Thanks to Raw Fotos and Bjorn Bainto for photographs.

Michael B @ ProPB: Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about yourself – who you play for and have played for and how you got to where you are now.

Nico Perry: Right now i play for Seattle Thunder. Before this I played on Tacoma Notorious and before that Part-Time Ninjas. Hard work and determination got me to where I am skill wise, but without the support of my teams that I have been on and my parents, I couldn’t have been at the level I am now. I owe it all to the people who helped and supported me.

Michael B @ ProPB: Very true, support is key. Being so young, how do you balance your school work with now playing paintball at the pro level?

Paintball player Nico Perry locking it down

Nico Perry: Ha ha, the school topic. I knew this was coming. In my family, school is very important. Playing paintball nationally and having to miss school Thursday-Monday a few times a year sometimes takes a toll on my school work. I just have to be on top of it. That might mean taking a test a few days before I fly out, or doing homework in the hotel room. Even though I’d like to, I’m not going to make a living playing paintball anytime soon, so school work has to take precedence over paintball.

Michael B @ ProPB: As a first year pro in the PSP, did you find it intimidating to be going up against long-time veteran teams such as Dynasty and Ironmen?

Nico Perry: Yeah, to be honest, I was a little scared going into those two games. You never really want to count yourself out, but against teams like that that have great coaches and players alike, I was unsure if we were ready or not. But after that first game against aftershock and having my boys behind me, the fear left me when those games came around.

Michael B @ ProPB: What are both you and the team doing in order to be prepared for the Phoenix event in only a month?

Nico Perry: Well, since the pros weren’t able to finish the tournament, we have to prepare for two events: Galveston and Phoenix. I have been stepping up my workout regime, doing cardio and working on my core. Besides our regular team practices, I plan to also work on my own gun skills. In this unique situation of having two layouts in one weekend, it will be a challenge for all the teams to be prepared equally for both tournaments.

Nico Perry playing paintball with Notorious

Michael B @ ProPB: Were you disappointed at first to be told your team wouldn’t be able to finish Galveston for more than a month?

Nico Perry: As I was standing in a 6-inch puddle of water getting rained on and having fire ants biting me, I guess you could say I wasn’t that disappointed, haha. Having this extra time just gives us the chance to go over what went wrong in the Dynasty and Ironmen games and be that much stronger come Phoenix.

Michael B @ ProPB: Yeah that is nice to have time to review and come back with new outlooks. Any shout outs you’d like to make?

Nico Perry: Of course! I thought you’d never ask. I want to thank all our sponsors: Empire Paintball, DLX, Understood, Diamond Hill Paintball, Ninja, Raza, Exalt, and Pro Paintball. I also want to thank Corey Field and the rest of the boys on Thunder for giving me such an awesome opportunity. Big thanks to my family, especially my dad, who has been with me throughout all of it.

Michael B @ ProPB: And just to remind us, how old are you again?

Nico Perry: 15, turning 16 in april.

Michael B @ ProPB: Well Nico that wraps up my questions… thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us and good luck in Phoenix!

Nico Perry: Anytime, thanks!

For a professional franchise to attain any sort of longevity or name recognition, it must exhibit a winning tradition and project a brand face that is attractive and consistent. You have been a valuable member of two of these teams (Detroit Strange, Tampa Bay Damage). Internally and externally, where did Strange go wrong that Damage did not and vice versa?

Mike: Strange and Damage were completely different organizations. The only thing the two had in common was that they both became professional teams. Strange was originally founded by a group of 10 players playing at the novice level. They had a plan to take the team to the highest level possible, using local tournament winnings to fund this dream. These days, that wouldn’t even be possible. Teams that win local tournaments are lucky to even get their entry fees back, let alone put money into a team fund to propel themselves to the national level.

Strange kept winning, progressing through the ranks, and proving themselves at each new level. It was clear that the team had a vision. Companies within the paintball industry took notice and began lining up to put their logos on our jerseys and money into our team fund. However, once the economy started to go downhill, companies tightened their sponsorship budget, the golden age of paintball faltered and Strange dried up with it. In contrast, since day one Damage has received the majority of their funding from outside of the paintball industry. Relative to the days of old, the sponsorship assistance Damage receives from within the industry would not have been sufficient to cover air fare, entry fee, and hotel rooms.

