Practice this Morning/Chris Snitko/Jonathan Leathers QnA

Hello all, sorry this took so long today! Practice this morning was a good one. It ran a little longer than the first two this week. First, the guys stretched and warmed up as usual. Then came the 30-yard dash. Among the faster players were rookie defender Jonathan Leathers, midfielder/defender Michael Harrington and midfielder Kurt Morsink. Most of the guys finished within a very tight range; we're going to have a fast team this year.

After that, they broke out into 3v3 matches followed by 6v6 games with 'keepers. Former Wizards goalkeeper Chris Snitko was in camp for the second day this week to help out and get his competitive juices flowing. "Snitty," as he's called, held his own pretty well.

Goalkeeper Chris Snitko with the distribution. "I'm trying to get back in shape," Snitko said. "I emailed Peter (Vermes) and told him if you guys ever needed help that I wouldn't mind training. I had a great time; it was a lot of fun."

After practice, Hillcrest Road sat down with Leathers to ask him about his 30-yard dash performance and let the fans know a little about this first-year player.

Defender Jonathan Leathers was taken in the 2nd Round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and has come to camp full-speed ahead. Leathers finished with one of the fastest times in the 30-yard dash test today at training and can be seen zipping around the field, adding quickness to the Wizards defensive core. A graduate of Furman, Leathers comes from the same school as U.S. National Team members Clint Dempsey (Fulhamerica forward/midfielder) and Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo holding midfielder). Now for the QnA.

Leathers takes on Kerry Zavagnin during a 3v3 match.

You were one of the fastest players today in the 30-yard dash. How did the run feel?
It felt good. There were a lot of fast guys out there, but I’m happy to be one of the fastest.

What attributes do you bring to the Wizards?
I bring quickness, agility and, if I play right back, I can add to the attack. I know coach Onalfo likes to attack with numbers, and I fit into a system like that.

You played at Furman, did you get to meet Dempsey or Clark?
I met Dempsey on my recruiting trip, but Clark was already gone by the time I was being recruited. Dempsey seemed like a great guy.

How did playing at the school that produced those two players help you?
I definitely think they have paved the road for me, and knowing they came before me keeps me focused. I want to follow in their footsteps. (Head Coach) Doug Allison is an excellent coach who trains players well to become professionals.

What are your goals on and off the field?
This season, I want to make the 18-man roster and fight for a starting spot so I can get some experience under my belt. Away from the field, I want to set myself up for a career in investment banking after my playing days are over. I am getting my degree is business this semester after finishing up my last classes online.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy rock climbing and other outdoor activities like hiking. Also, church is a very big part of my life, and I like to read.

Reading huh? What’s your favorite book?
Well The Bible. Other than that, How to Make Money in Stocks by William O’Neil. You should check it out.


And now some more practice photos:

Harrington plays a ball wide for Amir Lowery in a 3v3 match.

Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman parries a ball clear in 6v6 play.

Rookie midfielder Roger Espinoza lines up for the 30-yard dash.

That's all for now. We'll be back whenever we have more news.