Josh Davey // Edmonton Impact Interview

What’s up with Edmonton Impact in 2012? We talk to Josh Davey of the team.

Well known Josh Davey is a name on the scene. An internationally known player and athlete, Josh lets us in on some of the mystery surrounding the team. We spoke about what’s next for the team and asked Davey to help put it on paper.

With Impact a well known name on American circuits, they are sometimes underestimated or misunderstood. With a company of strong gun fighters and tactically adept people, Impact knows how to win games and move down the field.

DrewH.-Impact had another effective season in 2011. Tell us what happened.

Josh-Effective would be the right word for it.  We defiantly had some ups and downs last season chasing the infamous “W”. Coming into the 2011 season we made some great additions including Chad George, Tim Montressor and Johnny Danger.  With those new additions it takes time to grow and mold into a successful unit on the field.

We would agree. That’s typically true for most teams- What are your thoughts on the NPPL Vancouver event? Right around the corner-  How does that play in?

I’m really excited to have the event in our back yard for once, it is a hike for all the American teams but once they get to Vancouver it will be well worth it.  Talk to any Pro player that has taught a clinic in Vancouver and they’ll tell you it’s great place to party… I mean to play paintball.  Lol.

What will the Impact practice schedule look like in preparation for the NPPL Huntington Beach Surf City Open?

We have a couple practices with other Pro Team’s state side combined with the usual grind at home.  Justin Cornell and Josh Ouimet are taking special training preparations this year and heading down to Peru to participate in a Iowaska ritual which should help mold and focus their minds on the 2012 season.

What are your thoughts on all the shake-ups and player movements this off-season? There have been many changes to teams and rosters. How will Impact take advantage of these changes where it concerns competition?

It’s the usual BS, everyone trying to get the biggest ride they can.  There’s not a lot of players out there making the moves for the goal of winning, it’s more like who will play the most (which isn’t very much anymore).  As a team we will step into this season like any other and take it as it comes.

Thanks you for your time Josh.

Pro Paintball caught up with Cassidy Sanders, arguably the best paintball videographer in the world. In this exclusive interview, Cassidy tells ProPaintball about his background, influences, and news of a fresh series of paintball videos.

Cassidy Sanders - photo by CreedShot

ProPaintball: How old are you and where do you hail from?

Cassidy: 26, Southern California…currently Newport Beach.

ProPaintball: Tell us about your background in paintball. You were one of the original Hostile Kids/HKArmy, right?

Cassidy Sanders playing paintball with HKArmy - Photo: Warpig.com

Cassidy: Yea, one of the few originals from when we created HKarmy almost 10 years ago. I got out of playing a season or two after xball was created because the pro teams were constantly picking apart our core. I always preferred playing with a core HK team and was way too shy back then to leave my friends to play on pro paintball teams. The core HK team was always a last minute ordeal and after a few seasons, I decided to go back to school and work full time. I came back to paintball after a few years to see that a few of the core guys had turned HK army into a clothing company. I jumped in and applied my creative talents to the cause. I rarely play now days because I enjoy filming so much.

ProPaintball: Where do you look for inspiration?

Cassidy: I don’t know if you can call it looking because I am literally inspired by everything. Any type of art form…be it through paintings, music, film, web designs, you name it, I have great appreciation for it.

ProPaintball: Which musician or type of music is your favorite, and why?

Cassidy: Man that is a tough one. That is almost like asking what is my favorite film haha.

ProPaintball: Haha, that was our next question. Do tell..

Cassidy: Honestly, this is a hard one to pin down. I enjoy almost every type of music and film.

ProPaintball: We understand you spent a considerable amount of time traveling last year to shoot paintball videos. What event and host country was your favorite? Care to share any memories from your trip?

Cassidy: The first Millennium event in Paris, France I didn’t plan on filming paintball. The event was used as a trick to get my lady out to France. My goal was to surprise her on the Eiffle Tower with a successful proposal. Being in Paris during the Millennium event I couldn’t leave without filming paintball. Paris was above and beyond a perfect trip and I’m excited to get married in a few months. Norway was also amazing and everyone I met was beyond friendly to me, which isn’t always the case because I’m a weird looking American ;)

Cassidy Sanders Filming Paintball - Photo: Roggie Photo

ProPaintball: You set the trend in paintball videography by introducing Dubstep music into your videos. What trend do you see popping up next?

Cassidy: Dubstep has taken over all media forms lately. I just happen to know a good amount of friends who made dubstep back when not many people knew about it. I always thought Dubstep would be perfect for paintball. The other thing that aided me was that very few were using DSLR’s for filming paintball back when I started. With the way technology is advancing I think there won’t be just one really big trend. The quality of these cameras are perfect for anybody to be creative and be original with there own type of style for film.

ProPaintball: What type of equipment are you using these days?

Cassidy: I still use my personal outdated Canon t2i 550d for paintball, but when ever I have the opportunity to use better equipment I jump for it. The latest event I filmed with a Red Epic and plan to use cameras at that level for many more projects.

ProPaintball: Here is one of our favorite videos by Cassidy – NPPL 2010.

Click here to view the embedded video.

ProPaintball:Which paintball videographer do you watch most? Any favorites out there?

Cassidy: Big fan of my buddy Drew Templeton’s Grind Paintball videos.

ProPaintball: Your videos are blowing up on Youtube and the paintball community is clamoring for more. When should we expect your next video release?

Cassidy: Next one will be released tomorrow (Feb. 2nd.) I hate not having videos done as soon as possible just like everyone else. However, I film and produce videos outside of paintball for a living. Unfortunately the paintball videos all began to pile up in a backlog. The rest of last years events will all be dropping through out this month and early march before next year’s season begins. I’m never going to let the event videos fall behind like that again.