With most mainstream professional sports, an athlete’s dedication and loyalty to a team often seems to go no deeper than their pockets. As I’m sure you’re painfully aware of, the professional paintball player does not suffer from this “problem.” As a player who has now been faced with the adverse reality of starting over twice after dedicated, lengthy team tenures (5+ seasons with each team), does your moral suffer or your faith in the game waiver?

Mike: I don’t look at it as starting over really. Ultimately, I get my enjoyment and satisfaction in paintball by setting personal goals and objectives. The most fundamental goal always revolved around gaining the respect of my teammates and making sure there was a mutual understanding of the sacrifices necessary to make our visions reality. You can’t build a house without a good foundation. I was never in this game to be rich or famous. Every competitive goal I have set for myself as a player, I have accomplished. At the end of the day, the competition is what keeps me going. Paintball is my one opportunity to really challenge myself, and competing against others that are equally passionate about the game is the best way to do it.

Which has been more difficult to comprehend and come to terms with, the dissolution of Strange or the end of your time with Damage?

Mike: Honestly, neither one has been particularly difficult to comprehend. With Strange the writing was on the wall as soon as the industry went downhill and the NXL folded. With Damage I delivered on what I was paid to do, but in the off-season several things transpired within the team that made me question whether I would even want to be affiliated with certain individuals. To be honest, I don’t regret a thing that has happened based on how I reacted. The friendships I have with individuals on the team transcend any sort of paintball politics.

Obviously paintball is suffering in growth and functionality primarily from the top-down. Players provide the extent of their contribution by continuing to play the game, while the companies continue to under-capitalize and under produce from their side of the equation. Do you think mismanagement of professional franchises is one of the main contributing factors to the stifling of industry expansion and the attainment of national recognition for the sport?

Mike: One of the main things that I don’t think the average tournament paintballer understands is that 90% of the business in paintball is gathered from the bottom up. Today’s church group has tomorrow’s pro player on it. The problem lies in the “bigger and better” equipment fallacy. A new player, interested in playing beyond just a friend’s birthday party, goes to a local field and thinks that they NEED to buy 2 cases of paint and have a ramping gun just to have fun. If paintball, even on the most basic level, wasn’t perceived as being such an expensive sport, there would be fewer barriers to entry and more customers in the game. It also doesn’t help that the industry itself can’t present a singular, well refined product to outside sponsors (X-Ball vs. 7-man.. ad nauseum). It won’t gain mainstream acceptance as a sport until the industry can figure out what would make the average person more comfortable about wanting to go out and play paintball. A weekend of fun; without running the risk of not being able to pay your bills at the end of the month.

When the fog of war dissipates, the dead are gathered and there is light on the horizon, where do you see yourself in paintball going into the future?

Mike: There is always light on the horizon. I work at a paintball store part time, and I see a little bit of that light each time a new player walks in to ask questions about buying their first marker. I will be in paintball for as long as it will have me, and I look forward to seeing where the future takes us.

[END]

Thanks Mike, great to get such quality insight from a veteran of the game. Undoubtedly more great things to come from you and the game. So all you ballers out there, rotting in your Galveston hotels and everyone beyond that, sound off and let us know what you think.

The paintball world has proudly stood behind Alex is his fight against Leukemia. The Tampa Bay Times recently featured Spence in this human interest piece and with good reason. Alex has been fighting Leukemia while staying true to the competitive spirit we’ve seen him showcase on the field. Follow his story as the Tampa Bay Times’ Joe Smith highlights and recalls the personal fight Spence had been going through.

This is an article you don’t want to miss- We wish Alex the best this year and look forward to his unshakable spirit and presence on the field as he returns to professional paintball.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/humaninterest/article1218586.ece

BELLEAIR — The moment Alex Spence got a paintball gun for his 12th birthday, he was hooked.

An “adrenaline junkie,” the Clearwater native has wakeboarded and raced dirt bikes, but paintball became his passion. He played every weekend he could, and, with some buddies, helped start the Tampa Bay Damage, a professional team coming off a world cup victory last season.

Spence, 24, has traveled around the country, as well as overseas, to compete in tournaments. His picture is in trade magazines, and a showcase in his Belleair home is filled with medals and trophies.

Paintball is his life.

“It’s his driving force,” his father, Bob Spence, said. “It’s what keeps him going.”

