Try Some Of Our Grass

A TRIBUTE TO SOME LUXURIOUS TURF!!!!!!

Member of LA Swat diving in

All but second and last photos courtesy of Michael Day Photography. Check him out @ www.michael-day.net

Avarice and the Troll

After a solid day of team-only drills on Saturday, team PR1ME received some exciting news. Our fellow Alabama team out of Cullman (Advantage Paintball) would like to scrimmage with us, and they had a special guest. That guest was, XSV pb superstar Thomas Taylor.

However hard we try not to, you make assumptions about people. Whether on appearance or rumor, or knowing that they have a bit of celebrity under their belt. Thomas Taylor: pro of almost a decade, winner of titles, sporting tattoos and the ever-notorious mohawk, some of us weren't sure what to expect. I mean, we are from Alabama, and he is from California. Instead, he did his home state proud. He was approachable and frank. Humble and helpful. I even asked him about Alien and his experience, he didn't badmouth them one bit. On the contrary, Jack Rice is still a personal friend and they still speak often. I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe having a young child (now just over a year old) has calmed him, or maybe he's just always been a laid back Cali guy.

T.T. from a not often back center. Thinking, "Rich, it's so easy.

On the field is a different story. We were only graced (or shall we say laced?) with his on field performance for a few points, but I can say unequivocally that he's the consummate front player. He's fast, he fills gaps, and he's just plain crafty. Like sidestepping a corner by 10 feet then running at the snake-insert (god) but diving off last second into the snake. Eyes up, watching the paint. If you gave him an inch, he took a mile.

While Avarice has had the further honor of being coached by #77, it seems they've made a solid choice. He conferred with them often. We was supportive, but also to the point if grave errors were made. Team PR1ME expects to see solid improvement out of Avarice, we certainly saw some out of them through the course of the day. They have a few familiar faces from back in the day leading the squad, plus some up and comers. Like Avarice's snake player Liem Nguyen. Fast, aggressive, and hungry. He was giving us a headache on the snake-side all day.

Thomas Taylor, Scott Q, and Liem Nguyen just before a point.

The day went well. A ton of points played. Box after box of paint shot. And it was uncharacteristically cool in the low 80's. The field layout came to play out well, with a standard push snake side, but a more sneaky D-side. Run-thrus were commonplace.

In sum, I can say that seeing other teams in Alabama bringing in world class players to teach them does all of us proud and is for the betterment of our sport and our state. There's nothing better for developing players than to surround themselves with experienced winners. Plain and simple. I expect big things out of the state of Alabama in New Jersey.

Thanks for joining us Avarice. Hope to do it again some time real soon.

CHI-TOWN MEDIA FRENZY!

Seems as soon as we give some love to the photographers, they shower it back in spades. They're like bartenders, start treating them well, next thing you know you getting yourself a double on the house. Well we certainly doubled up, here. Photos from Stretch of 1904Photography posted on ProPaintball.com and Hunter Dallas of TufshotMedia dropping a few video mixes for SocialPaintball.
Catch why we our proud to call Mike Paxson and Matt Sossoman our coaches in his "TUF Teams"& "Chicago Mix 2" vid as well. Murderous.

Chris Roark gettin TUF with his Red/White 2011 Indy. Call it the "ROLL TIDE."

GET TUFFF! SUBSCRIBE!
TUF TEAMS
http://vimeo.com/25948477

CHICAGO OPEN 3 MIX
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpNv4KSCc9Y

SCREENSHOTS:
You can see our fellow Bama brethren from Avarice as well. They've made a commendable jump from D4 to D3. Unfortunately, they keep getting cyclopsed in the vids! Isn't that the way it always works out on camera? Just ask the PR1ME players getting bunked, gogged, and rained on the video...

Shooting Day: Interview with A Paintball Photographer

Hi all! Welcome to the first ever interview from Prime Paintball! Our first (and certainly not our last) subject is a burgeoning paintball photographer.
Paintball and photography go together like lamb and tuna fish...wait, spaghetti and meatballs? Well they go together real well. Like, paintball, photography is a skill of angles, focus, and shooting people. This gentleman has been getting his chops shooting at the team PR1ME training facility and has recently stepped into the regional tournament circuit (CFOA for one). We have a ton of respect for Michael; internally motivated and always seeking improvement. He has a thoughtful, cerebral mindset to capturing paintball players in the heat of action or emotion. We felt compelled to ask him what makes him tick (or, click?) and maybe get a little insight into the photography realm. But without further or do, let's debut some interview!