ProPaintball: Awesome, we can’t wait to check the new videos out. What can paintball players do to find themselves in your videos?

Cassidy: I film anyone who supports paintball. Of course since my roots are HK and I now do videos for them, I will always hit record for anyone supporting HK army.

ProPaintball: Any advice for aspiring photographers or videographers?

Cassidy: When I began filming I couldn’t afford even the cheapest DSLR at the time, so I would test out friends cameras and learn everything I could while saving money. I would say don’t stop trying something new or making mistakes. So many good ideas happen on accident.

ProPaintball: What is your schedule looking like for 2012? Anything special we should be looking forward to?

Cassidy: 2012 is going to be huge. I have lots of big plans for paintball and plan on finishing the first HK Army DVD/BluRay some time during this season.

ProPaintball: Thanks for your time dude! We can’t wait to check out your new releases. For more information about Cassidy and his videos, you can visit CassidySanders.com, follow him on Facebook, and Subscribe to his Youtube Channel, ThePBFashion.

Photo 1 credit: CreedShot

Photo 2 Credit: Warpig.com

Photo 3 Credit: Roggie Photo

Russian Legion Adds Marcello Margott (Ironmen, Infamous) to PSP 2012 Roster.

Marcello Margott announced Friday that he would be joining the Russian Legion for 2012. He will compete in the PSP Professional Division along side some of the best paintball players in the world and an organization that is top notch. Does he have what it takes? What about his time with Infamous? We interviewed Marcello about his future with the team…

Drew: How are you preparing for your new role on Russian Legion?

Marcello: This new role with the Russian Legion will be unlike any others I have taken in paintball. I am very excited to join this organization. They have a very precise and strict regime which in my eyes is how you win championships. I don’t think I will prepare for this new role much differently than I already do. I feel my lifestyle and work ethic fits perfectly with what they are trying to accomplish.

Drew: What type of training do you expect out of the team?

I am excited to just be a player, listen and learn from one of the top paintball clubs that has been in our sport. I am coming into this with an open mind, ready to take in anything they teach me. There is always room for improvement and I feel they can help me mature as a player on and off the field. It should be a great year and learning experience.

Drew: When can fans expect to see you take the field with Russian Legion?

Our first practice will be a few weeks before the PSP Galveston event.

Drew: Do you have any plans on playing the NPPL or Millennium Series this year?

I will be playing in the Millennium paintball series with Moscow Silents in the SPL division. I am very excited to be playing with their organization as well and hope I can help bring them a championship.

Drew: After leaving Infamous, how would you reflect on your time with the team?

As for LA Infamous, they are my brothers, my family, and great friends. A lot of us had been on the same teams even prior to Infamous and have spent a lot of time playing side by side. I will miss them and I wish them the best of luck this year. Some of my best memories in paintball were created with them and I had a great time being able to learn from players I have always looked up to.

I can’t thank Travis enough for the opportunity he gave me over the past few years. He is a great role model and does an excellent job of leading by example. Jon Richardson and Nicky Cuba have also had a huge influence on my life and have helped me grow into who I am today. I have much respect for everyone on that team and always will. Most of the guys are much more than just teammates they are great friends of mine and I hope those friendships continue to be great.

An exciting interview with XSV’s Patrick Slattery. Justin talks to Patrick about the move back to XSV after his year with EXPLICIT. Slattery is a well known figure on the circuit- his name is like lightning. Patrick has played the core positions of wins and is back on XSV. We catch up with Patrick…

Justin-How long have you been playing Pro?

Pat-Going into I think my 5th year. 3 with XSV, and last season with Explicit.

Speaking of which, why the move to Explicit in 2011?

Pat Slattery on XSV pre-2011

I was unsure about my schedule for work and school last season, and
XSV needed people who were available and able to commit to the team.
Luckily, I was able to move things around and have the time to play,
and I was able to land a spot on Explicit. I was happy for the chance
to play with different players, and styles, to get more of a feel of
my own skill level. It was a fun season, and I wish those guys all the
best for the 2012 season. They are looking strong with their new
pick-ups, so it should be a good year.

Why did you want to return to XSV in 2012?

Man, where to start? The core group of guys on the team (XSV) are
great. Its like a family here, and it was an easy transition to come
back, almost like coming home. I have learned so much from the team
over the past few years, and to be able to play again with Rich
(Telford) Thomas (Taylor) Junior (Brown) Riley (Sullivan) Aaron
(Tholey)and Jerry (D’Amato) has me really excited for the upcoming
season.

What are you looking forward to most going into 2012?

There is so much…. First would be that I am really excited to be
playing with the new kids that XSV is bringing up. Being able to help
them learn, as well as learn some new tricks from them, will help keep
me on my game. Second,  I’m really excited to be a part of the
Flagship JT team. JT has always had awesome gear, and I cant wait for
the new stuff they have been working on. Cant let out any secrets, but
its going to be an awesome year for both JT, and XSV!! And third, I am
happy to be back sponsored by Understood! John, and his Brother Jason
are great guys, and always take care of the players on their teams.
They always have kick ass clothes and headbands, and I’m happy to be
rocking it again in 2012 …..(hint hint!!!)

You seem to have the crazy beard going on, care to explain?

That’s just my mountain man style! I was sporting the beard before no
shave November…. I’m ahead of the trends!! It might seem different in
some places, but I live in Berkley, CA, I am far from the strangest
looking person sticking out there!!!

If you could give some advice to kids out there, wanting to move up in
this sport, what would you tell them?

