Taconite Country Paintball

A Return to Our (blogging) Roots

2008-10-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

Note: TCP has been out of existence for a while now. Here is a Paintball related post from the Colonel's Other Blog.

Following a 3+ year Hiatus, three members of Taconite Country Paintball, plus our friend Brandon, dared to fire up the markers and venture out on the field again.

The Colonel found the following truths to be self evident:

1. It was too cold.

2. The Colonel stinks at Speedball. The following is a true conversation that occurred behind a bunker:

Small Wirey Player in a Bright Red Speedball Jersey: "Get Down! GET DOWN!"

C. Havoc: "Uh...I'm OLD. This is as "Down" as I get."

Half-frozen Paintball (Hitting the Colonel in the mask): SPLATTT!

Small Wirey Player: I Told you so.

3. The Colonel's friend, Brandon, is a GREAT Speedball Player. My shoulder still hurts.

4. TCP was actually pretty good while it lasted. The Colonel and Sons owe a debt of gratitude to Major Pain, General Gibby, Captain Paintburner, the Double Downs, young Lt. Frotsgner, and, of course, The Sarge, for challenging us and teaching the nuances of the woodland game. When the focus shifted into the trees, the carnage really began. By our count, Team Taconite (Col. Havoc & Sons, Brandon, and another camo-guy named Jason) had more than 25 kills without an elimination.

The first player I took out was Small Wirey Red-Jerseyed Guy.

Note: HUGE Plug for Devotion Paintball in Bemidji, Minnesota. They are a first class operation, run by great people, and their End-of-the-Season Bash was a rousing success.

Sunday August 6th ...OK, WHAT ARE THEY GONNA DO?

2006-08-10T07:23:00.001-07:00

Let's get right to it....Sunday brought out a new level of good healthy competition......no over-whelming winner of a team, just straight up great play. If you were one of the 14 guys who were there, I would like to personally thank you for a great afternoon of fun. All players were giving it all they had that day.

Quick note of business, Colonel Havoc has turned over the reigns of this Blog to Major Pain (who can barely program his own alarm clock) however will still be active in helping the Major with a barrel of questions about compoooters. What does this mean to you, no more quick wit commets and intelligent game recaps. We thank you Colonel for EVERYTHING you have done. You ROCK!! see ya on the field.

More to follow soon.......
carry on,
Major Pain

Sunday August 6th

2006-08-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

HOT GAME on SATURDAY

2006-07-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, July15
Time: 10 am-4 pm
Where: Kerr Valley

96 Degrees!!!!!!
BRING WATER!!!!!!!!

Pick-up Game Saturday

2006-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

It has come to the Colonel's attention that some of the guys are getting together for a pick-up game...

When: Saturday, July 8th, 10 am- 4 pm
Where: Kerr Location, of Course.

All are welcome. Go out & paint somebody.

Don't forget our regularly schedule games the following Saturday (the 15th) at the same place & time....

P.S. "Pick-up" Get it?

Game On...Sunday

2006-06-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Next TCP Game:

Sunday, June 25
2-6 pm
Kerr Valley

The Col. will be AWOL for this one.
Please see your Squad Leaders with Questions or to reserve rental equipment.

Have Fun!

Pick Up Game

2006-06-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hey, Y'all...

Some of the guys will be gathering for a pick-up game:

This Saturday, June 18th
10 am- 4 pm
At Kerr Valley

Painter Buz is organizing this one.

Give him a call or e-mail with questions.

Don't froget our next TCP Game:
Sunday, June 25
2 pm-6pm
Kerr Valley

Have Fun!

Good Fights, Good Food, Great Fun

2006-06-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

June 4 Recap & Pics...
(Thanks to Gary G for taking & sending in the photos)

Round Robin Play:
The Col.'s Team got schooled, going 0-3...(Sorry, Guys)
Pink Team was 0-2, until they smoked the Colonel. (Naturally)

Congratulations to Blue & Orange. Both were 2-0 going into their final match. That game ended in a draw. (Hmmmph) Both team finished at the top of the heap with 2-0-1 records.