Who are you and and what do you do?
My name is Michael Day, I'm 21, I shoot people's faces, steal their souls, and collect their photons. You know...photography stuff.
When and how'd you get into photography?
I'd filmed paintball a few times using borrowed gear in high school and my first year of college, and a guy on the team I'd been going out to shoot was going to SCAD [Savannah College of Art & Design] hands be a one of the "pro" cameras and tells me I could use it. I liked it a lot better than doing video, but couldn't afford one of my own, so I had to let it go. About six months ago, I decided to treat myself and risk some money on a hobby I'd been wanting to try. I haven't looked back since and I don't plan on quitting any time soon.
When and how'd you get into paintball?
In seventh grade, a friend invited me to his birthday party at a paintball field near my house. I showed up in shorts and a tshirt and had a blast. My mother didn't like the welts, so it was a while before I was allowed to play again. I played as often as my allowance or paycheck allowed. I played for Georgia Tech for a while, but now I just play recreationally. I thought photography would be less expensive, but it seems I was wrong. Still, every once in a while it's nice to be behind a gun instead of the camera.
What are the most difficult things about shooting paintball?
Learning the layout. I have to know how the field plays just like the players do, just for different reasons. Where my shots are, where I'll get shot from, where I'll move as the game progresses, and how I can get the results I want. I think having played paintball helps me predict how a game will go and where I should be to get good pictures of it happening. I do my best to keep from affecting the game by giving away player positions, looking too much like a player, or blocking referees from seeing the game. Everyone on the field has a job to do and there's some mutual respect between all of us in the sense that we all do our best to stay out of each others ways; part of my job involves becoming part of the scenery like I'm not even there.
What equipment are your using?
A Canon Rebel XS DSLR camera body with a Canon 70-200mm f4L lens. That's the bread and butter, but I often have some new gadget or technique I'm trying out. As with most photographers, I have a wishlist that far exceeds my bank account, but those two main pieces of gear will probably be with me a while longer. Better gear in the right hands can mean better pictures, but the reality is that sport photography is mostly about technique, skill/experience, and luck. Having the most expensive toys on the field doesn't mean anything if you don't know how to use them.
What distinguishes your work from the numerous other photo-takers out there?
I put a lot of care into every photo I release. Some people seem to have this idea in their head that digital photography is push the shutter then go home and hit a magic "publish" button and everything looks great. It's not that easy. All of my photos get the attention they deserve because any single one could be the only one somebody sees. Even my worst photo needs to be a shining example of what I'm capable of.
What are usually their pitfalls (too much photoshop maybe)?
Resting on their laurels. I've not yet gone through a days pictures and thought that I did everything exactly right; there is always something to improve upon, something new to try, or a mistake to correct. Someone who can't find something they could do better, he or she isn't looking hard enough. I'm always looking to refine my style or methods to advance as a photographer.
Anyone's work you admire (paintball or otherwise)?
I read a lot of blogs, tutorials, forum posts, and websites soaking up as much as I can about all sorts of photography, so listing every sources of inspiration or admiration would be difficult when I can't even remember most of the origins. That said, Jimmy Hickey was an early admiration and still is someone I look up to for paintball and portrait work. I also have to mention the PhotoMOB, a great group of photographers dedicated to shooting paintball; they're very helpful and friendly and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any one of them to a team looking to hire a photographer (if I can't make it, that is).
Have paintball leagues been inviting for a new media guy on the block? How have the various leagues treated you? It can be difficult getting on to the field for some leagues, but once on the field I haven't had any trouble at all. Every league has different rules, and most require approval before you can get on the field. There are hoops to jump through for every league, and some are more worth it than others, but I still have fun while I'm taking pictures and can forget the majority of the complications.
Making a living with photography: Dream come true or something on the side?
As cool as it might be, I highly doubt I'll ever make the majority or my income through photography so long as I have a regular job. Professional pictures are honestly a luxury and the work is inconsistent at best. I hope I never have to quit, but there may be times in my life that the camera gets put on the shelf while I get other things back in order.

So how can we see your work and acquire your services?
I can be found at www.michael-day.net and contacted via email: michael@michael-day.net

Thanks Michael!

[All photos have been used with permission from Michael Day Photography]

A Learning Experience: CFOA Pro-Am Xball

Many teams, especially those in the lower divisions, don’t put much weight on pit environment or even a good pit crew for that matter. Little things like having your pods filled back up markers chronoed and ready to go, the appropriate tools available and those who know the game and flow are vitally important to the success of a team. Nowhere does this become more apparent than at a critical juncture of a match or in the finals.

