Playn the Field with Kelly Red on ESPN 1560 continues its growth as an on-line web program through her LIVE streaming shows with a local presence on ESPN 1560 AM WINT every Saturday at 9am by enjoying great contacts. Recently, Collazo landed an interview that most would never dream of.

Listen to the interview here

When Playn’ the Field with Kelly Red was contacted to interview Coach Charlie Strong, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator of the 2-time National Champions, University of Florida Gators: Collazo knew it was game on! “My interview style is different than most and I saw it as a great way to shed light on a highly visible coach, but show the personal side of him to all his Brevard County Gator fans – a side of him they never would see.” stated Kelly Collazo, Media Host & Writer for Playn the Field on ESPN 1560 AM WINT.

Kelly’s warm, engaging personality helps anyone feel like they’ve known her for years. Coach Strong must have agreed, because he proved to be a great sport and answered every question posed. In what proved to be close to a 30 minute interview, Coach Strong spoke of the love of his wife, Victoria and their two daughters, Hallie and Hope, that he doesn’t have a dream job and that he prefers chicken over fish.

Strong and his wife Victoria have been the talk of controversy, some believe the reason he has not been offered a head coaching position within in the SEC conference is due to the couples’ interracial marriage. “I love Victoria, and while I felt our relationship may become an issue in my professional career, it didn’t matter. You don’t choose who you fall in love with.” Coach Strong stated.

In awe of the man who in 1999 became the first African American coach in SEC conference to be named as a defensive coordinator with the South Carolina Game Cocks, Ms. Collazo saw firsthand how this unassuming coach causes so much hype. “He has a way of motivating everyone in the room to believe. His experiences lend credibility to his message.”

On May 19, 2009, Coach Strong was on hand at the Doubletree Cocoa Beach to assist the Brevard County Gator Club in awarding at-risk youth who have been accepted into the University of Florida. By awarding the students with financial scholarships, the intent to make the transition to the university not as stressful has always been the goal of the local not-for-profit Gator Club. The room of Gator alumni and Gator enthusiasts enjoyed dinner, drinks and a silent auction. The energy and excitement was Charlie “Strong” all night.

“Coach Strong delivered a speech that had everyone willing to go out and play a quarter of Gator football” stated Eric Camirand, an avid Gator Fan and event attendee. “I haven’t attended a pep-rally since my Satellite Beach Football days and the night was a goose-bump moment.” Camirand added, having been placed at the VIP table with his fiancé’ Ms. Collazo and other guest alongside Coach Strong.

With Coach Strong on hand to give the scholarships to local kids and the event raising money to further the Brevard County Gator Club’s efforts, many are already looking forward to the next meeting. With Coach Strong’s crazy recruitment schedule over the summer, it will likely be the sidelines at The Swamp that we will see Coach Strong in action again. To catch the Charlie Strong interview in its entirety visit www.playnthefield.com .