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

Well, I think I started in 2003, just messing around with friends being dumb. It was something to do.

Do any of them still play?

Not that I know of, they found better stuff to do I’m sure.

What was paintball like back when you started, and how has it changed for you over the years?

Back when I started, I didn’t really start playing events until 2004. And I had no idea what I was doing then. Nor do I really remember. But now things are just fairly lame in MN. Not much going on and I’m ranked too high to play locally. I think I have played twice in Minnesota this year. So its a little thin.

Where have you been playing?

I have played at Northside two times this year. Other than that fields in Iowa and Nebraska.

What do you think the next step for you in paintball is?

Continuing to play. No special plans, just keep going with the flow.

What do people say when you tell them that you play paintball?

I wouldn’t tell people I play in the first place. Because it often leads to a really dumb uninteresting conversation that I do not want to take part. It only comes up if it has to, and when it does, it’s a waste.

What is your home field, and what does it have to offer?

Well, I suppose my home field would be Archery field and sport in Des Moines, Iowa. It has improved a lot lately, it has been closed for most of the season to work on it. But by the end of the season it should be all set to run xball matches.

What is the competition like in Iowa?

Thin and far between. Not many fields or people with a lot of money to dump into it. It seems to be rough unless there is deep pockets to be had.

What tournament series & division do you currently play in?

I’m ranked d2, play d3 in PSP and vicious series.

Have you considered playing 7-man?

I use to in 07, it was cool. But now it’s not what it use to be, if a legit team asked me to play I would be down though.

What teams have you played for in the past? And who do you play for now?

Shoot, a whole bunch of dumb ones I put together and random ones I jumped on with. Too many to list, main ones though would be Magnum and Air Assault. And now I play for New Jack City out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Magnum Red Blue or Silver?

All of them, in fact I have the APPA accounts for all those teams. Red mostly though when there was actually three.

Why did you leave Air Assault?

Figured you would ask, WELL, see what happen was, I appeared to be a “poison” to the team, according to some soggy blankets that are clearly not in it for a good time. AND they cut me for that. I guess. Someone with some authority could fill you in on that. I’m sure Hamison Choop will say that he got me cut. Bottom line who cares, playing for that team was not really the greatest time. It was for the best, I was already talking to new jack city about their secret plans, so it was time to move on.

How did you get invited to New Jack City?

Well they won d3 5man in Chicago 09 and asked me if I would be down right at the end of the event, I also saw them around a lot, knew Brad the owner from a long while back. And I totally thought Dallas Hinkhouse, NJC’s main mayne, was totally cool. They are just some cool guys from Iowa with a good style, how could I say no. And so anyway they drew me up a sick contact, faxed it and that was the deal.

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

Lately, I don’t play unless its right before an event. I could probably count on one hand how many times I have seriously practiced this year, which is no good. But when I practice, Des Moines is 4 hours away, and if we practice with DSS its a good 6 hours to Nebraska.

Does the rest of the team practice together with out you?

Generally they practice without me. We just make a judgment call on whether or not I should drive on down. Depends on how good of a practice we think it will be.

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

Shoot can’t say I have one. Just small ones, some vicious events would probably be the most notable. Never got better than second at national events, at this point I think I have some sort of curse that I can’t win a damn national event.

Are you impressed with Kotchman’s photos of his trophy collection?

Am I ever impressed with Brant Kutchmen, no. Well at one point he was doing well, I don’t know anymore. But I hear maybe he has got some things coming down the pipes. Nor do I have any idea what the second part of that question means.

What was the best prize package you’ve ever won?

No idea, generally handed it over to someone else.

Do prizes even matter to you?

Naw, unless they help cover costs in some way.

What gun do you use, and why do you like it?

Geo, it always works and I don’t have to touch it.

How do you shoot a gun with out touching it?

Well JEEZ, it takes some practice, let me tell you.

What suggestions do you have for new players?

Have some spare cash laying around.

So they can give it to you?

Naw. So they can throw it down the tubes.

Are there any people who have been influential on your playing style? Who are they and how have they impacted your game?

Maybe when I was younger, but now I just try to be real goofy. I have always endorsed shooting the Z, real high and hard Z.

What is shooting the Z?

Well, its a rather simple concept, but all you do is make a Z with your arm and hold your gun in it.

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

MONEY. Find someone with a whole boat load of money. Everything can develop from there.

How does it feel to be impersonated on the internet?

Oh just wonderful of course. It’s heart warming to know they care so much, you know.

What made you pick Dallas H?

Dallas Hinkhouse is a good looking man, and just all around a guy that has got it figured out, as close as you can get anyhow. Look him up.

What happened to your New Jack City jersey?

Not at liberty to talk about that too much. But it was stolen by an air assault player at a vicious event. Then they took spray paint to it and messed it up somehow. Thus being New Jack City’s and DSS’s deal, and being stolen. It was dealt with in the proper manner.

Outside of paintball, what do you do for a living?

I’m a maintenance worker at an apartment complex. And I’m going to school full time for film, I also work for the school in the film department.

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

My boy, PAT DEEZ. (Pat Shelton) He’s doing well for himself as per usual.