And paintball is partly what drove Spence to stay alive last year during a recovery from acute myeloid leukemia, a very aggressive form of cancer with a bleak mortality rate. Even with a successful bone marrow transplant in May, Spence had two infections that forced him to learn to walk again.

“Three different times, they gave me less than 10 percent chance of survival,” Spence said. “It was a wild ride. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong.”

But thanks to the support of doctors, family and girlfriend Alexandra Fuller, Spence is back doing what he loves.

This weekend, in Galveston, Texas, he will participate in his first paintball tournament since being declared cancer-free.

“It’s unbelievable,” Bob Spence said. “He had two close brushes with death, and to see him get out, and reach the level he’s reached and dedication he’s shown, it’s inspirational.”

• • •

The warning signs showed up in November 2010. Spence always seemed fatigued and sore but thought it was because of paintball season and his classes at St. Petersburg College.

But when an infection led Spence to get his wisdom teeth taken out in December, and he continued to feel worse, he got checked out at Mease Dunedin Hospital. Lab results revealed he had 96 percent cancer cells.

“We didn’t know anything about (acute myeloid leukemia) at the time, I didn’t know a single person who had cancer or anything,” Spence said. “I had no idea what it was. I was like, ‘Okay, well I’ll stay in the hospital for a few days, get rid of this and get back to life.’ We were in for a shock.”

Dr. Ernesto Ayala, from Tampa’s H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, said Spence’s leukemia was more aggressive because of a chromosome abnormality. “It’s a very poor prognosis,” he said. “The chance of long-term survival is very low, probably 15-20 percent.”

Spence went through two rounds of chemotherapy in the hospital, and his cancer cells decreased to 7 percent. His body took care of the rest, as he was cancer free by February 2011. Fuller, Spence’s girlfriend of four years, never left his side, compiling a book of medical records and pill schedules, communicating with doctors, and often sleeping in his hospital bed.

“Out of the entire ordeal, she probably wasn’t there maybe four nights,” Spence said. “She definitely saved my life.”

• • •

In early March 2011, Spence woke up with a 103-degree fever due to an infection, which temporarily paralyzed him from the waist down. Fuller called Moffitt, which had no beds available, so she drove him to Mease Dunedin Hospital. By the time he got there, Spence’s temperature was 106.1.

Doctors told Fuller that if she had driven the extra 30 miles to Moffitt, he would have died.

“Everything happens for a reason,” she said.

Spence wasn’t out of the woods. Nurses and doctors told Fuller to prepare for the worst, start making arrangements.

All around after Spence moved back to Moffitt, there were reminders of tragedy. Several other patients on his floor — his new friends — had died.

“It was very scary,” Spence said.

Doctors told Fuller one of five things would happen. He could be paralyzed from the neck down. He would have organ failure. He’d suffer brain damage. He could die. Or, as it was put, a miracle could happen.

“Thankfully, it was the miracle,” Fuller said.

Spence was hospitalized for a month, slowly learning how to walk. When he was released, he cleared his mind by taking strolls with his dog, a playful 90-pound Doberman called Dozer, his “pride and joy.”

“He wouldn’t let me die,” Spence said. “Because who else would pet him?”

With no family members a bone marrow match, an out-of-state donor was found for a transplant May 17 at Moffitt. It succeeded — but 20 days later, Spence suffered veno-occlusive disease, a blockage in some small veins in the liver. His liver was failing.

But through weeks of treatment, Spence got better, with Ayala sensing a fighting spirit.

“He has a will,” Ayala said. “He really is a persistent type of person. He would do everything I told him to do. And he has something else, a wonderful person by his side, his girlfriend, she would always be by his side. She is a very special person, and was critical for his recovery.”

• • •

Spence had to spend 100 days in an adjacent hotel after the transplant before going home. The day doctors said Dozer could visit, Fuller rushed home to bathe the brown, boyish Doberman, and brought him back.

When they were five minutes away, Dozer began to bark, and bounced in the backseat. Spence, wearing a surgical mask and hat, was immediately recognized by Dozer, who jumped on him.

“It was the most amazing thing ever,” Fuller said.

In August, Spence was allowed to come home. The leukemia could return, but after being in remission for 14 months there’s a good chance it’s gone, Ayala said.

When Spence was cleared to practice paintball again a couple months ago, he was so happy, he couldn’t sleep the night before. “He had the biggest smile on his face,” Fuller said.

