I can't put into words how impressed I was with the St Louis Ram's organization. Nicole from the Rams had these guys on lock and not one of the players just phoned it in. They came not just to play, they came to interact with fans and raise some money for the St. Patrick Center. I saw smiles, heard war stories, witnessed a few out and out lies and saw lots of people having a great time for an even better cause. They signed autographs for anyone who asked and posed for more pictures than I could count.
There were over a dozen Rams players that showed up and I was amazed so many had their own gear and were ready to get dirty. These guys were a class act and I was honestly proud that they represent my city. I wasn't a Ram's fan until Saturday and now I'm one for life.
William Hayes was the life of this game and showed up early with a custom engraved Planet Eclipse Etha complete with the Ram's logo engraved on the lid of his hopper. What he lacked in experience, he made up with some last minute recruiting and straight enthusiasm off the field. He was a pleasure to watch off the field as he relentlessly teased his fellow players and straight stole the winners trophy.
Michael Brockers had a bright pink G6r and more paintball knowledge than I expected out of a player who has played for years. This man knew who Oliver Lang was, has been watching Youtube videos nonstop, wanted opinions on the best players in the world and was asking for tips on how to expand his game to shooting with his less dominant hand and grow beyond just being just a back player. He even knew of PbNation and wants to play some local 3-man events.
Eugeen Sims was probably the most competitive on the field. He wanted to win and even upgraded to a Luxe (in almost Ram's colors) before the end of the day. He knew his way around a field and put it on Hayes right away when their teams played against each other.
Rookie
Terrell Brown is a a straight beast. He is 6' 11" and 400 pounds and he still wore some people out! Look out for him.
Darryl Trent from DLX was on site and even got some games in. He made up some special edition Luxes in (almost) Ram's colors especially for the event and all of them were gone before the end of the day. William Hayes not only got one for himself, when he saw one of the refs jonsing after one but short on the cash, he helped him pick one up right on the spot!
Thanks to the guys from the
Luxe Mob who put down their Luxes and played with rentals to help keep the teams fair. You guys were scouted repeatedly by the NFL pros and some were even learning your names and asking how to beat you!
Kendall Langford even said thanks for hooking him up with the best team. It was great to see you guys tear it up with rentals.
Tim Schloss from Gateway Paintball deserves all the credit in the world for setting this event up. He got true professional athletes, some of the best representatives from inside of paintball and true corporate sponsors together in just a few weeks. Special thanks to Thomas Ghee who actually did the scheduling and made sure everything ran on time.
One last thing about William Hayes. This man plays professional sports and still was one of the first people there at the field and even stayed late to clean up the trash left in the staging area by all the teams. He didn't stop helping the field staff out until all the water bottles, empty cases random trash was cleaned up off all the tables. I got a small glimpse of the off field work ethic that made him a true pro.
Nicho was on hand taking some pictures. Here's a quick look at a few.
Michael Brocker, Eugeen Sims and William Hayes with their markers.
Eugeen Sims last stand (he borrowed my loader and tank for his new Luxe)
Michael Brockers with his G6r directing traffic on the field
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