How long have you been playing paintball?

I started playing in around Sept of 1999

How did you get started?

I started play the leagues at SYO, than shortly thereafter started playing tournament with the Igniters.  First tournament was the first Sup Air tournament

What about paintball is it that keeps you hooked?

Not sure, just really liked playing the game.  Was somewhat good at it, and plus most of the people I met were pretty cool to hang out with.

What suggestions do you have for new players?

Do not play national events till win locally.  All you are doing is wasting your money, the cost to play a national event and the experience you will get at not equal.  Save you money and play the crap out of local events.

What are your thoughts on washing paintball gear?

Not worth it, it’s going to get dirty next time you play

When was the last time you actually cleaned your gear?

When was the last time I actually owned my own gear?

I heard that you’ve been known to take baths in the river, is there any truth to this?

I personally never took a bath in lake Pepin and I did wash my cloth in the river.  There is a big difference.

Story time.

It was a polar bear down at Zumbro Vally, and it rain the whole Friday before and for the most of the satruday.  So when were done all of our gear were trashed and needed to be washed.  Well Syv, Emery and Wuzem took off to the Laundromat and left Josh U and I at the hotel.  Well neither one of wanted to drive, so we walked across the street from the hotel and washed\rinsed our gear off.

What teams have you played for in the past?

Igniters, 8-ball, Division\Activation, Odyssey, and nub factory.  I have guest played for Redline, Inferior (also known as superior) paintball Magnum

So you’ve been coaching a lot for Fargo United, how did this role come about and how is it going for you?

No comment.

Have you thought about playing nationally again?

I have no desire to get on a plane to play paintball ever again.

What is your ultimate goal in the sport?

To start to have fun again.

What is your greatest memory from playing?

Any tournament I played with Brent S or winning Boston 2006

What events have you won?

NPPL Boston 2006, and pretty much everything locally.

Are there any funny stories you’d like to share with our readers?

There are a ton.  If you think if something you might have heard that you want told than I am all for it.

You previously played for Brad Gruett on Division/Activision, what can you tell us about his coaching/ownership style that may be different from other teams. Are there any lessons he may have taught you that stand out in your mind?

I have nothing really bad to say about brad when I was playing for him.  He gave me what I wanted tons of paintball for cheap.  And I gave him wanted he wanted first place checks.

As for his coaching\ownership style and what it taught me, do not be an egotistical asshat.  People want to play for you and not be a thorn in your side if they actually like you and want to play for you.

Describe your style of play on the field.

I would say methodical?

In your opinion has competitive paintball hit a plateau? How do you think the industry should overcome the declining player base?

I do not know and really do not care.  We are playing a dead sport (quote stolen from Jon Coa).  There is no golden pot of cash at the end of this rainbow.

Are there any players or teams in MN Regional area that you think we should all watch out for?

Any one that has the internal drive to make it far.

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

Anyone but Brent K.