“I felt like I was a kid going to Disney World,” Spence said. “Getting back to paintball is a huge milestone for me. It gives me something to look forward to.”

Spence is thinking about going back to school, possibly studying accounting, like his dad. He’s looking forward to May, when he can find out the identity of the marrow donor. All they know is it’s a woman, and she sent a letter to Spence at the hospital.

“It says, not only did she save his life, he also saved hers in a way,” Fuller said.

But first comes paintball, with Spence joining the Damage’s semipro team for a while until he gets his strength and skills back. Sponsors pay for his team’s equipment and travel, and Spence supplemented his income by running a T-shirt printing business out of his house. Winning teams split cash prizes at tournaments like October’s Paintball Sports Promotion world cup. Back then, Spence could only coach. Now he can play.

“I have to earn my spot back,” he said. “But I think I’ll be okay.”

After what Spence has been through, it’s hard to doubt him.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Pro paintball player Sean McDonald of Dynasty

Sean Mcdonald is well remembered as a fast, figure formed pro paintball athlete. For a time, Sean was the cutting edge of youth ‘ballers, hailing from the South, before retiring after winning the NXL World Championship with the LA Ironmen. We catch up with Sean on his return to professional paintball playing with San Diego Dynasty in 2012.

ProPaintball-Thanks for joining us Sean. After retiring from Pro Paintball, you’ve returned to play with San Diego Dynasty (a Guerrilla Air team). Fans have not forgotten your talent, but why did you decide to leave?

Sean Mcdonald- I decided to leave professional paintball because I was dealing with real world issues and figuring out where I wanted to be in 10 years. Realizing I accomplished a goal, I felt the time was right to walk away. Maybe not forever but at that time. One goal is not enough. For every goal accomplished another goal is set. The motto of a winner.

What did you do following such a succesful rise in paintball?

During my time off I was chasing a career as a River Boat Captain. I am two months away from that dream as well. I experienced a lot of life lessons during that time, some good some bad. My maturity and outlook on life are completely different. I guess you can say I’m growing up. Life is short so I live everyday like it’s my last. YOLO (you only live once)

What would you say to paintball players about continuing their education past High School?

My opinion on an education past high school would have to come from the idea that if you stay in school to get your college education you will be successful and not that I’m disagreeing with that, but not everyone is going to take the same path in life. Knowledge is definitely power, but in today’s economy a college education isn’t the only way to go. Following your dreams and taking whatever route to make them come true is my opinion on that.

How did you stay fit while away from paintball? No doubt you appear much more trim… Did you play paintball recreationally?

Yes I did play occasionally, I was in the process of training this kid, who is like a brother Jesse Stephens out at LAXtreme paintball field, who is now with (X Factor). If I did have a gun in my hand it was for that reason. As far as being fit, that’s just God given. The fact that I come out of retirement after 4 years and I am still able to compete on a professional level is an accomplishment. My motivation is driven by the thought of winning.

Did you keep up with tournament paintball while you were away?

I did not follow paintball during my time off; however mouse kept me pretty up to date. Who was playing well, his opinion on the sport and where he thinks the league is headed. There was a time where I thought I would never pick up a gun again. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes you have to listen to your heart.

Why did you decide to join the DYNASTY as opposed to your former team the Ironmen or another “big name” franchise?

A big reason I decided to join Dyansty instead of any other pro team is because looking at the situation, aside from the fact Mouse my best friend who played for Dynasty, you have these amazing guys Oliver, Mike, Ryan, Eggs (Alex) and Yosh who I have idolized my whole carrier. To get the chance to come back, it just couldn’t be any other team. A team has tools on the field and these tools cannot be all the same. The tools that we have go a long way and we have the coaching staff to make sure they are being used effectively.

Fans remember your speed and size as factors towards your success. How will you top yourself this season?

I’m not trying to top anything!

I just have goals and my goal is to win after years of retirement. I don’t think in any other profession an athlete left something for four years and came back to win. That within itself is an accomplishment.

There’ve been many changes since you’ve retired- Who’s your biggest competition going into 2012?

The biggest competition this year I believe will be ourselves as a team. When faced with a challenge any team has to decide how they plan on dealing with the situation. By nature this team has winners. And I pray to be successful.

We hope so too. What does the future look like for Sean Mcdonald?

