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Gun play starts at the sports range

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Larry W. Carpenter Jr.
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The paintball field at the sports range here is officially in full swing for its second season of speedball.

The speedball field opened May 12 to allow people to get in some trigger time prior to the start of the 2007 intramural paintball season which begins June 9.

With the intramural season around the corner, it's time to gather up a team to contend for the base championship.

"Even though the first coaches' meeting took place on May 29, we will still sign up teams as long as they provide us a letter of intent," said John Haberman, 92nd Services Squadron recreation aid at the sports range.

Until the intramural season begins the speedball field is open to all players on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Once the season begins, the field is open 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. exclusively for intramural play and from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. to all players.

The 3-on-3 format is identical to last year but the rules have changed slightly. Also, the field layout has changed to mitigate the disparity in skill levels on the playing field. The main rule change is that intramural play will use the National Professional Paintball League scoring system which is based on a 100-point system instead of last year's one-point-per-victory scale.

"The new format and field layout should balance out the skill levels," Mr. Haberman said. "We tried to even things out so that no one team starts off with a guaranteed win or advantage."

So what makes a bunch of people go out onto a field and fire projectiles at each other at 290 feet-per-second?

"I know that I and a lot of my other buddies play for the rush," said Mr. Haberman. "You get a nice little adrenaline rush when people are shooting at you."

An individual does not have to be an avid paintball player or even own their own equipment to take advantage of having a speedball course on base. The sports range can take care of needs for the novice to the most hardcore players.

Anyone interested in taking up paintball can take advantage of the full range of rental equipment available. The sports range has a $30 rental package that includes everything needed to begin playing paintball, to include a gun and protective gear. 

But, people under 12 years-old will have to wait because the minimum age to play at the speedball field is currently 12.

"For those thinking about getting into paintball, I would suggest that they go their local field and talk to some of the regular players and work staff to find out what the game is all about," said Mr. Haberman.

Along with talking to people who know the sport, it's important to just get out and play to see if you like it, said Airman 1st Class Tom Morone, 92nd Services Squadron storeroom clerk and avid player.

"Just get out there and play, and don't be afraid to get shot," said Airman Morone. "It's just a little gel in shell."

The sports range currently offers paintball supplies at discounted prices to people interested in purchasing their own equipment.