by Justin
May 10, 2012 in DC Arsenal, Dynasty
Sean “Crunchy” Macdonald resigns from San Diego Dynasty. According to ProPaintball insiders, Crunchy needed to focus his attention back on his work. If rumors serve us right, he is a river boat captain by trade. No word as to if he will continue playing with DC Arsenal in the NPPL 7-man series.
by Justin
April 17, 2012 in Dynasty
After a short break from professional paintball, veteran pro player Alex Goldman will be returning to San Diego Dynasty in time for this weekends PSP Phoenix. “Mouse” was spotted hanging with his friend and fellow teammate Sean “Crunchy” McDonald at NPPL Huntington Beach. The two were playing with DC Arsenal in the 7-man series. ProPaintball was able to confirm with “Mouse” at NPPL Huntington Beach that he had the paintball itch and couldn’t wait to play again.
by Drew H.
March 6, 2012 in Dynasty, Interviews
Sean “Crunchy” McDonald returns to professional paintball. Read on for an exclusive interview and learn more this World Champion paintball player.
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!
by Justin
February 17, 2012 in Dynasty, New - Paintball Gear, New - Paintball News, Rumor Reports
San Diego Dynasty, an Empire Paintball team, is holding tryouts this weekend. We have heard that a large group of talented pro paintball players will be mixing it up. Notable mentions include Andy Horvath (Mutiny), Jason & Corey Bornstein (XSV), Josh Victorio (Cobra’s) and Rusty Glaze (LA Infamous), Jon Richardson (LA Infamous) and Sean “Crunchy” Mcdonald (former SDA/Ironmen) will be mixing it up. The word is these players are competing for one or possibly two spots on the paintball super team and only the best will make it.
Pro Paintball team San Diego Dynasty breaking out
You may be wondering what spots these players are looking to fill on Dynasty. ProPaintball insiders suggest that the openings are for the Xball/Race-To roster. Possibile openings on the roster may come from Dynasty players Spitts, McCormic and Mouse. According to rumors, Steven Pitts has set his sights on completing his college degree and is taking a full course load.
Another possibility comes from McCormick. Mike was missing at the teams first official practice of the season which is typically not a good sign. No word on if he will return or not this season. Another question mark sits next to Alex “Mouse” Goldman‘s name. According to sources, Mouse is considering scaling back his professional play to one league so that he can focus on work, school and his girlfriend.
Which player would you most like to see join San Diego Dynasty? Who would make the strongest addition?
If you enjoyed this article, please follow @ProPaintballCom on Twitter!
by Justin
December 7, 2011 in Dynasty
San Diego Dynasty and Zack Wake have signed a deal for the 2012 pro paintball season, a source told ProPaintball yesterday. Until last week, Zack had been playing snake side for LA Infamous in both 7-man and Race-To pro paintball formats.
Pro Paintball team San Diego Dynasty breaking out
In 2012, Zack Wake, a pro paintball all star, will play both snake and dorrito sides of the field for Dynasty. Wake is an offensive player and will compliment the teams aggressive style of game play. His addition to the team should help provide the boost they need to dominate the pro division in Europe and American events next season.
Pro Paintball player Zack Wake on the move
Pro Paintball caught up with Dynasty Coach Mike Hinman for a few words.
“Dynasty is proud to anounce the addition of Zack Wake to its roster for the 2012 season. Many of our guys have played with him in the past and we believe his transition to Dynasty will be as easy and painless as can be.”
Dynasty’s roster features the who’s who of professional paintball. The addition of Wake only makes the team that much stronger. He will be joining his former Aftermath teammates Alex Goldman, Steven Pitts in playing for the triple crown Championship in 2012.
San Diego Dynasty, sponsored by Empire Paintball and Guerrilla Air, is a fiercely competitive paintball team with a long history of winning. In the 2011 NPPL Surf City Open, Dynasty captured their 50th professional win in the match against rival team Sacramento XSV.
What do you think about Zack joining Dynasty? Does Dynasty have what it takes to win the Triple Crown Championship in 2012?
by JJ Roth
November 15, 2011 in Dynasty, Interviews
Pro paintball player Mike McCormick from San Diego Dynasty
I got a few emails from readers that wanted me to interview Mike so I sent him a quick message asking if he would be interested, and was pretty stoked on how quickly he agreed to answer some questions for us here at Propaintball.com
Mike McCormick - Pro Paintball Player of the Week
Name: Mike McCormick, 20 years young.
Hometown: Born in London, Ontario, Canada. Currently reside in Los Angeles.
Occupation: Ceritfied Pimp and water boy.
Previous Teams: Alter ego, Sinister, San Diego Aftermath, Assault, San Diego Dynasty.
Current Team: San Diego Dynasty.
Sponsors: Empire paintball, Guerrilla Air, Cp, Planet Eclipse, Rps, HHHk Army, And last but not least Oring Monkey.
Position: Mostly upfront, But I like to get different looks around the field.