This is how I see my future…

Another world championship, mastering my craft as a tow boat captain, being able to Retire at the age of 30 and finding the girl of my drems. If I could accomplish these things I think I can say I have a bright future. Everyone has their own personal goals and things they would like to do. The most important thing is to realise anything is possible.

Thanks for joining us Sean! It’s been great catching up with you. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing you take the field this season.

Thanks ProPaintball

Stay up to date with your favorite Pro Paintball players as we follow Sean and others this season! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

“Mr. H” has become a popular face for the HK Army. Between the awesome paintball videos and the catchy phrases, HK has taken the paintball world by storm. A few paintball players have requested intel about the man behind the “HHH”, Mr. Mark Kressin himself. We remember seeing Mark over the years. Being that he is 6 foot 4 inches and sports both long hair and a pervy mustache, he is hard to miss. On the field, his playing abilities earned him a spot on professional team San Diego Legacy. Off the field, he has helped propel the rise of the HK Army and PbFashion brands. Marky aka Mr. H and his brother Scott Kressin are well known around the paintball world but little has been published about their early years together as “life-long teammates”.

Likewise it is rare that players offer a glimpse of their lives behind the scenes so we were very appreciative for the privilege to talk to Mark about his early years.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Where did Mark Kressin get his start? Where does his positive energy come from? We get personal with “Mr. H” in this uplifting ProPaintball.com Interview!

ProPaintball.com: Who is “Mr. H”? Where did he come from? What does he do? Is it a nickname? A marketing figure?

Mark Kressin: Mr. H is a direct representation of the HK lifestyle! It’s all about having fun, rocking with friends, enjoying life and playing paintball! Even though HK is owned by my closest friends and myself, we all decided it was less confusing to just have one person assume the role as the face of the brand. Some might view Mr. H as a marketing figure, but it truly is me just being myself!

ProPaintball: What was the competition like against your brother Scott growing up? How did you guys get involved with paintball?

Mark Kressin: All of us started playing paintball at the age of 14. We all grew up in the same town and used to play at an indoor field called Paintball Gallery that no longer exists. Since day one, my brother Scott and I have always been on the same team. We are both highly competitive individuals, so, naturally, we fought all the time on the field! We’ve also always played the same spot on the field, so that would always make things a bit more competitive. In the end, it made us overall stronger players. I think competition is a great thing and to have experienced this journey with my brother is something I wouldn’t have traded for the world.

Sometimes, HK Army catches heat for being “Agg”. Why do you think this is? 

Mark Kressin: The word “Agg” was just another way to say something was “cool.” Different groups of people share their own personal lingo and “Agg” was just another word we adopted.

Mark Kressin of HK Army

What would you say to youth ballers about staying positive for who they choose to be?

Mark Kressin: Despite what people may say or think, we feel it’s important to be true to yourself in life… even if people want to put you down. Life is too short to be consumed with negativity! You have to put that stuff past you and keep rocking. We’ve always learned to use the negative as a positive HHH!!! It serves as fuel in our efforts to accomplish our goals.

ProPaintball: What was your view on paintball after High School? Were you interested in attending college? What was it like to be young and on the field?

Mark Kressin: Of course our family, like most other families, wanted us to pursue a college education and end up with steady job. But, when we started playing paintball, we immediately knew it was our calling. Our goal after high school was to become pro players and live off the sport. Thankfully we had open-minded, supportive parents, even though they all thought we were chasing hoop dreams! Having been a group of young, aspiring, pro players it was always an uphill battle earning respect on the field. I think a large portion of our success is attributed to our perseverance and dedication. If you want anything bad enough and are willing to put in the time, you can make it happen.

ProPaintball: That’s a very strong message. Tell us, where did you get your start?

Mark Kressin: The very first team we had was actually a three-man kids team called Outlawz! The team was my brother Scott Kressin, Steve Nabi and myself. We played all the local kids tournaments and actually won almost every single event! We then got picked up by Hostile Takeover and that eventually led to the creation of HK Army. Other teams I’ve played for along the way included Platinum, ACI Factory, and Legacy.

Hands down, the best paintball experience I’ve had is when we won Jacksonville NPPL in 2008. All my friends were on the squad and we smashed teams. It’s a great feeling to win with your best friends. It was also a special victory for all of us because that was the last event we played with our brother, Jason, “Towlie,” Calef. He passed shortly after that event and it was a great loss for all of us and the paintball community. Rest in peace! H

ProPaintball: How would you describe your playing career now that you’re a bit older, a bit wiser and more experienced?