Its not about having the most expensive gun, or having all your gear
match, or playing a few games, then going home. Its about wanting it
bad enough to work for it!! You need to work just as hard for
something as you want it. If you don’t work hard, you must have not
wanted it that bad to begin with.  Paintball is not about practicing
right before an event. Its about working hard all year. Working out,
doing drills, finding ways to work on small things that need
improvement. I hear players with excuses all the time about not having
money for paint, or not enough teammates at practice. These are the
players who need help the most in the fundamentals. You can always
practice breakouts, or getting to the snake, or movement and
communication drills with little or no paint. And I bet you use more
paint in one game, then you would use for a few hours of 1 vs. 1
drills, and snap shooting drills. Work on these things, and you will
improve and move up.

This weeks ProPB Team Spotlight is on T1 Topgun Union. Mike Zapantis sat down with Matt Renschler and Nick “Chicken” Hunt to learn more about the D1 team from New Jersey’s rise to success in the PSP circuit.

Zap @ ProPb: What is your current roster?

1. Matt Renschler
2. Nicholas “Chicken” Hunt
3. Alvin Johnson
4. Jamie Ezell
5. Lance Hardwick
6. Steve Lasher
7. Bryson Smith
8. Hamen Chapman

Zap @ ProPb: Ryan Martin played very well with the team in 2011. Lots of rumors are floating about Ryan during the off season. What can you tell us about Meezy? Will he be back?

Ryan Martin getting elusive.

Matt: Ryan has had talks with pro teams, but he hasn’t figured it out.  He is weighing his options.  He feels bad, but obviously he has to take a pro spot if he’s offered it.  There are rumors going around that the teams are California based pro squads.  (Ed note: We now know that the team is the Los Angeles Ironmen).

Zap @ ProPb: Who are your current sponsors?

• Empire Paintball, with the Empire Axe paintball guns.
• RPS Paintballs
• Top Gun Paintball
• HK Army
• PBFashion
• Raza Jerseys
• Ballers Inc. Paintball

Zap @ ProPB: HK? Cool. What HK paintball gear will you be using in 2012?

Matt: They are giving us a special package with their cleats and packs for next season.

Top Gun Paintball team breaks out at PSP World Cup 2011

Zap @ ProPb: Could you give us a brief history of Top Gun?

Matt: Alvin and me are the only original people left.  GPL 7 man 2006 was our first tournament series as a team.  2007 GPL we played 187 crew and they ended up beating us in finals.  2008 we finally made the move to the national circuit in D3 NPPL.  We took 2^nd in the series that year.  The following year bumped up to D2 PSP for 2009.  We picked up Chicken at that point, but we got our asses handed to us the rest of the season, only winning two matches at Phoenix that year.  A couple of us also played with Black Cell for USPL, and that’s actually how we met Lance.

Chicken:  For 2010, we decided to go with one of our old NPPL ex-rival teams, CS Union, and join up with them to play D3 PSP.  We got 4^th at Phoenix.  MAO and Chicago we got knocked out in quarters, but we took 3^rd at World Cup.  It was one of the best events we ever played as a team.  In 2011 we decided to bump up to D1.

Zap @ ProPb: Summarize your 2011 season for us.

Matt:  Besides not taking first at any event, we couldn’t have been happier with the season. We got 3^rd place at Texas (getting knocked out of finals by 187 Krew), we got 5^th at Chicago, and we got 2^nd at New Jersey, losing to 187 Krew.  At World Cup we got 2^nd, losing again to Upton 187 cRew.  We lost to them by one point every event, and we always placed one place behind them this season.  They were our rival this season, but we get along well with them.

T1 Topgun Union

Zap @ ProPb: If you could pick one reason for your teams success in 2011, what would it be?

Matt:  From a success standpoint, we play as a team, and we became really close as friends, even though only half of the team is from New Jersey.  We really don’t practice as a team, but when we are at the events we get very close, and there’s no arguing over whom is playing or getting more playing time or not. In Chicago for example, I didn’t play one point.  So people will step off when needed, and everybody knows their job on the team, and everybody gets along.

What made it difficult for our team this year is that we are not all from the same area, and we don’t have the funds to fly to practice every weekend.  So we have to work our butts off the day before each event to learn the layout.  It was really helpful for our team that the PSP only released the layout the week before the event, so we weren’t at a disadvantage.

Matt Renschler and Lance Hardwick

Zap @ ProPB:  So a lot of people would argue that the main formula for success of a team is that they are a close group of friends that not only play together every weekend, but also hang out together off the field.  On the flipside, a lot of people would argue that good paintball players are going to come together and do well, no matter where they are from.  How do these ideas relate to your team?

Chicken: Well I would go along with the combination of those two concepts.  Myself, Matt, Alvin, Jamie and Bryson play all the time, whether it is drilling or recball or scrims, which really helps us get the communication together, so that when the out of state players come in the day before the event, the transition is a lot smoother.  The experience that Ryan, Hamen, and Slasher brought to the team definitely helped us this year.  And combined with how close everyone has become over the years, it was a formula for success.  Right before Chicago we had all of the out of state guys fly out to New Jersey and stay in Big Jim’s little 3 bedroom ranch the week before the event, and then we drove out.  We did the same for NJO.  We just got so close, and I think that is what helped us click for NJO and World Cup afterwards.

Zap @ ProPB: A lot has been said in regards to your roster, what is your reasoning behind the team’s structure and how is it made possible?

Matt:  It’s not like it’s all random people that are on the team.  We are all friends of friends and that’s how we know each other.  Nobody is being paid for.  We used all of our frequent flier miles built up over the years to help people with flights.  It you want to call that paying for players, then sure, that can be their pay.

Chicken:  We picked up 2 pros for D1, since that it is allowed by the PSP.  Lance knew Ryan Martin from growing up playing So Cal paintball, and Jaime actually played Call of Duty with Slasher all the time, so that’s how that got hooked up.  Slasher grew up playing with Hamen down in the Carolinas.