Blue Team Lives the life of Luxury under, not one, but TWO canopies

In the Larger, Double Flag Game, C. Havoc's Yellow team joined up with Blue, while Tim's Pink Commandos joined forces with Orange.

The Blue team sent a large force up the East Ridge line, with Double Downs running covert operations up the West Tape line. Kyle was eliminated, but Doug took out 5 orange players... solo. Once Doug merged with the West Squad they took the flag and returned with a victory.

C. Havoc made up for his early exit from all three round robin games by sitting back on defense and doing absolutely nothing. His & Bob's one contribution in this game was not shooting Doug and Doogie when they returned with the flag.

Lt. Laeupple gets his Orange team fired up

While the remaining players engaged in some “Paintburner” the Col. & Doogie struck camp and headed back to headquarters to fire up the BBQ.

It’s a good thing he cooks better than he shoots.

The Squads enjoy some much-deserved relaxation

Thanks again to Gary G for the pics.

Next Game: Sunday, June 25th

See you there.

Game On: Sunday...BBQ to Follow

2006-05-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, Our Next Event:

This Sunday, June 4th
2 pm - 6 pm
Kerr Valley

Following the Game:
Everyone (Yes, that includes you) is invited to Col. Havoc's for Burgers, Beans, and Dogs.
We'll fire up the grill, open a few lawn chairs, and talk some smack about the day's events.

(Maps to the Colonel's House will be available at the Game)

May 20th Results

2006-05-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here's Some results and Pics from our May 20th Event...

Morning Round Robin Play:
Yellow Team Dominated...Congratulations.

Full-Field Double Flag:
1st Game: Blue team sent a large force up the west tape line, and quickly overwhelmed a smaller, orange resistance.
Orange made an attempt on Blue's flag station from the Northeast corner, but Blue's defense held. The Blue attacking force returned with the flag. Game over...Blue Victory.

2nd Game: Orange's Turn. A change of tactics sent 13 of the team's 14 players up the east tape line. This large orange push proved to be too much for blue's defense as players were eliminated one or two at a time. Victory: Orange.

The day's highlight was a classic "protect the President" scenario. B.P. volunteered to wear the "target vest." 8 players disappeared into the woods as the sniper force. 18 good men were responsible to safely transport our man to three different flag stations and back to base.

The play was intense, especially at flag stations near the sniper's regeneration point. After numerous fire-fights, many eliminations and re-entries on both sides, K.D., (in typical fashion) moved stealthily into the protector's circle an eliminated his target moments before enduring a barrage of paint. Game over: Victory to the Snipers.

A real good time had by all.

Here's some pics...

L.M. Chonys out at 299 F.P.S.

Cpl. Kranny does a Great Job as Supply Officer

B.B.'s canopy provides a comfortable camp for his Orange team.

TCP events always open with prayer. We enjoy a safe and fun day of competition.

A rare shot of C. Havoc, sans mask. Everyone agrees that he looks best out of focus.

S.S., R.P. and Blue Team Captain, Major "Pain" Benson (he was...)

The Major's Daughter, on the other hand, was a perfect little lady, and suffered the long day like a paintball trooper. (Why does that line bring vague recollection of a song by Paul McCartney and Wings? The Col. is dating himself again.)

Speaking of suffering, M.R. plays through an illness and still looks good at days end.

Next Event: Sunday, June 4th, 2-6 pm

See you there...

Game On: Saturday

2006-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

1st Things 1st...
Next Game:
This Saturday, May 20
10am-4pm
Kerr Valley

All Guys are welcome. (Minors need permission from parents)

2nd Order of Business:

Two of our three missing CO2 Tanks are accounted for. That leaves one still out there. Please check your gear and bring it on Saturday. Thanks.