Favorite Players: Id have to say Alex Goldman (aka Mouse) would be my favorite player. Hes helped me since day 1 at the Aftermath camp and Ive learned alot from him throughout the past few years.
JJ @ ProPb: When you aren’t playing paintball, what are you most likely doing?
Mike: Working as much as I possibly can, Hanging out with my friends and family, And just living life. Making the best of it.
JJ @ ProPB: When did you first start playing paintball?
Mike: The first time I played Paintball was for a friends birthday party in early 2007 I believe. I dont think I shot anyone that whole day and called myself out on a few bounces, But have been hooked ever since. Haha.
JJ @ ProPB: When did you first start playing tournament paintball?
Mike: I want to say my first tournement was a local 3 man at Jungle Island Paintball Park. Had a few friends and some lunch money saved up, So we figured we try it out and see what happened.
JJ @ ProPB: Who do you look up to in the sport?
Mike: All the guys on my team, First and second. Anyone who just loves the sport and loves to play it.
JJ @ ProPB: What does playing paintball mean to you?
Mike: Paintball means everything to me, Let me travel the world, Taste different foods, And meet some of the coolest people Ive ever met. Without it I cant say where id be today.
JJ @ ProPB: What is your most memorable paintball experience?
Mike: Most memorable experience would have to be making team Dynasty and given a shot at the pro ranks.
JJ @ ProPB: I got the opportunity to play alongside Alex Fraige, Oliver Lang and Ryan Greenspan at the NPPL allstar game this year and needless to say I was pretty star struck.. What’s it like playing on a team with such amazing talent and players that you’ve grown up watching and admiring?
Mike: Its an experience and a half. Never thought Id get the chance to step on the field with these guys but Im glad It happened and Im thankful for it all.
JJ @ ProPB: What is Hinman really like?
Mike: Haha, Good one. I mean I’d consider Mike one of my good friends, Hes a great coach, and a good guy. Hes taken me from nothing to something and always had my back, Has his crazy times like we all do but all in all he puts his pants on the same as I do each morning.
JJ @ ProPB: What are your goals for next season?
Mike: My goals are to contiune to play for team Dynasty in the 2012 season and just play paintball. Do what I love to do. Win.
JJ @ ProPB: Do you have any advice for up and comers looking to play pro?
Mike: Just play paintball, Best advice I can give. Play paintball and work hard at it. You think your working hard already, Work harder. Dont talk about it, Be about it.
JJ @ ProPB: What are you currently listening to on your ipod/computer/car?
Mike: Usually got some Wiz or Wayne playing, But Ill listen to anything really. Shoutout to Justin beiber, Nohomo. Your worldstar Hip Hop freestyle is ill.
JJ @ ProPB: Any shout-out’s you wanna make?
Mike: First off, Those teachers who told me Id never be anything. Mr. Gonzales, TCHS Holler at ya boy. My parents, Hingeman, My team, Everyone whos supported me through the past few years. Love you all.
by Justin
October 14, 2011 in Dynasty, Rumor Reports
San Diego Dynasty has had a successful run shooting the Planet Eclipse GEO and EGO paintball guns. During the last two paintball seasons Dynasty has won or ranked within the top 4 of most of the events they have competed in. Dynasty, as a franchise, is very valuable to sponsors looking to market their products. In addition to winning over 50 paintball events, the team presents a clean cut, professional image and is well marketed throughout the world. As such, a several paintball companies have been courting them in hopes of signing endorsement deals.
Rumors had floated that San Diego Dynasty would be courted at the 2011 PSP World Cup by Empire Paintball to shoot the AXE paintball gun. Dynasty wears head to toe Empire Paintball gear and many figured that the guns would be a hot topic in this years contract negotiations. On the other side of the pond, rumors circulated that Planet Eclipse was going to try and extend their contract.
The rumors were set straight last night. ProPaintball insiders informed us that San Diego Dynasty and Planet Eclipse inked a 2 year contract extension yesterday evening. According to insiders, the relationship has been very successful for Eclipse and Dynasty. Sources suggest they plan to continue their relationship for the foreseeable future.
by Justin
July 2, 2011 in Dynasty, PSP, Russian Legion
Pro Paintball teams San Diego Dynasty and the Russian Legion faced off in the final match of the recent PSP Chicago Open. Many of you read the final results from the event, but, much like myself, missed the final match up. Many pro paintball players and industry veterans have referred to the final match of the PSP Chicago Open as one of the best, if not the best, paintball games they have ever witnessed. In a back and forth match up, two of the top pro paintball teams face off for the Chicago Open championship title. Sit back and watch the amazing paintball video and witness for yourself watch the game the paintball community is raving about.
Pay attention to the 46:00 minute mark for a move that sends the match into sudden death overtime.