Mark Kressin: I would say my playing career is more focused. Right now a major goal for us is to promote paintball and our brand. This is why we introduced more HK videos, Streetball days and our Crash at the Coast clinics. Even though we are playing this season and would like to concentrate our efforts on the team, we would rather focus on the youth and future of the sport. It’s important to keep paintball fun and appealing to new players. If I had to write my paintball life in the history books, I’d want people to remember that Mr. H was here to rock and created a paintball lifestyle movement!

ProPaintball: We have heard rumors that your team, Hollywood HK, is playing pro paintball in 2012. What is the latest? Are you planning on playing all the NPPL events?

Mark Kressin: There is a lot of rumors on the street right now… but what I can tell you is that we will be playing at HB NPPL! This team has always been bound by friendship, and I think that’s a great thing we have. It’s the heart and soul of HK. It’s always been about camaraderie and having fun. As for our plans for the rest of the season, we will have to keep you guys guessing!

ProPaintball: How would you describe the Crash At The Coast experience to players thinking about attending a paintball clinic? Maybe this is their first time- they don’t know what to expect…

Mark Kressin: Crash at the Coast is all about getting the full experience! We make sure we always go big and create something unforgettable for the participants. If you attend our Crash clinic you can expect to stay at an insane mansion, receive coaching from top paintball pros, play on the best fields and receive a grip of HK gear! The next Crash will be held on the beaches of Puerto Rico!!! We always want to change up the locations to allow paintballers around the world have the opportunity to attend.

Sounds like a dream! As always, we appreciate your time and want to thank you for joining us Mark. An eye-opening interview to say the least. Thanks Marky!

Thanks guys – Mark Kressin

Be sure to follow Mark on the road as he and HK Army support local paintball, travel the national circuit and host these one of a kind paintball clinics.

You can find more information on Mark by checking out the HKArmy and PBFashion official websites.

Stay current with the latest paintball has to offer. LIKE! ProPaintball on Facebook.

1: How did you get involved with paintball? What career path led you to becoming CEO of KEE?

John Robinson: I played paintball for the first time in 1995 at a field in Fanling, Hong Kong. I was living, playing pro basketball and working in Hong Kong at the time. I started working in paintball in 2006 when I was transferred to JT. At the time, K2 owned JT and it was the last of my 5 stops in my K2 career. After Jarden bought out K2 and made the decision to sell the paintball business to KEE, I was asked by the KEE ownership to join as CEO. So, my path to KEE was by over 20 years of sporting goods experienced and I am now in my 7th year in paintball.

2. Lot of discussion last year about a league merger. What was KEE’s position?

John Robinson: KEE has been fairly vocal for the past year that we would like to see a merger between the PSP and the NPPL. There are many reasons for our position, which starts with pure economics. But more importantly, it’s about making a league more meaningful and aspirational for new players. We aspire for our Pro Players to become more recognizable and marketable, while earning a living by playing and promoting paintball full time. KEE’s vision includes a plan to get to that point and beyond. One Pro league makes that much, much easier.

3. Once the merger talks fell apart what were the major decisions KEE had to make regarding
sponsorship?

John Robinson: We remained committed to our position that we would only sponsor one league. That didn’t and doesn’t mean we won’t support both leagues. There is a difference in the two terms. But it was important to us to understand and discuss a “vision” with both leagues and then sponsor the league that best matches our views and direction on growing the sport. To do that, there must be a tie back to our grass roots efforts. In short, our marketing plan for new players has to ultimately point to a league and its players.

4. PSP Press Release – why choose them?

John Robinson: The PSP knows who they are. They are committed to a format, a structure, locations and they have a clear vision for the areas they want to grow and improve. In our discussions with the PSP, I was convinced what they want to do and what KEE wants to do and that has the potential to be a very good match.

5. What does this mean for the NPPL?

John Robinson: In short, we will not sponsor the NPPL. However, we will support our teams, partners and customers within the guidelines of the NPPL. We will certainly send our Techs to events and support those that own Empire branded equipment. We will not display or sell our products at the events.

