[sumorai]

That's a tough spot to fill. Are you guys picking up any new players for 2014?

[bshort524]

gabriel is quite observant

[Charlie13]

I think Nick is a tremendous player. I wish him a ton of luck. I will continue to be a fan of his.

[Fox4paintball]

Gabe,

You are correct - no more Nick Leival on upTon 187 cRew for now.

Nick was offered an opportunity that I doubt anyone in his shoes would turn down. He's going to get the chance to play paintball around the world in 2014 on a quality team with great teammates. I helped Nick work though some of the difficult issues involved in making this decision and I fully support Nick in his choice. Additional, so do all his former teammates on 187.

It is a privilege to have our players sought after by the top 4 teams in the world. Nick isn’t the only one that was offered an opportunity, but he was the only one offered a life changing opportunity. We don’t have the financial resources of some of the more “powerful” teams in the league. We know where we stand and what will most likely happen to our players over time as we ascend to the top of the pro ranks.

While Nick’s shoes are difficult to fill it also opens up great opportunities within our own organization for players and coaches to step up and fill the void both on and off the field. Everyone on the squad will be pushed to grow their game and I believe that the sum of those improvements will out way the downside of losing Nick. We will be a stronger team in 2014 then we were in 2013. And when Nick decides to come home we will be that much stronger.

As for picking up other players, we are always looking for local talent that can help us both on and off the field. We have plenty of roster spots available but we’re not rushing to fill spots with bodies. We want to fill spots with players that will contribute positively to the organization. We did have Thomas Mantoni join us this past weekend in Syracuse for the first NAPS event and practice with Rhythm. It was great to see him back on the field and I believe Thomas is one of those players that might be able to help us on and off the field. Time will tell if we decide to pick him up or not. We also have a few other players that continue to work out with us on a regular basis and it’s always possible one of them will get the tap on the shoulder too.

Look for great things to happen for 187 in 2014.

[bmoney003]

well said Dave!

[NTran]

Nick Leival also guested with us at the first NAPS event.

[VSOwnage]

for Mantoni. Get it kid.

Now if we could just get bmoney out of retirement

[sumorai]

[tyskidmore3]

Always enjoyed watching your guys's games, I believe you'll still come out swinging and show that you deserve to be in the top 10.

[bmoney003]

Originally Posted by VSOwnage

for Mantoni. Get it kid.

Now if we could just get bmoney out of retirement

it was a very serious thought around october..

then we confirmed a second little one will be delivered by Mr STork around May 20th...so that put that idea to bed...thanks for asking though

[calvman]

Originally Posted by Fox4paintball

Gabe,

You are correct - no more Nick Leival on upTon 187 cRew for now.

Nick was offered an opportunity that I doubt anyone in his shoes would turn down. He's going to get the chance to play paintball around the world in 2014 on a quality team with great teammates. I helped Nick work though some of the difficult issues involved in making this decision and I fully support Nick in his choice. Additional, so do all his former teammates on 187.

It is a privilege to have our players sought after by the top 4 teams in the world. Nick isn’t the only one that was offered an opportunity, but he was the only one offered a life changing opportunity. We don’t have the financial resources of some of the more “powerful” teams in the league. We know where we stand and what will most likely happen to our players over time as we ascend to the top of the pro ranks.

While Nick’s shoes are difficult to fill it also opens up great opportunities within our own organization for players and coaches to step up and fill the void both on and off the field. Everyone on the squad will be pushed to grow their game and I believe that the sum of those improvements will out way the downside of losing Nick. We will be a stronger team in 2014 then we were in 2013. And when Nick decides to come home we will be that much stronger.

As for picking up other players, we are always looking for local talent that can help us both on and off the field. We have plenty of roster spots available but we’re not rushing to fill spots with bodies. We want to fill spots with players that will contribute positively to the organization. We did have Thomas Mantoni join us this past weekend in Syracuse for the first NAPS event and practice with Rhythm. It was great to see him back on the field and I believe Thomas is one of those players that might be able to help us on and off the field. Time will tell if we decide to pick him up or not. We also have a few other players that continue to work out with us on a regular basis and it’s always possible one of them will get the tap on the shoulder too.

Look for great things to happen for 187 in 2014.

I expected something like that. A quality organization supports and lifts up its players.

Good job Dave and crew. Best of luck in the upcoming season.

[Nicky T]

Great post Dave and wishing you and 187 Crew all the best this season

[Bad71]

I wouldnt mind seeing BJ return to the roster full-time. I thought he played very solid at Cup.
But Im sure Im not the only thinking that...

[VSOwnage]

Originally Posted by bmoney003

it was a very serious thought around october..

then we confirmed a second little one will be delivered by Mr STork around May 20th...so that put that idea to bed...thanks for asking though

I saw on facebook - congrats to you and your wife! Future ballers

[bmoney003]

Originally Posted by VSOwnage

I saw on facebook - congrats to you and your wife! Future ballers

thanks appreciate it!

Nick will be missed I am sure, but he leaves a very strong presence of knowledge and strategies that the remaining/new players will use to improve and continue to rise among the worlds best teams.

I know I wish him all the luck...don't know of anyone more deserving of this opportunity.

[disasterplaya]

Dave and the 187 guys are always a class act. Nick will be missed but I am sure they will work through it as they always do. Good luck on the season and looking forward to playing against you guys at the next NAPS event.

[Razgriz8484]

Originally Posted by Bad71

I wouldnt mind seeing BJ return to the roster full-time. I thought he played very solid at Cup.
But Im sure Im not the only thinking that...

I loved seeing BJ in the pits at Dallas and other events I pitted for 187 in. Gonna miss seeing Nick next season though