Truth be told, all of the players from both teams involved in the match played great paintball. However, during the final moments of the match Russian Legion player Justin Rabackoff makes an amazing move out of the snake and up the center of the field. The following paintball video is only a minute and a half long, but be forewarned, you may have to replay it a few times.
by Justin
June 27, 2011 in Dynasty, Impact, Ironmen, New England Hurricanes, PSP, Russian Legion
The Russian Legion battled against world paintball series leaders San Diego Dynasty for the PSP Chicago Open title. The Russians emerged the victors in an over time match that some say was the best paintball they have witnessed in the history of the sport. If you missed the free paintball webcast hosted by Matty Marshall you should be kicking yourself. The PSP webcast was an amazing production with excellent game footage and commentary that kept paintball fans on the edges of their couches all weekend long. The PSP has promised to release some of the episodes online via Youtube and other online video sharing sites in the coming weeks.
Below are a few words from the PSP’s Camille Lemanski regarding the event as well as final results for all the divisions.
After severe weather did its best to take out this event, Burt Wright, Matt Fraundorf, Nick Casner, Rich Hernandez, Aaron Arroyo, Matty Morse and Brian Berg of the PSP Crew along with volunteers from team LSD and the CPX Sports Park staff led by Darrell Parrish, worked around the clock to revive the venue and save the event. This came as complete relief to the thousands of PSP players and fans including those who traveled in from as far as Sweden, Russia, Ecuador and Brazil!
Beautifully calm weather swept in after the reconstruction just in time for games to begin, allowing raw talent and strategic game plans to take center stage. With 9 different divisions to choose from, 155 teams from several nations competed against each other to better themselves and prove who really is the best in the world.
Something that was extra special for this event was the return of the live webcast! Thousands of fans from all over the world – literally – were watching pro games at www.pspevents.com all day Saturday along with Pro and some divisional final action live and for free all day Sunday!
Global enthusiasm seemed to build up Sunday as it became clear that the Professional final match would once again come down to San Diego Dynasty and Boston Red Legion of Russia. These two teams faced off against each other in the March PSP Galveston event with Dynasty winning… and the rivalry has been building up tension ever since. Boston Red Legion started out strong taking the first two points, but several close points later and San Diego Dynasty came out time and again with the lead. In what seemed like would be the final point before Dynasty were re-crowned champs, Justin Rabacoff made the move of the event by taking the flag and racing it into Dynasty’s flag station with just 2 seconds left in the game… while Dynasty still had live bodies on the field!! This took the game into Sudden Death Overtime which came down to a one-on-one where Boston Red Legion’s final player, who was seemingly out of paint, eliminated the final Dynasty player to win the event!
Final Score: San Diego Dynasty 5, Boston Red Legion 6
Let the Dynasty/Legion rivalry continue as we take the PSP to our next stop: PSP New Jersey, August 12 – 14, 2011 at TopGun Paintball! But first, please join us in congratulating all of the 2011 PSP Chicago Open Champions!
Final Results for the PSP Chicago Open:
Professional
- Boston Red Legion
- San Diego Dynasty
- Edmonton Impact
- Los Angeles Ironmen
Division 1
- Hurricanes
- New Jersey Jesters
- ASSAULT
- upTon 187 cRew
Division 2
- Grad Moscow
- Wolfpack
- DOW Warberg
- Distortion
Division 3 RaceTo-4
- Detroit Action
- Boom II
- Annihilators EDGE
- Rapinas
Division 4 RaceTo-4
- Imperial
- Central Florida Paintball
- North Texas Shockwave
- Momentum
Division 3 RaceTo-2
- CRU LT
- Seek and Destroy
- Team Betrayal
- L A S T C A L L
Division 4 RaceTo-2
- Revo II
- Syndicate
- Atlanta Breakout Gold
- Mac Daddy All-Stars
Pump Open RaceTo-2
- Total Grief
- Dallas Notorious
by Justin
June 21, 2011 in Aftershock, Chattanooga CEP, Dynasty, Impact, Infamous, Ironmen, Pro Scouting Report, PSP, Russian Legion, Tampa Bay Damage, VICIOUS, X-Factor
The Chicago pickem and the Pro Paintball poll (right hand side of the page) have opened up for you to place your bets on the winners and losers of the PSP 2011 Chicago Open. Cade Coleman, the PSP score keeper and ProPaintball are proud to share several data points for your consideration and general paintball knowledge. Hopefully these data points will help you increase your odds of winning the PB Pickem grand prize. Study up and place your picks!
Data is based on PSP Pro Paintball matches between 2007 to 2011
PSP 2011 Chicago Open Stats:
PSP Pro Paintball Team Facts and Win / Loss Records:
Chicago Aftershock:
Chattanooga CEP (PSP Pro since 2011):
Tampa Bay Damage (PSP Pro since 2008):
San Diego Dynasty:
Edmonton Impact (PSP Pro since 2008):
LA Infamous:
Los Angeles Ironmen:
Boston Red Legion:
Omaha Vicious (PSP Pro since 2010):
San Antonio X-Factor:
Does the Win and Loss record effect your loyalty to your favorite pro paintball team? Or, is there more to a pro team than winning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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