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

I originally started playing painball back in 2002. I hated to do my school work so my parents used it as an incentive for me to get it done. If i completed all my work, then once a month I would be able to play. The first time i went was with a family friend, and i had such a great time that i always wanted to play.

Do you still get your homework done?

Even without the incentive of paintball, i still get my work done, because that’s life. You’re not always going to get rewarded for the things you do.

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

Back when i started in 2002 I played at syo. I didn’t know much about paintball at all. I had a spyder, but autocockers seemed to be the gun of choice? It’s changed hugely for me. Going from rec ball once a month to playing 2-3 times a week. Starting off with local tournaments and moving to regional and national events. It is a sport that definately grew on me and became a big part of my life.

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

My home field is Northside Sports. I’ve been playing there since late 2007, when i got back into paintball and started to play competitively. As far as what it has to offer…. everyone knows the scoop on NS.

Do you think the field is a good place for teams to come out and scrimmage?

I believe that NS does work well for scrimmages. Even though the terrain isn’t exactly the smoothest playing surface, it has worked for players and teams for many years. I myself will play there reguardless.

What tournament series & division do you currently play in?

Currently i’ve been playing in the NPPL, Vicious Series, and Air Assault Series tournaments. I play division 4 paintball. The air assault series is by far the most competitive local tournament series around, and has never been better.

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

I’ve been on the same team pretty much since the beginning of my playing days. We have had some name changes, but the team back then is still the team now. The name we go by is ABSOLUTE. I also played on Tropix Hawaii for NPPL Chicago, and Fargo United for the Air Assault Series.

What are your plans for the future?

Well a true competitive paintball team to play on would be nice.

Tell us about the time you played for Doylespball.com at the 2008 World Cup

Doylespball, what can i say….A bunch of throw together guys that decided to play world cup. A mix of old and new. The guys were great to play with, it was an awesome experience i do have to admit. In the end it didn’t turn our way, but it was still a great time. Everyone knows what happened next.

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

I practice about once a week on average. The drive to NS is only about 4.5 miles for me.

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

Going under the name Taste The Rainbow and bringing back Derek Savage to win the AA 3 man tournament was definately an achievement of mine. Thats the only tournamment i’ve taken first in, but i’ve placed in other AA tournaments, and nppl chicago.

What keeps you playing paintball?

Striving to be something, and the feeling you get everytime you step onto the field.

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

07 Ego is the weapon of choice. Best marker for the time.

You’ve owned quite a few guns in your day, tell us about one of your best trades you’ve made.

Well I picked up a 1 of 1 philly luxe for pretty dang cheap, it was Sam’s old gun. I got it teched my ryan moorehead, and then traded it for a dynasty luxe, and a hefty amount of cash. Well not too much later, ryan stowe ended up with the dynasty, and i had one of those AA pinup ego’s. Yeah, I made roughly $600 on that trade alone.

Now that you’ve owned so many guns, do you think the gun that a player shoots even matters?

Not really, I have had the best guns, and i’ve had the worst guns. When you get into high end elctro’s, a gun is a gun. Thats why i’ve moved down from my luxe to an 07 ego. Yes, the trajectory and the flatness of the shot on the luxe beat the 07, but the 07 ego is just as good, and my SKILL level hasn’t changed.

How much money do you think you’ve made buying/selling/trading paintball gear?

THOUSANDS!!!! Well I paid cash for an 03 Nissan Maxima with the money I made from hustling kids on pbn. I also have sent myself to Nebraska, Iowa, Chicago, and Florida many of times on pbn profit alone.

What was the worst deal you’ve ever done on PBNation, perhaps a time you got screwed over?

Well i’ve never really been screwed over. This one time i received a bl vice and a rapper in the mail. They were guns that i bought off a guy that played on miami rage. The guns were both complete shit but, a deal gone bad turned into a good deal. The guy felt bad, paid for the shipping back to him, then sent me two pretty much brand new special edition sly kits and some more cash.

Describe your style of play on the field.

I would say i like to play more of an aggressive style, but i would rather have someone else cause havoc, and then just do damage control.

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

I try to watch players like Dan Norcross, Pat Roberts, and Aaron Tholey. They have all been out to practice with me and give different tips and pointers if i could be doing something differently that would end up being more beneficial.

What do you think your greatest strength in paintball is? What do you need improvement on?
I would have to say my greatest strength in piantball is just capitalizing on moves that other players on the field make. I could always use some improvement on gun skills, just like everyone else. There is always room to improve.

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

Aaron Tholey