How long have you been paintballing and how did you get into MagFed?
I have been playing since ’94, but didn’t commit to the game until 2009. I have been playing competitive sports throughout my life and was looking for an avenue to remain engaged and active after the birth of my son. I was drawn to magfed because the limited ammo aspect was appealing. I quickly took to the sniper role after learning about first strike rounds.
How did you become a part of ODSC and the MFOGs?
Koosha started recruiting me about six months prior to the first ODSC MFOG. The team likes to make sure that players are a good fit, on and off the field. MFOG 1 was my official tryout and I was voted in that afternoon. It was a challenge going up against them that day and I did my best to make a good impression with the founding members.
What advice would you give an aspiring sniper?
Practice your craft. Shoot a lot at the range and gain a core competency with your marker and optic system. Build muscle memory and confidence under fire. Learn how to effectively utilize the cover and concealment at your local field. I was blessed to have excellent tutors. Jeremy Vieth, a former Marine Scout, and my teammate, Anthony Villa, schooled me on ghillie suits, use of space, concealment and other means of movement. I recommend that players spend time with a partner or two working on skull-drags, low and high crawls in stalking lanes. Study up and reach out to the experienced players in our niche; don’t hesitate to ask questions.
What are some lessons that you learned as a new sniper?
I learned the value of teamwork; one person can’t do it alone. I’m blessed to have a phenomenal group of players as teammates. They are versatile and relentless. They make my job very easy, which allows me to have time “in the pocket” to support them as they advance down the field.
I also learned that it’s important to memorize the ranges at your local fields. Marksmanship is all about preparation and repetition. If you know your ranges, that’s one less factor you have to manage during a game.
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