament, do you think you'll be able to uphold those results?

Hughlis: As long as my team actually passes me the ball, we'll have no trouble at all.

Hals: (laugh) Oh yes, we'll make sure that Elon gets the Yooyu at the right time in the right place. We haven't been slacking in the off-season, so we're all very confident that our game's only going to get better this year.

 

Will you be aiming to take the cup this year then, or are you planning on working your way up steadily over several seasons?

Hughlis: Aiming for the cup? Of course we're aiming for the cup! Everybody aims for the cup!

Hals: I definitely think we have the potential to hit gold this year, but it's not a set victory by any measure. It really depends on our gameplan, particularly our integration work. And of course, we need every last smidgen of support our fans can offer to help us through. We'll see how it goes.

 

Well then, let's talk a little about those fans. Almost everybody says that sportsmanship and friendly competition form the basis of the spirit of the Altador Cup. However, various incidents in the past have shown that not every supporter in the stadium subscribes to this principle. If some of these less sporting characters were to show up in your fanbase, what would you have to say to them?

Hughlis: Friendly competition? HAH! I couldn't-

Hals: Sportsmanship was one of the founding pillars of this team, and it will always remain as one of our most important, deeply-rooted values. The respect you show is just as important as the game itself, maybe even more important. As Maraquans, the conduct of our supporters reflects on the team and Maraqua as a whole. If any of them forget to honour the Maraquan spirit, I'll be very disappointed in them.

Hughlis: But still-

Hals: And the same goes for the rest of my squad.

Hughlis: Er... right.

 

So personally, who do you consider to be the most valuable member of Team Maraqua?

Hughlis: (laugh) That's an easy one! Without my scoring skills and steadfast leadership, this team would be as good as sunk - not to mention that I'm the only forward we have. Some people might think that sounds conceited, but really, that's just the way it is.

 

Okay, so apart from yourself, which team member would you say was the most indispensable?

Hughlis: Er... I really don't think... well, that's a tough one. I'm going to have to think about that. Every defensive team needs its big guys, and Runeu and Tonie are great at what they do, but then there's...

Hals: You could probably say that Elon considers us all equally indispensable. In the good way that is.

Hughlis: Yeah, that's probably the best way to put it.

 

Miss Hals, what about you? Is there any team member in particular who you feel to be especially important?

Hals: (long pause)

Hughlis: (laugh) That probably wasn't the best question to ask her. Dorina's going to take forever to decide.

Hals: Actually, I'm trying to figure out how to phrase this without giving away too much of our team's strategy. Hmm... I mean, we're an incredible team, and I'm really glad we've stayed together this long, but I'd be lying if I said we were all equally close to each other. Barit and Tonie for example - they've been best mates since long before anyone can remember, and they make an excellent duo on the field. Sometimes it's like they can read each others minds. But personally, I'd have to say Oten's the most important team member from my point of view. He and I have known each other for a long time, so I'm probably a bit biased, but we play really well together, and he's always been the guy I pass to when I'm in a tight spot.

Hughlis: That goes for the rest of the team too. Tight spots don't last long around that guy.

Hals: Really though, I can't imagine playing on a team with any of my teammates gone - it just wouldn't be the same.

 

Miss Hals, you mentioned that you and Oten Runeu have known each other for a long time - could you elaborate on that?

Hals: Oh, sure. 'Long time' is probably a bit of an understatement there. (laugh) Oten was my coach when I first got into Yooyuball. He taught me all the basics, some neat tricks which I still use today (I'm not telling what those are), and, well, we've been good friends ever since.

Hughlis: Ancient history eh?

Hals: (laugh) You should explain how you started out in Yooyuball Elon.

Hughlis: Not telling. Ever.

Hals: Spoilsport.

 

All right then, on to our last question. This one's going to be a bit touchy... Captain Hughlis, your attitude in the cup has been heavily criticised by a number of parties, coming from many different angles. One of your team's more outspoken supporters has even labelled your conduct as 'disgraceful'. What's your response to this?

Hughlis: Well that's... that's just outrageous! And ridiculous! And... and-

Hals: That's really going way too far, and hardly a fair statement. When he has his game face on, Elon might come off as a little arrogant, but underneath all that he's a true athlete. He has a great deal of respect for his opponents, knows when to accept his faults and try to improve, and, despite appearances, he cares deeply for our team's integrity, feelings, and opinions. He's a great leader, even if he doesn't show it much.

Hughlis: Right!

 

Elon Hughlis and Dorina Hals, thank you for your time, and good luck in the tournament!

Hughlis: Thanks, really, but you can keep your luck - we won't be needing it.

Hals: ...

Hughlis: And, er, it was really an honour to be able to share our opinions with the whole of Neopia.

Hals: I second that. Good luck to you with your reporting too! Looking at the stands this year, I think you journalists will definitely be needing some! (laugh)

 

Much appreciated Miss Hals! More interviews coming soon...