6. What about the Valken rumors?

John Robinson: In our discussions with the leagues, we absolutely brought up the economics of having an open door policy on paint vendors. People have to understand that being committed to sponsoring a league means investing several hundred thousand dollars in sponsorship fees, travel, freight, event support and free/discounted product to sponsored teams and customers. That is before we sell one box. There are a few really good events with 120+ teams, but there are more events with less than that, sometimes as few as 60-70 teams. Throw in 2-3 other paint vendors and there is simply no math that makes being there from a short term economic perspective a good idea.

7. What is your position on the market today?

John Robinson: Competition is a great thing and critically important in any industry. I respect the companies that build their brand through innovation/great product, packaging, sharp marketing and clever ideas. Dye, for instance has done a great job with their brand. In particular, the Rotor launch and execution a few years back was tremendous. Tippmann, historically is another who has done a really good job with their brand. I would also throw in DXS and Eclipse. To me, that is where the game amongst companies is played. I want to out develop and out promote the other companies in our industry. If that’s where the game is played, the consumer and the industry win.

8. Growing the Sport – what are your thoughts about how to do this?

John Robinson: Everyone is using this phrase as if just saying it is actually going to do something. It doesn’t matter if I am listening to a pitch from a league, watching chatter on a paintball website, or reading something another company is trying to do. The reality is for the past 5-6 years there have been no significant impactful initiatives to grow the sport. But that is about to change. This summer we are introducing a comprehensive concept/product line to drive new participants to our sport. I believe it is going to be a tremendous shot in the arm for paintball.

9. Can you elaborate?

John Robinson: The SPLAT of the paintball and the adrenalin rush of our game is what makes paintball great. There are many other qualities, but that’s our hook. For the first time player though, the barriers are high. It may be a kid’s mom who doesn’t like the noise or the bruising. It may be a kid that get can’t handle getting hit. It may be the expense of getting into it, the logistical issues of finding a field, or the many other areas that prevent someone from getting in. We have to attack all of these areas. Personally, I think Airsoft is lame, but they have capitalized on these and other areas to build a solid industry. So, it’s time for us to address these issues and ensure when a kid pulls a trigger for the first time, a paintball is what comes out of the barrel.

10. KEE is sometimes referred to as the “Evil Empire” – how do you respond to that?

John Robinson: It’s part of what comes from being the largest player in the industry. We certainly have our shortcomings, as all Companies do, but we work on improving every day. Our focus is on developing great products and driving people to our sport. Our record over the past couple of years demonstrates our commitment and what is coming in roughly 5 months will send a strong signal to the market we are serious about driving participation. I pay very close attention to thoughtful commentary about our company and our product. I completely ignore the emotional banter that lacks fact or credibility. Our focus is on building a great, branded Company that sets the standard for supporting our teams, players, leagues, customers and most importantly, drives new people to and retains them in our sport.

11. One of KEE’s flagship brands, JT Paintball, has been marketed pretty aggressively in big box retail stores like Walmart, Dicks, etc. What is your plan for big box retail and how does it fit in the big picture?

John Robinson: We feel strongly that the Mass/Retail channel is critical to exposing a broader group of consumers to paintball. The JT brand is the cornerstone of that strategy. We have worked exceptionally hard to offer quality, value based product in the Mass/Retail channel specifically targeted at first and second time players. Our belief is if the consumer has a good experience with this product, they will graduate to higher end product that is available in our Traditional channel. Obviously, there is a delicate balance and we try to manage that through branding and product features. The Empire brand, for instance, has very little visibility in the Mass/Retail channel and is intended to be more aspirational and Traditional channel focused. All that said, the JT brand has a rich heritage in the traditional market. There is no group more passionate about the JT brand than the guys from XSV. They definitely have some great ideas for JT and it will be exciting to see what they do in the months and years ahead.

12. Where do you see paintball (in general) in 3 years? Up, down, flat, left, or right? Which way?

John Robinson: We are very bullish on the future of paintball. We believe we have a great opportunity to start moving the needle with our product launch this summer. In addition, we have really worked hard to increase our product development pipeline for Empire, Empire Battle Tested, and JT. I believe people will be excited at the new products we will introduce over the next 12 months and beyond. Over the next 2-3 years, as we more firmly establish that link between the first time player and the Pro, we believe there will be tremendous opportunity for everyone from Field/Pro Shop owners to the Pro players. It should be a fun ride.

–

Thank you very much for your time John. We appreciate Empire’s continued support of professional paintball. For more information on Empire, please visit EmpirePaintball.com.

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.

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

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.

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.