Zap @ ProPb: Your team has played both the NPPL and the PSP this past season and prior.  What are your thoughts on the merger falling through, and how will what is looking like a 10 event season affect your team?

Matt: I would say that the way the schedule is now, that we won’t be playing HB NPPL, which we have played just for the sake of playing HB for the past 4 seasons.  With three events in 6 weeks, and us committing to the PSP for the season, and with school and work schedules, it is just going to be impossible to play HB, which really sucks.

I would like to see one league, and the sponsors definitely would like that.  It makes it really hard on our team to even think of playing the two leagues.  I would like to see 4 events again; it would be a lot easier with school and money.  It’s really going to stink for the NPPL in regards to HB since a lot of the PSP teams that have played the event aren’t going to be able to.

Zap @ ProPB:  So do you think with the added stress of more events to attend, it will affect any of your team’s sponsorships (i.e. Empire Paintball)?

Matt: Nope, Empire is behind us, especially with the team and the field having such long time connections with them.

Zap @ ProPB: Speaking of NJO, from an unbiased standpoint, it was a great event that was hugely successful.  You guys busted your butts to make sure that the facilities were top notch, and I know personally what that cornfield looked like before it was leveled and grass was planted on it for the PSP fields.  There are a lot of teams in the Northeast, and it was time for that area to get some credit for that with an event.  What is going on for NJO 2012 at Top Gun?

Matt: We hope to see it happen again!  The PSP could not have been happier with the outcome.  The attendance went up from MAO last season, and there were more X-Ball teams at NJO, and we would love to host it again!

Zap @ ProPb: Now that no merger has happened between the NPPL and the PSP, what are your teams plan for the upcoming 2012 season?

Matt: Whatever the division is below pro is the division that our team will be playing.  We hope that the PSP would include penalty boxes in that division so that teams playing it can have a smoother transition to the pro division.

Zap @ ProPb: Any shout out’s you would like to make?

Matt:  Thanks again to all of our sponsors that helped us out this year, and for future sponsors.  Thanks to my dad (Big Jim) and mom for all of the support!  Thanks to Mickey, Tom Lee, and all of our pit help, and Mr. Ruza for standing by us!

Chicken:  Johnny from KEE.  Thanks for believing in us.  Two weeks before the beginning of the season he put the Axes in our hands.  We used the same guns all season without problem.

Matt Renschler, Topgun Union's captain

Zap @ ProPb: Any closing thoughts/opinions you would like to share?

Matt: If anybody ever needs help at the events with their Axes or Prophecies, come see Jamie or myself at the KEE booth.  Not only do we play the events, but also we work every event as techs.

Also if the PSP could put penalty boxes in the division below Pro, that would be awesome!  It changes the whole aspect of the game, and would be a real big help to teams looking to make the jump to pro.

And everyone should go to the Top Gun Union Facebook page for a chance to win a custom laser engraved Empire AXE!

Ed Note: For the sake of transparency, ProPaintball Writer JJ Roth co-owns and plays for pro team Seattle Thunder. Audrey Whiddon, owner of Diamond Hill Paintball Park is a co-owner of Thunder. While the two have a relationship, we felt that a shout out to Audrey and her work was worthy of mention. ProPaintball received no financial compensation for publishing this article.

Paintball Industry Spotlight – Audrey Whiddon

There’s a few people in paintball that really stand out as being exceptional individuals, and having nothing but a good impact on the future of the sport. Even though she doesn’t actually play, I really felt like I owed it to Audrey Whiddon, owner of both Diamond Hill Paintball in Harrisburg, Oregon and the Seattle Thunder Pro NPPL franchise to shed some light on how she has impacted paintball in the Pacific Northwest region. Her field, has grown from a dusty dream into the premiere tournament field in Oregon. With the addition of a rec field that is expanding all the time and future plans for another tournament field, DHP has something for everyone. Every weekend you’ll find a mix of beginner, 3man, 5man, pump and divisional teams mixing it up as well as getting time to play against the Shameless, Uprising and Thunder guys. Audrey makes it a point of ensuring that every player that visits her field feels welcome, has a fantastic time, and gets to really experience the rush that tournament paintball brings with it. Her mandate to the Thunder players is to be accessible and help the newer developing players whenever possible. You’ll often see Thunder players mixed in with walk-on’s and the ‘no attitude’ aura that she brings to the park is one that makes everyone who visits DHP come back for more.

JJ @ ProPB: How did you get involved in paintball?

Audrey: I got involved in the typical way.  My son Josh went to a birthday party at our local indoor field.  The rest is a 6 year long adventure.  He went from a recreational player to a tournament player within 6 months.  He and I were lucky enough to have several mentors over the years that helped him progress to his current D1 status.  I would like to thank Eddie Molter, Brian Hafdahl, Corey and Kasey Field for their support of both Josh and I. I started with organizing a team called Fearless.  We played local and national events from 2007 to 2009.  When that team disbanded Corey Field and Raymond Knuth asked me to manage Naughty Dog Silver (D1) in 2010.  They handed me some very good players and we took the team to NPPL series Champions that year. After the 2010 season I left the Naughty Dogs to start a field of my own.  In January of 2011 I met Dan Mills.  He owns Harrisburg Motorsports Complex.  He felt paintball was a good fit for his park and Diamond Hill Paintball was born.  I named it after the I5 exit you take to get to the park. JJ Roth and I started Seattle Thunder when I was notified that I had won a Pro spot by having managed the team that became series champs.  We then conned Corey Field in to becoming our team captain.  This is an adventure that has just begun! I have never played paintball but I have fallen in love with the sport and the people who are part of it.  You all are the best!