In Texas, the team had steamrolled through the prelims and quarter finals, but was finally met by a tough opponent. We had the coaching and we had the pit crew, but we didn’t have the stress of getting into battles and being put on our heels prior to the event.

Pr1me felt we needed to test ourselves again before another national event. Chicago has always been one of the largest events in the series and has always drawn some of the best competition. We recognize that and felt the best way to test ourselves and work on our pit control was to put ourselves in a stressful situation. What creates stress better than actual competition against some of the best?

Evan Manners looking for bad guys, making sure they know his rotor and Proflex match.

An opportunity appeared in the form of the CFOA’s first ever Pro-Am Xball event in Rock Hill, SC. Rob Staudinger’s ever-evolving Division 1 team, Mayhem, had been split into 3 teams and slots filled with a whole spectrum of North and South Carolina D2 talent (saving PBC’s freshest batch of genetically engineered young ballers in Demolition), along with Matt Sossoman and a crew of Dark Carnival players. With no D2/D1 teams available within 7hrs of our home field, this was an opportunity Pr1me couldn’t pass up.

Mike McGowan and Matt Sossoman give each other some face paint at the X.

The difference between a good D3 team and a good D2 team (or D1, or Pro for that matter) is pretty simple. It boils down to less mistakes, less mental errors. We lost 2 matches handedly, won the third in a fistfight (our coach Matt Sossoman guaranteed any errors were punished with extreme prejudice), and narrowly lost our last match in a simul-out 1 on 1 in the waning seconds 3-2. The opposing teams had their game changers: Hamen Chapmen, Kyle Flores, Rob Staudinger, Chris Schehr, Mark Henley (welcome back man), and Matt Sossoman. Some hit people 3 steps off the box on the break, some were ruthless in seizing openings up the field, others were crafty, and I’m sure at least one of them handed off to their players a more cerebral approach to the game.

We knew going into this event, we weren’t suppose to win. That wasn’t going to keep us from trying to put a hurting on someone. Our main purpose was to put ourselves in an uncomfortable situation and see how we, without a Mike Paxson or a Matt Sossoman, and the pit crew handled it. Lessons were learned, newer team members further meshed into the team framework, and game speed was increased. In a way it was the perfect environment, somewhere between a scrimmage and a tournament. There was tough, higher level competition, an official ref and scoring staff, yet there wasn’t the need to abandon learning important team lessons just to win a few extra points. Our opponents had the same mindset.

Left to Right: Cam, Seth, Griff, Bianca, Mikey

This was a good learning experience for the team. Not just for the core members but for the pit crew and a new addition to the team, as well. We would like to welcome to the Pr1me ranks, Mr. Seth Wooten.

Seth Wooten: Don't you dare dirty up his cargos.

Seth brings a motivational aspect to the team as well as a well-thought-out and meticulous approach. As always, thank you to Stacy and Darrell McDonald and a big thank you to videographer Amanda Mauldin, too.

Now that we have an idea of where we stand, the team is 100% focused on Chicago. See you there!

Pictures are courtesy of the talented Michael Day. Mr. Day has only recently taken a crack at this paintball photography thing, but already he has put out numerous professional grade sets in all sorts of weather. If you want to know more about the ins and outs of paintball photography, check us out real soon after we speak with him and bring it right here! Check out his work @ www.michael-day.net

Also, check out this sweet vid from TufShot Media. Hunter is rocking his ProGo cam and even let Matt Sossoman borrow it to show folks how to shoot people off the break! Catch Pr1me gettin grimey in the opening segment (:22-:38), breakin out 2:29, and shakin some hands 5:05.

http://vimeo.com/24328907

Get ready for exclusive INTERVIEW season!

On Sponsorship

This is easily one of the most asked questions by competitive players out there. Mike Bianca shares his incite and describes why the current PR1ME relationship with its newest 2011 sponsors came about.

SPONSORS!

Ah, that delectable and evasive word that every paintball player strives for and dreams of in delusionary states of grandeur. To be or not to be?... that is the question. To be or not to be... sponsored!

To a paintball player, that word invokes a number of emotional and conceptual reactions. To many it lends a sense of accomplishment. Others feel it validates them as a player or a team. Some see it as the only means in which to participate at a certain level of competition. Whatever it means to you or your team, more than likely, it is going to be a positive perception to most.

