Posted by: SaskTel | June 7, 2016

Source: www.flyfreephotos.com

Thomas Hesterman is a master blaster. A sprinkler fitter by trade, he becomes a weekend warrior on Sundays. Thomas plays Speedball—a lightning-fast version of paintball—with the Regina Regulators. We asked Thomas, 21, how Speedball helps you maximize every moment on life's playing field.

Describe Speedball in two sentences

It’s intense and highly competitive, like playing high-speed chess and nerve-wracking Hide and Seek, but with a paint gun in your hand. I love it...you must be explosive and fast, yet endure 12 hours running in the sun.

What’s it like to get hit by a paintball?

You’ll hear one of two noises: Crack or Thud! Getting a "crack" shot is usually on your marker [gun] or mask. Doesn't hurt at all. But a "thud" is on your body. Not fun. Getting shot in your soft spots hurts the most: your neck, groin, hands, underarms, or head. But on your body and legs, it just stings a little. Some say it hurts a lot to be hit with a paintball, but it's more of an annoying pinch that turns into a bruise. Imagine getting slapped with a spoon.

How many paintballs come flying at your soft spots?

In a match, you can shoot up to 10 cases of balls...that’s 20,000 paintballs! To give you a quick idea, watch this video from the Canadian Professional Paintball League.

How do you play?

Two teams (5 players per team) face each other on an outdoor field. Your 5-minute mission: grab the flag and run it to the other team’s end. Meanwhile, everyone’s firing 12.5 paintballs a second! Teams get points for hitting other players and having more of your players unscathed. It’s highly competitive and you need athleticism and quick, strategic thinking.

What’s your specialty?

I’m a weapon. Put me anywhere on the field and I'll do damage. However, I play best in the snake side of the field (low bunkers, lots of crawling, and lots of people shooting back)! I'm really good at gun fighting in low body situations.

Favourite thing about Speedball?

Getting to see and travel with my best friends almost every weekend. It’s more than just something I do. It's part of what I am.

How brutal was your first time?

Unbearably nerve-racking. Don't think I breathed from when I got onto the field to the time we actually started playing. My first point was a total wreck and I got shot right off the break!

Is Speedball on the rise?

It’s definitely growing in Saskatchewan. We have 2 teams under the Regulators name, and there are four more teams around the province, mostly in Saskatoon.

What’s it feel like when you’re playing well?

Constant adrenaline and complete focus. You can go from being in the dumps and wanting to go home, to being so excited you can't sit still!

Worst rookie mistakes you’ll make?

1) Bad dives (it’s a great way to wreck your marker)

2) Getting bunkered (it’s when someone runs right up and shoots you at close range)

3) Losing track of your opponents. If you don't know where they are, they probably know where you are.

Who are your heroes?

Carl Markowski from Chicago Aftershock, and Ryan Greenspan from San Diego Dynasty. Carl has an amazing play style and has the nickname "Fastest man in paintball" for a reason! Ryan however, has revolutionized the way Speedball was played. He made it the faster paced, more intense thing that it is now.

How many games have you played?

Thousands! I've played in 36 tournaments and play most Sundays at the n20 field northeast of Balgonie.

What life lessons has Speedball taught you?

1) It’s a game of angles and dynamic movement. So it’s taught me to look outside the box to solve problems, or find a better angle to work on that problem.

2) Teamwork’s essential. One person can’t win you a tournament.

3) Take defeat graciously and stay humble in victory

4) No matter who you are, or where you’re from, Speedball’s a place where you're accepted for who you are and what you love.

Thomas (front centre) and the Regulators celebrate their division title win.

Awww...

Seriously, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t have paintball. I've grown from a quiet, "weird" kid to become a confident, outspoken, and accomplished man. I have friends all over the country, and memories I couldn't replace with anything in the world. Sure, it’s expensive. But we work to live and thrive! So why not?

Can anyone play?

Sure! Contact the Regina Regulators on Facebook, the Canadian Professional Paintball League, or shoot me a message. Give it a chance and it could become your ‘thing’ that you live and breathe, that makes you a better person. What do you have to lose? You'll always be able to say, "Remember that time we played paintball? Man, that was fun."





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