JJ @ ProPB: What are your goals for next year in regards to Diamond Hill Paintball?

Audrey: Goals for next year…..I want to create a paintball park that anyone can come and have fun.  I know that is a bit cliche but true none the less.  To grow, paintball needs to get the young and their families involved.  I want my park to become a fun destination for everyone. Having said that, I can tell you that I want to build a bigger recball field and put in a second speedball field.  I hope to be part of organizing reffing clinics, Pro drill clinics and hosting several tournaments.

To give you an example…We put together a Zombie Maze for Halloween.  It was a huge success.  There were a lot of people who have never played paintball who came out to try something different for the holiday.  They have already started to come to the field with birthday parties and more.  The smiles on their faces and the glow in their eyes are why I keep doing this!

JJ @ ProPB: What are your goals for next year in regards to Seattle Thunder?

Audrey: My goal for Seattle Thunder is to work towards shining as a team.  Winning is not the only thing that makes a team shine.  A team shines when everyone sees them as, not just as winners but also as stewards of the game.  That means some off field time for fundraisers,  running clinics for kids and promoting paintball outside of national events. Seattle Thunder will be part of helping Northwest paintball grow.  Oh and of course we will be on the road to win a trophy as well!

JJ @ ProPB: What tournaments/events do you have planned for Diamond Hill Paintball in the upcoming season?

Audrey: DHP will be running two NPPL 7 man feeder events.  One will be before HB and the other will be before Vegas.  I will be setting up some clinics for beginners as well as some advanced clinics for those upper level players.  I will be working with several others to start a Reffing pool for the northwest. WCPS (West Coast Paintball Series) has already advised me that I will be a field they will be using to run their series.  I also have been asked by Dan Bonebreak to assist him with organizing the Oregon State Fair event in August.  Everyone has asked for a Streetball event.  Whew that is just the start!

JJ @ ProPB: What do you see the future is holding for tournament paintball in the northwest?

Audrey: Tournament paintball in the northwest has been on the decline over the last 4 years.  There are fewer fields open than ever before.  On the up side, I have also seen a growth in new kids wanting to come in to the speedball end of the sport.  I have also never seen the level cooperation between field owners this high.  I have had the privilege of working with Royal Ridges, Impact Action (closed for the moment) and Warpaint International (their out door field is also closed for the moment).  We all see the need and are working together to grow the sport. This is why it is critical for teams such as Seattle Thunder to get their name out to the public.  We need to be a recognized sport by everyone. That will pave the way for more fields to be allowed to open.

JJ @ ProPB: Who do you see as up and coming teams from the northwest?

Audrey: Now that is a tough question.  There are quite a few good teams.  N.W. Devastation (D4-Royal Ridges), Notorious (D3-OP-Seattle), Shameless (D1-DHP), Infected (D2-DHP), APC (pump-DHP), Crossfire (D4-Impact action) and many more.  If I had to pick a team to highlight this year I would have to say Shameless.  They are a team that have been around for many years and have made it to D1 pretty much on their own.  They were just starting their D1 ranking when, in 2010 several members were picked to play on the ND Silver team.  When Silver disbanded in at the end of the 2010 season, Shameless re-formed to play D1.  They have split their time between Royal Ridges (where they have been coaching NW Devastation) and DHP where they have been working with Seattle Thunder.  The guys on this team are a very dedicated bunch and deserve to acknowledged for it.

JJ @ ProPB: Any acknowledgments you would like to make?

Audrey: Lets start with the staff at the NPPL.  They have worked with me on several issues and have been very supportive for a first time Pro team owner.  You guys rock! JJ Roth and Corey Field.  Thanks you two for your friendship and your help with Seattle Thunder.  We will make this a great team together.
BW Dunn (Pro Caps),  thank you for your support this last year.  You are one of the few people who saw the potential for DHP and helped make it happen.
To Eddie Molter, a big thanks for the long hours getting the field up and running.  We would still be at our first ghetto spot if it weren’t for you and the rest of the staff at DHP. Lastly to my family, thanks.  Starting a new business can be hazardous on relationships.  You guys have jumped in and helped when you can and I appreciate it!

On this weeks POTW, Michael Zapantis sits down with Dan Zaleski, a key member of the Upton 187 Krew.  The team has stormed their way to the top of the divisional ranks, winning 2 out of 4 D1 PSP events this season.  Read on to find out how Dan and 187 will prepare for their move to the pro division in 2012, and gain an insight into New England paintball.

Name: Daniel Zaleski

Hometown: Somers, CT

Occupation: Educational Assistant, specializing in Special Education.

Previous Teams: UConn, Hartford Hardcore, Armageddon, Team No Name,

Current Team: Upton 187 Krew

Sponsors: Fox4, Planet Eclipse, KEE

Position/#: Snake Side, #16

Favorite Players/Teams: Michael Jordan, he’s just the ultimate competitor and ultimate athlete.  I am a big Patriots fan, and I love Wes Welker.  He’s smaller than the average receiver and a ton of heart.  Obviously I also am a big UConn Sports fan as well.

Zap @ ProPB: When you aren’t playing paintball, how are you spending your free time?

Dan: I am pretty active, I love any sport. I used to play High School Lacrosse, Basketball, and Soccer, which is where I would say I got my sense of competitiveness.  Hiking is a lot of fun too.  I love playing poker, the mind games that go along with it, reading people’s hands makes it appealing to me.

Zap @ ProPB: So you like going to casinos and gambling as well?

Dan: Well, let’s get one thing straight, poker is not gambling.  When I think of gambling, I think of playing against a house or casino.  When you are playing poker, you are playing against other people.  There is no disadvantage of playing against a house.

Zap @ ProPB: So you are pretty competitive, huh?