3rd:

If you would like to give paintball a try, we have rental gear available for a nominal fee.

Please note that we will begin charging a flat rental fee of $5 for each club gun.
(Plus $5 per CO2 Tank used)
This fee also includes the mask if you need it. The markers will be available on a first come-first serve basis, and your fee reserves your marker.

We need to do this for the following reasons...

A. To cut down on the number of times someone "reserves" a free marker, and then doesn't show up, causing us to turn someone else down.
B. To help defray the cost of maintaining the markers. (As high as $25 per Marker per season for springs, O-rings, etc.)
C. To encourage regular players to invest in their own personal equipment over time, freeing up the rental gear for more and more 1st timers.

Thanks for your understanding. If you would like to join us for a game, and would like to rent some gear, e-mail Colonel Havoc, or give us a call at 218-969-9917,

4th:

We always encourage paintballers to stay connected and play as much as healthy marriages and other commitments will allow. With that in mind, check out a new spot in our links column. It's a "My Space" forum for local paintballers put together by one of our guests for the Grand Rapids Area...Enjoy.

See you Saturday.

Updates:

2006-05-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Colonel has been busy, but we've been having fun.

So here's some quick updates.

1. Whoa, last Sunday's TCP Tourney Rocked!
Four Teams, about 40 Guys...
No One late, Lots of Paint,
Very Little Rain, but a Good Amount of Pain.
(Stop it! No More Poetry, please.)

Anyway, we had a great time. We were so Busy, I only shot one picture.

Here it is...Sorry.

ALERT: We're MISSING a Couple CLUB CO2 Tanks. If you accidently leftone in your gear, please shoot me a comment or call me: 218-969-9917.

2. PICK-UP Game
TCP ENCOURAGES Guys to play as much paintball as they can.
There is a pick up game this weekend at KERR Valley. (Same place)
This Saturday, 10 Am.
Have fun.

3. Gear For Sale:
Buz C, one of our members, has some great gear for sale.
Here's a partial list.
spider e-99 electric trigger: $100
spider pilot $75
2 piranha gti combo packs mask goggle pods sqeegee and tank $70 each
2 electric sinisters $50 each
2 pmi black maxx $30 each
piranha r6 $75
tippmann98 custom for $85
single lens masks 5 new $10 each
3 thermal masks new $15 each
full head masks 4 new $20 each
all kinds of odds and ends barrel bags , gun bags,pods pod harnesses ,body armor, knee shin pads, some extra co2 tanks

You can contact Buz @ 218-929-9467

Pick-Up Game!

2006-04-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

How's this for a pre-season Warm-up?
Rod is hosting a pick-up game at Patrol Base Pelkey this Saturday, April 22.
If you would like to play, Bring your gear (Make sure you have paint and CO2), and report to Rod's place at 0800 hours. (8 am).

Note: Actual Appearance of Patrol Base Pelkey may vary from this Illustration

Rod's Place is located about 15 minutes from Hibbing, South on 169.
Drive just past Snowball Lake,
Go UNDER the OVERPASS (Say that a few times...it's fun.)
The First PAVED road on the right is Snowball Road. Take it.
Rod's is the first house on the right. (Fire # 31116)

Anyway, here's a Map.

If you need to call Rod, his # is 218-259-5081.

And don't forget, our First Official TCP Event is Sunday April 30th at Kerr Valley. Due to a Prior Committment,the Colonel can't make this Saturday's pick-up game, so PLEASE paint Mr. Pelkey & Mr. Brownlee for me.)

Thank you.

Spring Meeting...And Schedule

2006-04-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

Gentlemen!
Here's the Schedule:

First Game:
Sunday, April 30th
2 pm-6 pm
Kerr Valley

Click Here to Download the rest of the 2006 Schedule.

If you missed the Meeting at Fort Fleetwood, here's a quick recap. Since we're all Paintballers, I'll use a lot of pictures and very small words....

