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Team Revolution is the byproduct of unsatisfied team players coming
together. In late April, early May of 2007, Andrew Stevens and Adam Huber
left their current team, unhappy with their turnout to practices and
previous tournaments. Michael Stevens joined them in the hopes of forming a
solid team, who players were dedicated and wanted to play serious paintball.
The search for more players began that day, and we found Leon Jenkins, a
young but skilled player who was accustomed to playing paintball *
recreationally** *and had never entered the tournament scene. With the next
tournament only 2 weeks away we needed to get another player and start
practicing. Through previous connections and acquaintances, Andrew recruited
Cory, a back player, who also only played recreationally. Now with a roster
5 men strong (the majority of which were inexperienced), we had a lot of
work to do.
We turned out to the field one bright and early Sunday morning, and began
practicing. Not having previously played in the team tournament scene,
Michael made an attempt to lead drills, but lacking the necessary experience
required, the drills were not as productive as we had hoped. That day we
spoke to Russ Battagila, an experienced player who had played at the
regional level in the GPL in New Jersey. Having recently seen the lows of
paintball, inevitable as they are in everyones career, he agreed to take us
out and give us a quick crash course of tournament paintball basics. In the
short two hour practice session we had, Russ saw something in us as a team,
and agreed to come watch us play the Almost Free Five Man tournament being
held the next week at Outdoor Adventures.
The Almost Free went surprisingly well, and Revolution really began to mesh
together as a team. With a little help and support from Russ, we came away
with 4th place, not far behind our competition in points. This tournament
being our first time playing together as a team against another 5-man team
showed us the true potential of our players. Impressed with our
demonstration on the field, and the attitude of each player, Russ agreed to
be our coach, regaining a love for the sport from the sidelines.
The next tournament lay a month away, so Revolution got to work, recruiting
two more players by the names of Sam and JB. They turned out to make a
fitting addition to the team, and we began practicing with Russ whipping us
in to shape.
We placed 1st at the next Almost Free Five Man, proving that Revolution had
what it took to be a dominant force.
Progressing through the remaining season we finished up with a 2nd, and
then another 1st place in our division. Revolution was ready to move up and
find a harder challenge.
...over the months Revolution began to change, moving its line up around.
We faced a few difficult times, and lost a few players for personal reasons.
Tournament paintball is a big commitment, and not attainable by all. For
every player we lost, we gained another more dedicated member of the team,
which has made us what we are today.
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