Dan: Yes, very.  Maybe too competitive sometimes.

Zap @ ProPB: Tell me about your first paintball experience?

Dan: Well in high school I went out one day with a bunch of my buddies and played in the woods.  I had no idea what tournament paintball was like.

Zap @ ProPB: When did you first start playing tournament paintball?

Dan: When I went to UConn, and my buddy John Stofka (my boy Blue) how much I liked sports, and asked me to come check out the paintball club.  Well, I didn’t even know that paintball was even considered a sport.  But I tried it out, jumped on with him, got shot a lot, and just kept going back.  It was great playing against all of the college teams, and all of the shenanigans kept me coming back.

Zap @ ProPB: Whom do you look up to in the sport?

Dan: Oliver, the dude just makes a living playing paintball.  He’s competitive and got the heart.  I really look up to that.

Zap @ ProPB: What is your most memorable paintball experience?

Dan: I thought that winning college nationals in 2007 was going to be the height of my career, but I would have to say this past season.  This whole ride of playing national events with the team and bumping up to D1 this season has been crazy.  We didn’t know what to expect, and then we got to World Cup and winning it this year has truly been the most memorable.  It was something we all strove for in the beginning of the season and we worked as brothers to achieve our goals.

Zap @ ProPB: What are your goals for next season?  How do will you prepare personally and as a team to achieve them?

Dan: We want to be competitive in the pro division for sure; we definitely don’t want to get walked over.  But we want to have fun and win.  Everybody is pretty much on the same page with that, we all hate losing.  So our goals are definitely to make podium.  I know there is a big gap from the D1 to the Pro division, but the work ethic on the team is right where it needs to be and everyone is ready to jump up to the challenge.

Dan: You know how paintball is in New England.  It’s going to be pretty tough to play for the next few months, and it definitely makes it harder for our teams to practice before the first event.  But everybody is going to have some kind of personal workout program to stay in shape, which is one of the other major differences between the majority of divisional players and pro players.  Everybody in the pro division is quicker, everybody is faster.  And then when it comes time, probably in January or February we are going to start drilling hard again, even if it’s in the snow.  Last year it was pretty crazy the kind of preparation the team took.  Digging with the shovels and clearing the field just to play while it’s freezing out…drills, drills, and drills.

Zap @ ProPB: Tips for Beginners?

Dan: Do what you love and what makes you smile.  What’s the point of living if you’re not having fun?

Zap @ ProPB: Tips for Pros?

Dan: Watch out, 187’s coming.

Zap @ ProPB: Biggest rival team?  Why?

Dan: Top Gun Union, every match we play is close and it’s a grind.  Also Hurricanes are from the same area from us, and we know most of them.  So there is some rivalry there.

Zap @ ProPB: Favorite food?

Dan: It’d have to be Tacos, yup.  All Mexican food, I love the spices.

Zap @ ProPB: What are your goals for the future?

Dan: For paintball, to eventually win a pro event and put New England back on the map.  I’d love to turn it into a career and be involved in the sport more intensively.  I also want to help make more people aware of paintball on the competitive level.  Oh, and to own a 55-foot yacht.

Zap @ ProPB: What was the last song playing on your iPod?

Dan: [laughs] It’s actually Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith.  And if you don’t know that song, you’re not an American…it should be on every Fourth of July playlist!

Zap @ ProPB: Sing it for me.

Dan: [laughs] I’ve given up singing this song, because the only time I ever tried to sing it was at a dive bar during karaoke.  There is no singing voice in here, it was pretty terrible.

Zap @ ProPB: What is your favorite video game?

Dan: Call of Duty…but dude, my Xbox just got the rings of death at the most crucial time…the off-season.

Zap @ ProPB: Any shout-out’s you want to make?

Dan: The whole Fox4 crew, Curt and Dave, can’t thank them enough. Mar Lancia at Eclipse, the guys at KEE, Rob Darcy, Mike Gudejko, and the entire Lizotte Family.  Also, my family for all of the support.  Love you guys!

As the sun is setting on the 2011 paintball season, teams are already starting to prepare for the 2012 season. Teams are talking to each other about their favorite events of 2011 and telling others they need to play those events in 2012. One event that keeps getting talked about by lots of people is the Ultimate Woodsball League. ProPaintball sat down with Tom Cole, Founder and President of the Ultimate Woodsball League, to learn a little bit about what so many people are talking about.

Ultimate Woodsball League, view more info at PlayUWL.com

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: For those that do not know, tell us about the Ultimate Woodsball League (UWL)?

Tom Cole: The UWL is a 10-man woodsball league. We started the UWL 3 years ago and wanted to capture the fun that we all had back when we played competitive woodsball in the early years of paintball. I have been playing since 1986 and some of my most memorable times playing paintball was back in the woods. It is also when most of the industry leaders acquired their passion for the game. The owners of DYE, Eclipse, and Smart Parts all played and won back in the day when woodsball was tournament paintball.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: Other than the obvious, what separates the UWL from other tournament paintball leagues?

Tom Cole: As you look around our website (www.playuwl.com) you’ll find out why our unique format takes the best parts of tournament play and brings them to a woods/scenario environment. Never before has there been a way to track and rank your skills and abilities against players from all over the world. The UWL changes all that – bringing competitive paintball back to the format and location it’s always belonged!

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: Now that the dust has settled, what are your thoughts on the 2011 UWL season?

Tom Cole: We had a great year. I left our championship event excited about 2012. The teams and players actually came up and thanked me for putting on the event. It is a great feeling to see the players having a good time at each event. Each year we gain momentum with our league and as with any sport, we will continue to grow and make our processes better then the year before. We are learning a lot from the players and what they really want in a paintball league and are doing our best to make sure that we can accommodate their requests to the best of our abilities.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: Looking forward, what do you expect from the 2012 UWL season?

