How did you get into paintball and how long have you been playing?

I started playing in my friend’s backyard the summer after 6th grade, I was twelve I think. That would’ve been 05ish. After a while my buddies and I from school joined the FSL winter leagues and got smashed every tuesday night like clockwork. But, it was the most fun thing I’ve ever done so I stuck with it.

What position do you currently play on the field? Why do you think your team has placed you in that role?

Lately with Mutiny I’ve been playing dorito corner. Otherwise in x-ball I was usually up the middle or second on the snake side even. I like playing where I do in 7-man because I’m the anchor, it’s fun dumping 7 pods over stefan’s head trying to work him into the 50.

What do you think your greatest strength in paintball is? What do you need improvement on?

Communication and teamwork is big for me, I’m also a pretty solid laner, or atleast people tell me. I’m always trying to work on field awareness, the best players in the world have the best field awareness. There’s so many missed opportunities in every game and I wish I could capitalize on them.

What is your greatest memory from playing the sport?

Huntington Beach this year, first event with Mutiny.

What was your greatest achievement so far in your paintball career? What events have you won?

Greatest achievement was playing with Mutiny, a few locals here and there but that doesn’t really count. Still looking for the first national event win but I’m not worried I’ve got a long career ahead. Took 2nd in D2 x-ball in Chicago last year with Velocity Wrecking Crew, 3rd with Shock kidz the year before in MAO.

How long have you been playing professionally?

About 5 months now

How did the opportunity to play professionally come about?

Mutiny had open tryouts in January at the Paintball Plex, I showed up and didn’t have the best tryout honestly but still made the team.

What do you think defines a professional player?

Not just anyone who can compete at that level, but who has the drive to do so. Real pro’s have been there for 5+ years and are still grinding every weekend.

How often do you practice per week and how far do you have to travel to practice?

We have three 2-a-day’s before each event against a pro team, mostly at the Plex which has great outdoor facilities. This event we’re practicing Chicago Legend, Tampa Bay Damage in Tampa, then going to the event early to practice with Impact, Infamous, and Dynasty.

What teams have you played for prior to making it on Mutiny?

(In chronological order) FSL junior, Magnum, Air Assault Factory, Shock-kidz, Velocity wrecking crew, G.S.E., Mutiny.

Who did you look up to in the paintball industry prior to going pro? Do you still look up to them now?

I looked up to a lot of people, Dave Bains, Nick Slowiak, Colt Roberts, Dave Fason, pretty much all of trauma when they were around, the list goes on and on. And yes I still do look up to all of those guys and there’s been very few players that let me down once I met them, but there’s been a few.

Do you think you would have made it nearly as far with out the support of your family? What are some sacrafices that they’ve made for you?

Definitely not. Well for starters money was a huge issue that they always helped with weather they had it or not sometimes. Another huge thing that I can think of is driving me to and from Chicago when I had nobody else to ride with.

What suggestions do you have for new players who want to become pro some day?

Know when to move on in your career, meet as many people as you can, I’d say keep practicing but that’s a given. I think finding a way to keep having fun playing paintball each and every weekend will keep you going longer than anything.

How are you able to afford to play so many events while just now graduating high school?

Mom. Dad. Various jobs I’ve had (Acapulco Restaurant, Best Buy, The Buckle, Community Ed.)

What do you think needs to happen in Minnesota to develop divisional teams that will be able to compete nationally?

A quality outdoor field close to the cities with an owner that understands what we need and puts forth what he needs from us. It’s a give and take thing.

Are there any up and coming paintball players in MN that you think will make it far in paintball?

I’ve been out of the local scene for more than I’d like, but of course I think so. There’s a lot of potential at these local tournaments it just needs to coached and keep from getting discouraged.

Finally what MN Paintball player (Past or Present) would you like to see featured next?

Andrew Alexander, get some culture up in this bitch.