Und die NPPL führt das nächste Interview, dieses Mal mit Carmen Borgia vom TeamRedz Hurricanes.
Well straight away I'd like to know how the „Redz Hurricanes“ transition happened.
Lots of good things contributed to Redz signing The Hurricanes, but the main catalyst was my existing relationship with Jeff Stein. I met Jeff at the Amateur Open in '98, and I found that his leadership skills and ability to be super-organized were what immediately caught my attention. In '01 the Hurricanes started practicing against the team I was on at the time, Ground Zero, and in '02 I saw Jeff almost every time we had a practice, which further cemented our rapport. I saw Jeff wanting to build something for himself and for The Hurricanes, and he was 1000% committed (my kinda guy). In August '03 Jeff e-mailed me and asked if I wanted to become one of the Hurricanes' sponsors, and I dovetailed his offer with, „How would you like to be the Redz Hurricanes, with Redz as the major sponsor of the team?“ I thinkyou know his answer.
Will this team replace the old Redz Factory Team or will some of those 2003 athletes remain on this roster?
The answer is YES!!! They will be the flagship team for Redz. They will be sporting the latest and greatest in packs, pads, clothing, and accessories. I did re-sign two players from the old Redz Factory squad — Tony „Ice“ Savage and Isaac Kriens (the team maniac). In Tony, I find that his ability to walk and set the fields up, along with his open-mindedness, experience, and ability to close games were excellent traits to bring aboard. Isaac, who does not possess the words „can't“ and „no“ in his vocabulary, along with his mid-insert abilities, gained a spot on the team for those reasons. If I ask Isaac to take the other team's 40-yard line, his answer is, „I'll beat him to his own spot and take his wallet.“ That is what I look for inplayers: dedication, commitment, and confidence.
What sponsors are tied to this team and in what way?
Of course, Redz is the main sponsor. National Paintball stepped up with Diablo paint and JT/VLoader/VL jumped on with their line of products. CustomSports Gear provided our team jerseys in a pinch.
What are the plans for 2004 for the Redz Hurricanes? (sponsorships, events, and any extras such as camps, etc.)
The Redz Hurricanes will be participating in all five of the Super-7 NPPL events, and we'll also try to do some PSP events. As far as camps and clinics, I will try to have something put together at our favorite practice field, Del Hobbies in New Jersey ( www.delhobbies.com ,ask for Tom or Dan – great people).
What goals do the Hurricanes hold for this season? What are your personal goals with the team?
A team goal is to match some youth and speed (within the Hurricanes) with the experience and wisdom of Redz Factory. This should round us out in all areas and further our goals as we become a respectable and fierce competitor.Of course, the standard answer would be, „THE FIRST PLACE FINISH.“
My personal goals….Well now, let's just say I am having a birthday…
I am forty, focused, as „Angry“ as a junkyard dog, and I have the will to go the distance and play the best ball I know. The real goal here is to bring these kids to the Promised Paintball Land. The fun I missed in the past is now here, and I will savor it all year and then some.
How long have you been with Redz, and what is your current role there?
I've been with Redz since the inception of the company over five years ago, and I was the first
employee. I've worn the first prototype Comfort Pack ever, and now I am wearing the latest Dimension Pack system. My title here is Vice President, which involves sales, product development, purchasing etc. Essentially,I oversee the entire operation and direction of Redz International.
How does team owner, Jeff Stein, feel about this transition? What will his role be with the team? What will your role be with the team?
Jeff is the team owner/General Manager who is running the Hurricanes as an LLC. He is very happy for his kids/Hurricanes and the opportunity to make his dreams of building a team and competing at the top level happen. Jeff will keep the team extremely organized, informed, and will handle the team's budget, finances, etc.
My role as team captain will be to share my experience, competitive edge, and tenacity („The Angry“) with the team. I've played all three positions (front, mid, and now back/quarterback position), and from that vantage point, I can direct the team throughout a match and help oversee success. Jeff has provided me with some great clay (team members) to work with, and it's been my dream to captain and coach a team from the nov or am status to the highest level of competition.
Together, we'll both arrive at our goals and, I hope, succeed far beyond what our original goals were at the time of this article.
What would you like us to know about the Redz Hurricanes?
Watch them closely. They're going places. They've got the drive and desire. Just like in Mardi Gras, be careful of the Hurricanes or they will bite you right in the ass!
Please list your expected roster for the 2004 season.
Zack Ducharme, Greg „Buddy“ Hintorne, Steve „Son“ Dabilis, Rob Landry, Brian Gigliotti, Isaac Kriens, Tony „Ice“ Savage, Tim Maher, Field Captain, Carmen „The Angry“ Borgia, Captain & Coach, Jeff Stein, Team Owner & General Manager
I want to thank my new teammates and owner, Jeff Stein, for this opportunityand for believing in me as a player, captain, and friend. Thanks guys!