Royal Purple

Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Photo submitted Junior Andy Rasico keeps an eye out for opponents during last year's National Collegiate Paintball Championships. UW-Whitewater finished third at the event.

Many club sports attract new members by offering an easygoing atmosphere, convenience and minimal start-up fees.

However, when it comes to staying afloat and competing, UW-Whitewater's paintball club faces more obstacles than most.

Despite the conflicts, the team has enjoyed some success since its inception in 1999. They're looking to build on the tradition this weekend when club members Jake Bantz, Andy Rasico, Micah Young, Martin Grasswick and Ryan Morgan travel to Lakeland, Fla., for the National Collegiate Paintball Championships. Last year, the club placed third in the tournament.

Bantz, the team captain and a seven-year veteran of the sport, said they are unable to bring the entire club to nationals due to financial constraints - a common problem for paintball players.

"The initial investment for paintball averages up to about $2,000," Bantz said. "We spend $45 a week at practice, and then we have gas money and tournament fees. I don't know the exact figures, but it adds up. We pay for the paintballs, and it's not like we get them back."

The lack of a nearby practice facility also presents problems for the club. In preparation for nationals, they've needed to practice every weekend. They fill the void by embarking on a 90-minute drive to Stinger Paintball in Kewaskum.

For its troubles, the team is hoping for a top five finish in this weekend's 38-team field. Bantz said competition among college paintball teams becomes more intense each year as the number of clubs continues to increase.

"From what I've seen," he said, "there are more clubs each year since the [National Collegiate Paintball Association] was established in 1999. Last year there were 65 schools that competed in college paintball and this year there are 78."

Bantz acknowledges that the paintball club requires more money and commitment than many students are able to offer, but he also says it's the perfect avenue for those who want to take their passion to the next level.

"Some of the club sports out there have a lot more people that can compete." he said, "But if we're going to compete and try to be number one, we need the dedication."

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