Tom Cole: We are adding scenario divisions that will be run at stand alone events. They will be more in a big game format. All teams and players will be divided into 2 armies and battle each other with the teams and players having missions that they will be ranked on.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: Any other changes or ‘tweaks’ for the 2012 UWL season?

Tom Cole: For 2012, we are going to lower the rate of fire. In 2011, the rate of fire cap was 12 balls per second but in 2012 it will be lowered to 10 bps. Also, team scores will be posted on the website right away after each event. Our individual stats take a little longer to process so those will be posted within 1 week of the event.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: Omaha Vicious won the 2011 UWL Open Division Series and several other pro players played at the 2011 UWL events. How has the participation of pro players affected the league?

Tom Cole: When the UWL first started it was a little rough. The old school pros like Renick, Miller and Bob Long really had an advantage over the newer woodsball teams. But recently the tide has turned and teams like Desert Edge and Muddy Water Boys are beating big time pro teams in the woods.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: With all the rumors floating around about a pro paintball league merger, would fewer NPPL/PSP events be beneficial to the UWL?

Tom Cole: I would think so, 8 national events are a bit much for an industry of our size and players are getting burned out. If the leagues merged it would allow more time for teams and sponsors to support the UWL.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: With all the talk of putting paintball back on TV, what are your thoughts on the UWL being televised?

Tom Cole: I am not a Paintball TV guy. I think the industry got into our current situation chasing the TV dream. But that being said I think the average Joe would like to see paintball played in the woods. I still think that is what the general public thinks paintball is.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: Where do you see the UWL in 3-5 years?

Tom Cole: I am really passionate about the league and I can see it only growing from here on out. We have built a great team of individuals over the last couple of years that are just as passionate about running the league as I am and we have nothing but high expectations as to what this league can and has become from the start. We are very lucky to have such strong supporters of the UWL and great teams that play in the league. We are also very grateful for our sponsors over the years.

Blake Weber @ ProPaintball: How could someone find more information about the UWL?

Tom Cole: Go to our official site at www.playuwl.com or check us out on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.UWL.FANPAGE.

We also have a blog on the playuwl.com website and we would love to have any paintball players write us and let us know what their thoughts are on the industry as a whole, what is great about paintball, what the best items are on the market, etc. Who knows… we may post their article as our featured blog for the week. Please send all blog inquiries to: tom@playuwl.com

Ed Note: Thanks to Tom Cole and the UWL for making this interview possible. We highly recommend any and all paintball teams look into playing in the Ultimate Woodsball League. The games and the format are a ton of fun!

Pro player Greg Pauley sits down with ProPaintball and talks about AC402.com, parting ways with pro team Omaha VICIOUS, and building paintball from the ground up.

Special thanks to AC402.com, MikeDeep.com, FeatureThisPB.com, Strive4PB and Understood Paintball for help in putting this interview together.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Pro paintball player Mike McCormick from San Diego Dynasty

I got a few emails from readers that wanted me to interview Mike so I sent him a quick message asking if he would be interested, and was pretty stoked on how quickly he agreed to answer some questions for us here at Propaintball.com

Mike McCormick - Pro Paintball Player of the Week

Name: Mike McCormick, 20 years young.

Hometown: Born in London, Ontario, Canada. Currently reside in Los Angeles.

Occupation: Ceritfied Pimp and water boy.

Previous Teams: Alter ego, Sinister, San Diego Aftermath, Assault, San Diego Dynasty.

Current Team: San Diego Dynasty.

Sponsors: Empire paintball, Guerrilla Air, Cp, Planet Eclipse, Rps, HHHk Army, And last but not least Oring Monkey.

Position: Mostly upfront, But I like to get different looks around the field.

Favorite Players: Id have to say Alex Goldman (aka Mouse) would be my favorite player. Hes helped me since day 1 at the Aftermath camp and Ive learned alot from him throughout the past few years.

JJ @ ProPb: When you aren’t playing paintball, what are you most likely doing?

Mike: Working as much as I possibly can, Hanging out with my friends and family, And just living life. Making the best of it.

JJ @ ProPB: When did you first start playing paintball?

Mike: The first time I played Paintball was for a friends birthday party in early 2007 I believe. I dont think I shot anyone that whole day and called myself out on a few bounces, But have been hooked ever since. Haha.

JJ @ ProPB: When did you first start playing tournament paintball?

Mike: I want to say my first tournement was a local 3 man at Jungle Island Paintball Park. Had a few friends and some lunch money saved up, So we figured we try it out and see what happened.

JJ @ ProPB: Who do you look up to in the sport?

Mike: All the guys on my team, First and second. Anyone who just loves the sport and loves to play it.

JJ @ ProPB: What does playing paintball mean to you?

Mike: Paintball means everything to me, Let me travel the world, Taste different foods, And meet some of the coolest people Ive ever met. Without it I cant say where id be today.

JJ @ ProPB: What is your most memorable paintball experience?

Mike: Most memorable experience would have to be making team Dynasty and given a shot at the pro ranks.

JJ @ ProPB: I got the opportunity to play alongside Alex Fraige, Oliver Lang and Ryan Greenspan at the NPPL allstar game this year and needless to say I was pretty star struck.. What’s it like playing on a team with such amazing talent and players that you’ve grown up watching and admiring?

Mike: Its an experience and a half. Never thought Id get the chance to step on the field with these guys but Im glad It happened and Im thankful for it all.

JJ @ ProPB: What is Hinman really like?

Mike: Haha, Good one. I mean I’d consider Mike one of my good friends, Hes a great coach, and a good guy. Hes taken me from nothing to something and always had my back,  Has his crazy times like we all do but all in all he puts his pants on the same as I do each morning.

