vikingshadow
08-25-2007, 07:19 PM
and trying out for a new paintball team tomorrow. The field/team owner says I'm on the team, I just have to go through this formality tomorrow so he can pick a couple more players to round out the roster.
First, let me say that I know most of you know how I feel about tournament players anymore - which was the reason I stopped playing over a year ago. That hasn't changed one bit. I still think they're too arrogant, elitist and gangsta - and really hurt the game in terms of their attitude (of course, this is a generalization. However, in my experience, it's becoming more and more of a realization than a generalization.) And this really doesn't sit well with me so it's a huge issue right now. I was burnt out, and honestly just out and out hated the game.
Which leads me to this...since I've come back into the game, I've played maybe 5 days - since January! The problem is either everyone that shows up to play at our field is a fresh off the highway nub, or nobody shows up at all. Then, on the off-chance that someone does show up, they would rather stand around and talk the talk, but not play the game. Seems the only way I can get some actually playing time is to join a team and start back in tournaments again. Talk about a Catch 22!
Now, don't get me wrong. There are some pretty cool things about this - the team is going to be totally field sponsored, with the team owner being the field owner. We're getting DEEP discounts on equipment, parts, guns, paint and air, and he'll pay for us to play in tournaments. Once the field picks up again (we're in the off season around here right now), he's going to try and pay our way to a few local and regional tournaments and then to a national level tournament. Another cool thing is he's my old co-captain from Catalyst ;) and several of the old Catalyst guys are going to be on the team. However, this time, I'm not going to be a captain, a coach or anything - just a player, and that suits me just fine! No pressure that way - just do my job and move on. Then of course, it'll be much cheaper for me to play and get things. Only commitment I have to make is to be on the team for one year and help ref and run the field every couple of weeks. Of course, with a team, at least I'll get some playing time on an actual field again.
I guess the reason I'm telling you is because I'm a bit nervous - I quit playing for more than a year, then when I started back up again, I haven't played that much so I'm certain my skills are gone, or mostly gone. I'm also going to be the oldest guy out there again, and quite frankly, for years I've actually been of of the better players out there. Now, I'm pretty sure I'm not anymore, but this is going to show the others that. So my rep is at stake, I suppose.
So, ignore this post, or give me some support, or whatever you want. Consider it a blog and shake your head - post advice, I don't care!
First, let me say that I know most of you know how I feel about tournament players anymore - which was the reason I stopped playing over a year ago. That hasn't changed one bit. I still think they're too arrogant, elitist and gangsta - and really hurt the game in terms of their attitude (of course, this is a generalization. However, in my experience, it's becoming more and more of a realization than a generalization.) And this really doesn't sit well with me so it's a huge issue right now. I was burnt out, and honestly just out and out hated the game.
Which leads me to this...since I've come back into the game, I've played maybe 5 days - since January! The problem is either everyone that shows up to play at our field is a fresh off the highway nub, or nobody shows up at all. Then, on the off-chance that someone does show up, they would rather stand around and talk the talk, but not play the game. Seems the only way I can get some actually playing time is to join a team and start back in tournaments again. Talk about a Catch 22!
Now, don't get me wrong. There are some pretty cool things about this - the team is going to be totally field sponsored, with the team owner being the field owner. We're getting DEEP discounts on equipment, parts, guns, paint and air, and he'll pay for us to play in tournaments. Once the field picks up again (we're in the off season around here right now), he's going to try and pay our way to a few local and regional tournaments and then to a national level tournament. Another cool thing is he's my old co-captain from Catalyst ;) and several of the old Catalyst guys are going to be on the team. However, this time, I'm not going to be a captain, a coach or anything - just a player, and that suits me just fine! No pressure that way - just do my job and move on. Then of course, it'll be much cheaper for me to play and get things. Only commitment I have to make is to be on the team for one year and help ref and run the field every couple of weeks. Of course, with a team, at least I'll get some playing time on an actual field again.
I guess the reason I'm telling you is because I'm a bit nervous - I quit playing for more than a year, then when I started back up again, I haven't played that much so I'm certain my skills are gone, or mostly gone. I'm also going to be the oldest guy out there again, and quite frankly, for years I've actually been of of the better players out there. Now, I'm pretty sure I'm not anymore, but this is going to show the others that. So my rep is at stake, I suppose.
So, ignore this post, or give me some support, or whatever you want. Consider it a blog and shake your head - post advice, I don't care!