So I had a million things that I wanted to say after the event and now here three days later all I can think about is that we took second place.  The thing is that I am upset we took second place but in hindsight this is one of the best second place finishes ever. On Saturday night at the end of our meeting Alex looked around and recognized that we were the “oldest” team at the event. Every team out there, although some names have been around for a few years and some of those teams still had one or two veteran players, we still have our group of friends that have been together for years. As a matter of fact this year is almost like a ten year anniversary if you consider the Ironkids got together in 1999.  A few twists and turns along the way but for the most part we have always been together. I will always cherish the victories, friendships, and lessons I learned with the Ironmen, Avalanche, Aftershock,  Strange, and even Aftermath. There is no question that I have been blessed to do many things because of certain people and the care they took of me.  But after all these years, to be where we are now, it was a great feeling to be able to look around and be thankful for the friends that have stuck together doing the thing that makes us all happy. I thought about it at after the meeting and all day sunday, but it didn’t really set in until monday. I got an email from our manager reminding us how lucky we are to be where we are today, and how disappointed he was that most of us missed the awards ceremony. I went to put my bag in my car and missed it but that is a bad excuse so to our fans and sponsors I apologize. What really touched me though was Yosh’s reply to the email. He expressed his appreciation for everyone and what a fun time he had last weekend. Right then second place didn’t feel quite so bad. I am still a supreme competitor but this time it really meant a lot to know that my boys still love the game, the team, and the struggle that we all endure, together, as one. I beat myself up constantly for the outcomes of the events we play as far as what I did or didn’t do to help the team. The hardest things to deal with are those that I don’t have control of.  Having friends who are all on the same page working towards a common goal is the comforting factor that allows everyone to strive towards their highest potential. I love the dynamics of team sports. I understand the give and take. I play my sport at the highest level and I know I can still be better.  I am just so blessed to have others around me who feel the same way. I heard once, “when you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” Well we may have taken second place at this event, but I learned, re-learned, and remembered why I am here. I regained my perspective. I took a deep breath of fresh air. Most importantly I re-empowered myself with the hope and faith that has brought me this far. So for everything I am thankful, God, family, the journey. It is all about enjoying the time.

     As far as the event goes, I have to give it two thumbs up. I have heard all the bs from the negative nancies but they can all save it. Those looking to put down the USPL obviously do not have a true love for paintball. The things that anyone wants to say poorly about the event can easily be said about every other event out there. The difference is that this was the first ever USPL event and look how great it was. The vendor area was huge, the fields were nice, and the venue of course was superb. Not bad for a first impression. I know I am personally going to help with things like the reffing, webcast, the showcase, and whatever else I can to make these events enjoyable. It is easy to talk negatively about something, but it takes effort to make it better. I feel that there are things I can do because of my experience in paintball that people can actually appreciate. I am still a player and I want the same things everyone else wants out of a national event. I know that through this league there is an opportunity to actually see changes that players desire. It makes such a difference when people have the right attitude. I hope everyone there had a great time and I will see you in DC.