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We were able to schedule an interview with Andrew Minyard and Neil Josten. Read it exclusively in our magazine "Exy Times".
I: We had your team here three months ago, but I believe this is the first time it's just the two of you giving an interview.
N.J: Yes, I've attended various shows and interviews with my teammates, but this is the first time I'm doing one with Andrew.
I: I imagine your coach must've given this considerable thought before accepting?
N.J: I was warned by our coach and manager to be polite and civil, and not to run my mouth, so I hope you won't ask questions that will get me in trouble.
A.M: The questions aren't the problem, Josten. You are.
N.J: (shrugs) I won't lie just to be polite.
I: Of course, we know your habit of not sugarcoating anything, and I have to say we really appreciate it. It keeps the environment lively.
A.M: You mean you profit whenever he runs off his mouth.
I: (laughs) So, let's start the interview with the news that shook Exy fans. Word on the street is that the two of you are dating.
N.J: Yes.
I: I have to say, I don't think anyone saw that coming, but we love it just the same. How long have you guys been dating?
N.J: Since my first year in college.
I: We are all eager to know, who asked who out? Who confessed first?
N.J: That... can you really call it a confession? (looking at Andrew)
A.M: No one confessed. He found out that I liked him, and it developed from there.
I: Wow, that's unexpected. Majority of the fans guessed that Neil might've confessed and talked your ear off into giving him a chance. But it's unexpected to hear that you were the one who fell first. What was it that grabbed your attention?
A.M: His lack of survival instincts.
I: I'm not sure I follow. Can you elaborate on that?
A.M: Can, don't want to.
N.J: You know our coach put a clause there specifically for Andrew that he must play nice, sign autographs for fans, and answer interview questions.
I: (laughs) Are you reminding your coach that Andrew is violating the contract to take the ire off you in case you say something controversial?
N.J: That's neither here nor there, but I thought you'd ask questions about our recent match. I mean, we did beat Baltimore Wildcats, 11-6.
I: And you're back to Exy talk. I'm starting to believe your fans when they say you can't go two minutes without talking about Exy. What do you think about Neil's love for Exy, Andrew?
A.M: I think the word you're looking for is obsession. His single-mindedness is as nauseating as ever, but I've learned to live with it.
N.J: Actually, that's not true. I was like that, yes, but that was back in college. And he did call me out on that.
A.M: He didn't shut up about our recent match all day yesterday.
I: Your apathy makes me almost feel sorry for you suffering like that, but I'd trade my spot with you in a heartbeat. I think Neil's fans would agree. Talking about the match, Andrew, you pulled off some insane moves and managed to stop goals that would've been impossible for other goalkeepers. The fans were going crazy. You were also talking to the defense; can you tell us what it was about?
A.M: I was telling them to open their eyes so they can see the number of shots they were letting through. I wouldn't need to run myself to the ground if the defense did a good job of blocking the balls in the first place.
I: Baltimore Wildcats were tough opponents, so I guess everyone was having a hard time, but you won by a great margin. Are you excited about your next match?
A.M: (looking bored) If I get any more excited, they'd need to carry me out of the court on a stretcher.
N.J: What he means is, yes, we're looking forward to our next match. We're practicing even harder, considering the opposite team has Kevin Day, but I'm sure we'll bag this match too.
I: The match will definitely be a thriller, keeping us on the edge of our seats. A number of people expected you both to be in Kevin's team, considering you played together in college.
A.M: Being together with him on the US National Team is enough of a nightmare already.
I: (laughs) I'm sure Kevin would be sad to hear that. But talking of college, let's go back to our previous topic. So, you two started dating back in college; did that invite any resistance from your teammates?
N.J: No, they were pretty supportive of us I guess.
I: Did you think that you'd face difficulty making Court due to your sexual orientation?
A.M: That's a stupid question.
N.J: Back then, I was going through a lot, and having Andrew with me was a source of strength. I didn't think about the future, only the present.
I: What about after college? Did you think you would face trouble joining a professional team?
N.J: Why would I think about that when I knew I had the talent to make it?
I: Bold words but not unfounded. I wish we could talk more, but sadly, our time has run out. I hope to get the opportunity to interview you two again. And good luck in your upcoming match!
N.J: Thank you.
A.M: (nods)