 

Update: There are three 2010 FIFA World Cup matches today. You can see the day's schedule here.</p>

[-Ryan]

Great! I loved it! Although I wish the possible Elon & Dorina thing i've seen mentioned here was included. xD

 

*cough*Laytonvicklesinterveiw**coughcough*

Hm, I should get this cough checked. :P

 

 

[antiaircraft]

Great! I loved it! Although I wish the possible Elon & Dorina thing i've seen mentioned here was included. xD

Implied? Maybe. Mentioned? I'd get hit with a press conference ban. :P

 

I'm glad you liked it. :yes:

 

*cough*Laytonvicklesinterveiw**coughcough*

Hm, I should get this cough checked. :P

This one might take a while. :shiftyeyes_anim:

[tempdisplay]

Lovely interview! How was it interviewing the great Black Hole? I love Elon! Why did Dorina have to tag along

[antiaircraft]

Lovely interview! How was it interviewing the great Black Hole?

It was, as always, a fascinating experience. :)

 

I love Elon! Why did Dorina have to tag along

Well... try reading the interview over again, and skip all the bits involving Dorina. You'll see why she's such an integral member of the team! :P

[tempdisplay]

Well... try reading the interview over again, and skip all the bits involving Dorina. You'll see why she's such an integral member of the team! :P

 

 

You have a point there AA.

[Ruff]

Well, that was amusing. I really like how Hals keeps backing up and burying Hughlis less than press-pristine words and attitudes, most particularly with the whole "Sportsmanship" issue. Personally, even though I know this will screw up team-dynamics BIG TIME, Hughlis and Hals make a good couple: dysfunctional and functional in ways that they fit together when put together.

[Secre]

Lol, that was really amusing to read. Thanks!

[antiaircraft]

Well, that was amusing. I really like how Hals keeps backing up and burying Hughlis less than press-pristine words and attitudes, most particularly with the whole "Sportsmanship" issue. Personally, even though I know this will screw up team-dynamics BIG TIME, Hughlis and Hals make a good couple: dysfunctional and functional in ways that they fit together when put together.

:D You and I think very much alike sir! That's exactly the image I have of the two: a talented, brilliant team captain with a level-headed, sweet-but-stern teammate backing him up. :yes:

 

Unless we're thinking of alternative definitions of 'couple' that is... xD

[Xepha]

My favorites bits of the interview :

 

Likewise. Will any other members of the team be joining us?

Hughlis: I don't think so. Our goalie, Tonie, is practising with Barit, one of our other defenders. As for Runeu... I have no clue where that guy's run off to.

Hals: Snack bar.

Hughlis: Right. Of course.

 

and

 

Miss Hals, you mentioned that you and Oten Runeu have known each other for a long time - could you elaborate on that?

Hals: Oh, sure. 'Long time' is probably a bit of an understatement there. (laugh) Oten was my coach when I first got into Yooyuball. He taught me all the basics, some neat tricks which I still use today (I'm not telling what those are), and, well, we've been good friends ever since.

Hughlis: Ancient history eh?

Hals: (laugh) You should explain how you started out in Yooyuball Elon.

Hughlis: Not telling. Ever.

Hals: Spoilsport.

 

 

I'm very happy that you were able to conduct this interview, Theo. :)

[voteforpedro333]

So how DID Elon start out Yooyuball, I wonder... :eh:

[Xepha]

So how DID Elon start out Yooyuball, I wonder... :eh:

 

 

Elon would probably say that he is the one who "discovered" the secret of that game that was played over 1000 years ago...

Although, this is not an official answer. Just a presomption.

[CAV of Gang Green]

Hals: (laugh) You should explain how you started out in Yooyuball Elon.

Hughlis: Not telling. Ever.

Hals: Spoilsport.

 

Update: There are three 2010 FIFA World Cup matches today. You can see the day's schedule here.</p>

 

I agree with the spoilsport name calling.

 

The World Cup part was random, but awesome.

 

This one might take a while. :shiftyeyes_anim:

 

Will it RRG? Will it? Or is you're mind so twisted that you believe that it'll take time, when in reality, it's already done?

[antiaircraft]

Will it RRG? Will it? Or is you're mind so twisted that you believe that it'll take time, when in reality, it's already done?

Either way, we can only post interviews on bye days, so you'll still have to wait some. :P

[Midtime]

An excellent interview. I might have read a little too much into the 'Much appreciated, Miss Hals' (isn't it Elon you should be thanking, if it's just for the interview? xD).

 

Hals has people skills. :yes:

[antiaircraft]

An excellent interview. I might have read a little too much into the 'Much appreciated, Miss Hals' (isn't it Elon you should be thanking, if it's just for the interview? xD).

I already thanked both interviewees a few lines up. :yes: At that point, I was responding to Dorina's good luck wish.

[Dominika]

xD That was so full of awesome I was giggling shamelessly the whole time. Thank you.

 

But I REALLY want to know...

So how DID Elon start out Yooyuball, I wonder... :eh:

^...This.

[Spritzie]

This was really awesome. I was really looking forward to the Maraqua team member interview. It was worth the wait. Great job!

[antiaircraft]

But I REALLY want to know...

So how DID Elon start out Yooyuball, I wonder... :eh:

^...This.

I've been trying to convince Dorina to explain that for a while now, but it seems Elon really doesn't want anybody finding out. xD