Dear Animal Customs: Sorry. The jerseys are all clean now.
Left to Right: Vince, Griff, Chris aka "Smoker", Mikey, Danny.
Guess who didn't play the snake...

Team Pr1me is no different. We have all wished for that day to come where we would be considered good enough for a paintball company to want us to represent them. Many of us have experienced this euphoric state before. But really think about that. As a divisional team, is being sponsored really about how good we are and how we will grow the sponsor's sales? Doubtful. What kind of impact do you think the paintball companies get from Pro teams repping thier product? A lot more than that of a D3 team right?

Most teams will take the first thing they are offered or they will actively search out a "deal". They will go with what they like. And why not? Most of the larger paintball companies have package deals where a team will get a discount. All of this is great but all of that is also business.

Team Pr1me specifically chose not to jump on any band wagon our first year. We were in a unique position where we wanted to set our own goals and we wanted to reach them our way. We wanted to prove we could win. And we did. The last thing we wanted was to go to a company and say, "Hey, we're good. You should sponsor us." Why? What could we bring to the table that first year? Nothing. We didn't want to be a team sponsored by a company just because we could. Instead, we wanted to go to specific sponsors with a winning record and a plan. That's right, a plan. A plan to become a business partner and not just a team that uses their product. And we feel we have made some great choices for this season.

Shooting the 2011 Alien Independence from Alien Paintball.

Jack Rice of Alien PB and his son Scott are engineers first. This means you get a well thought out marker. They have created a shooting platform that is hard to beat on multiple levels. It is affordable in comparison to other high ends, it is light, balanced, fast, easily maintained, accurate and incredibly efficient. Forget all the arguments surrounding the marker. If you step back and look at the Independence for its performance, you will not only be impressed, you will find it to be one of the smoothest shooters out there today. A quality, practically custom gun that does its job well consistantly. It’s that simple. Just shoot one...you'll see. www.alienpb.com

A stretchout session prior to another practice at the ranch.

Next was Exalt Paintball. Few companies in the paintball community put out a product that is consistently reviewed as positively as Exalt. Their products are, simply put, durable and practical. Those two words are important to a paintball player. As a player, you want to invest your money in something that will do the job and keep doing it game after game. That's Exalt. There are players on Pr1me who have had the same feedgate from Exalt for over a year and a half! And their stuff looks good too. Pr1me is very excited about this relationship as Exalt has products ranging from feed gates and barrels to pants and jerseys. We will be utilizing a number of their products this year and we know that, not only will they last, they will look good too! www.Exaltpaintball.com

We chose these two companies because of our David and Goliath mentality. No one thought a team from Alabama could be competitive on the regional and national circuits. So far, we have shown that we can. Same goes for Alien and Exalt. They both spit in the face of the mainstream and stand defiant and successful. Pr1me was drawn to that tenacity as we share that same drive.

Thank you to Jack at Alien PB and Nolan at Exalt PB. Both of you are class acts and we look forward to furthering a great 2011 season with you.

Mike Bianca striking his "Exalt Superhero" pose

Prime Paintball: Official Exalt and Alien Dealer!

Well folks, may team PR1ME and Prime Paintball may have kept quiet for the past month, rest assured we've stayed busy. We are proud to announce that we are now official Exalt and Alien dealers. That means you can get the best deals going in the southeast from guys who've been around the circuit for a long time.

First order of business will be to get some of that new oh-too-legit apparel from Exalt: Throwback pants, our guys are gonna be using them as our summer time training gear. We're even gonna get our hands on their brand new headbands. Interested in getting in on this feeding frenzy? Email: primepaintball@gmail.com
www.exaltpaintball.com to look at their lineup. They're cranking out new gear almost monthly now. Keep your eyes open for giveaways on their Facebook: ExaltPaintball

For Alien, you know where to go: www.alienpb.com They've been busy in Mr. Rice's laboratory piecing together extraterrestrial technology to crank out the mid-range price with the high-range nice, Invasion! For those of you that want to demonstrate your pride to all of your victims check out oomkool's Spine2 Alien Gun Owners jersey on PBNation's "Alien" blog. Soon to be available by the amazing folks of ANIMAL Paintball! www.animalpaintball.com



For those of you looking for high grade paint or even some shoot around ammo. We'll have a healthy stock of GI Sportz paint on hand. 1, 2, 3, and 4 star. Don't hesitate to ask us what we think of the newest, most popular paint company on the block!

Be prepared for an onslaught of updates, articles, photos, and deals!