JJ @ ProPB: What are your goals for next season?

Mike: My goals are to contiune to play for team Dynasty in the 2012 season and just play paintball. Do what I love to do. Win.

JJ @ ProPB: Do you have any advice for up and comers looking to play pro?

Mike: Just play paintball, Best advice I can give. Play paintball and work hard at it. You think your working hard already, Work harder. Dont talk about it, Be about it.

JJ @ ProPB: What are you currently listening to on your ipod/computer/car?

Mike: Usually got some Wiz or Wayne playing, But Ill listen to anything really. Shoutout to Justin beiber, Nohomo. Your worldstar Hip Hop freestyle is ill.

JJ @ ProPB: Any shout-out’s you wanna make?

Mike: First off, Those teachers who told me Id never be anything. Mr. Gonzales, TCHS Holler at ya boy. My parents, Hingeman, My team, Everyone whos supported me through the past few years. Love you all. :)

Robbie Goldsmith from CEP pro paintball team on the break out

This week’s player of the week is Robbie Goldsmith of Chattanooga CEP. Robbie rose through the ranks, playing both divisional and college paintball before making his debut in 2011 on the professional field. ProPaintball’s JJ Roth recently sat down with Robbie to talk about rising through the ranks, his most memorable paintball experiences, 2012 goals and advice for up and coming player. Check it!

Name: Robbie Goldsmith (24 years old)

Hometown: New Lenox, IL but I reside in Nashville, TN.

Occupation: Co-owner of Minor League Paintball series, but I survive by collecting a salary from Enterprise Holdings.

Previous Teams: Dark Image, 93 Bulls, and University of Tennessee Volunteers

Current Team: Chattanooga CEP

Sponsors: DXS, DYE, Insane Paintball, and Minor League Paintball give Chattanooga CEP amazing support!

Position: Back/Insert #14

Favorite Players On the other side of the field today, I really enjoy playing against and learning from Drew Templeton, Damian Ryan, Zach Wake, Chad Busiere, Dave Bains, Archie, and Mouse…..I feel all those players are bringing the sport to another level.

JJ @ ProPB: When you aren’t playing paintball, what are you most
likely doing?

Robbie @ CEP: I played d3 ACHA hockey at the University of Tennessee during college, so you can usually find me on the ice during the off season, and I really enjoy fishing and relaxing with friends and family at my lake house in Michigan. Besides that, you can usually find me at a local watering hole with the southern girls downtown Nashville….

JJ @ ProPB: When did you first start playing paintball?

Robbie @ CEP: Freshman year of high school some friends asked me to play in the woods, I quickly became addicted. My best friend owned 2 acres of woods so we built a field and played every weekend.

JJ @ ProPB: When did you first start playing tournament paintball?

Robbie @ CEP: 2004 Chicago PSP at badlandz was my first PSP event. Xfactor wrecked us in our first event by 13 points (old xball) or something….crazy that I would meet back up with them 7 years later….

JJ @ ProPB: Who do you look up to in the sport?

Robbie @ CEP: I was a product of Badlandz, and Country Club Indoor paintball, so the guys who taught and beat me up were all the Old Voltage and Farside guys, and Damian Ryan. We were always the punk kids who showed up to try to beat those guys, which never happened. MW
paintball is all about heart, so im glad I was never handed anything in the sport, and these guys beat me into the player I am today…..

JJ @ ProPB: What does playing paintball mean to you?

Robbie @ CEP: It’s what I love to do. I skipped my high school prom 2 years straight to go to Tampa NPPL, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. In college I missed every hockey tournament but the National Championships to travel with CEP. When I moved to TN, all the CEP guys were d5 players who had no idea what they were doing, and now we have went from that point to 8 best friends playing PRO. We are 100% home grown, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Some people think that will be our downfall, but where there is a will there is a way……

JJ @ ProPB: What is your most memorable paintball experience?

Robbie @ CEP: The entire 2008 season is when Cross Eyed Paintball hit the map. We played d2, took second to last at Phoenix, 8th at MAO, then came back in Chicago down 5-0 to beat Raiden 6-5 and win the event, then we went undefeated at NEO taking back to back events, decided to jump to d1 at World Cup, making Sunday and missing top 4 by 8 seconds. That entire season was where Chattanooga CEP finds its roots
and drive.

JJ @ ProPB: What are your goals for next season?

Robbie @ CEP: We FINALLY wont have to be the new kids on the block, so we are prepared to take what we learned in our first year, and come out in 2012 as a threat to the good ole boy Sunday club. We are the first to admit, we have gotten worked this year, but CEP doesn’t quit, we will continue earning peoples respect and work towards our ultimate goal, A PSP PRO championship.

JJ @ ProPB: Do you have any advice for up and comers looking to play pro?

Robbie @ CEP: There is a right way and a wrong way to do things in every aspect of life. If you decide to make the right decisions and work hard enough, good things will happen. Paintball is a marathon not a sprint. OH….and NEVER choose paintball over college….lets get real here….theres ways to do both

JJ @ ProPB: What are you currently listening to on your ipod/computer/car?

Robbie @ CEP: I got a wide variety…….new Jay Z/Kanye, Carter 4, Mumford and Sons, Skrillex, Foster the People, Adele is the real deal……and everyone knows Im all about Deanna Carter.

JJ @ ProPB: Any shout-out’s you wanna make?

Robbie @ CEP: All my CEP family, guaranteed I would never be where I am in this sport without the 15 people involved with CEP down in Chattanooga, NCPA all-stars for letting me coach and keeping events fun, and of course all the SMACKBOX haters…..no publicity
is bad publicity…