Battlehawks Head Coach Anthony Becht Talks with Media

On Wednesday I had the privilege along with several members of the media to talk with Anthony Becht Head Coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks. Several sources were allowed to ask Becht questions about training camp, current players, and his past experiences in other Alt-Football Leagues like the AAF.

Becht On the Center Position:

I asked coach about Draftee Jon Toth not reporting to camp, and his plans moving forward. Becht was extremely supportive on the late additions of versatile lineman Mike Panasiuk, and former Tampa Bay Bandit Dallas Warmack. He was very high on Panasiuk talking about his performance during Training Camp, and his domination in One-on-One drills. Becht also talked about the strengths of Christian Olsmtead praising his intelligence in addition, to praising the versatility of Penn State Alum Steven Gonzalez who is able to fill in the position in a pinch.

Becht on A.J. McCarron’s Leadership:

Coach Becht could not say enough about AJ, calling him a another coach on the field. He praised McCarron’s ability to reach out to the other position groups and even phrased it as “over-information” on some aspects.

Becht made it clear that AJ is what the team needs, and how he’s went out of his way to help other Quarterbacks Ryan Willis and Nick Tiano, and believes that all three quarterbacks can lead the team if need be, throughout the season.

Becht on his Experience in the AAF compared to the 2023 XFL:

Coach was very candid about the quality of football in the AAF and that the league was able to put together a solid product on the field. Logistically Coach Becht talks about the Hub for training camp and how it equalizes things for all 8 teams compared to AAF where some teams did not even practice in their “home” city.

Becht was extremely supportive of the leadership and financial prowess of the XFL leadership, from the business perspective compared to the AAF. Coach praised the Quarterback selection of the XFL but was vocal about the process taking place over training camp. He also disclosed that the Battlehawks have been physical during practice and how this “snow week” has been more a fine-tuning from the mental side of things.