Cpt. Paintburner Explains the Saftey Rules. Seriously, Click Here for a Copy, These are a MUST READ.

Maj. Benson Explains the Schedule and the importance of wearing a Funny Yellow Cap.

Cpt. "Cool Hand" covers the Squad Assignments. If you are not on a squad yet, contact a squad leader, or just come to a game and we'll hook you up.

We also covered Loaner Equipment, Donations, and the Web Site.

Then it was outside for some Target Practice.

The Squad Leader names provided extra incentive.

C. Havoc's Target was the farthest away. (50+ yrds...) This reflected his "Run & Hide" game strategy. (They still hit it.)

Cpt. Paintburner demonstrates his name with an A-5 Response Trigger.

The shooting went well past dark.

Josh test fires his side arm. Be afraid...be very afraid.

So, Let the Season Begin.
Questions?...Please Leave a Comment.
Otherwise, see you on the 30th.

(TCP is an unofficial MEN'S Paintball Club. Sorry Ladies.)

2006 Spring Kick-off Meeting

2006-03-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

Let the Games Begin!

But 1st...a little Business...

ALL TCP'ers & Potential Players are invited to a Pre-Season Meeting:
(TCP is an Unofficial MEN's Paintball Club. (Sorry Ladies...)

When: Tuesday, April 4, 2006,
1800 hrs (6 pm)

Where: Fort Fleetwood
(Phil’s Garage)
10415 Hwy 37, Hibbing MN
Click Here for a Map.

At This Meeting, we will cover:
Schedule
Rules
Gear
(And Very Important...)
SQUAD ASSIGNMENTS

After the Meeting:
We will test fire some markers.
If you would like to tune yours up, bring along your marker, Paint, and CO2

If you don't have gear yet, this is a good time to try out a couple of ours to see what you like.

Any Questions, e-mail C. Havoc , leave a comment,
or Call:
Col. Havoc: 218-969-9917
Maj "Point" Benson: 218-966-0196
Cpt. "Paintburner" Brownlee: 218-929-0637
Cpt. "Cool-Hand" Laeupple: 218-780-0570

Until Next Season

2005-11-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

Our Official 2005 Season here at TCP has ended. This is probably a good thing when you consider how unproductive it is to be in full camo with a paintball marker during, say, deer season. For our sake, and the hunters, we cease operations until next April.

In the meantime, just to keep the Blog active, I will TRY to post some plagiarised tips & stuff once in a while throughout the winter.

"mmmnnn...try not....Do, or Do not...There IS no try..." SPLAT!!! "Hmmmnnn....Hurt, that did. A big welt I now have..."

OK, fantasies about shooting Yoda aside, If you've just found this site, and are in our area, you are welcome to join us for some paintball when we resume.

In the meantime, here's some links to check out...

A Minnesota Paintball Forum hosted by Derek, one of our Premiere Guest Players last year. I still feel the bruises from his barrage of paint.

Our Beginner Recommendations, if you'd like to get set up to join us.

Our Safety Rules. (We don't mind you getting hurt...we just don't want you injured.)

How to get Loaner Gear if you just want to try out the game.

And hey, read through the archives. It's old, it's stupid, but it beats having this on your screen all day.

See you this spring...

Huge Gear Sale

2005-09-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Guys, if you've been looking for a great deal on a marker, paint, gear, or anything else, check this out:

"It's a Blast" paintball is closing out their inventory. One of our TCP players (gladice220) is giving them a hand and is willing to bring some stuff to this Saturday's tourney if you are interested in it.

He has provided to a list of some great stuff that's still available:

Click HERE for some great deals, delivered right to Kerr Valley.

If you want him to bring anything on Saturday, you can contact him by clicking on his name above the list.

By the Way, C. Havoc already has "dibs" on the Chrony & Fill Station.

Don't Miss This One

2005-09-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Final Tournament of the Season:
(Note the Time Change)

Saturday, September 24
10 am - 3 pm
Kerr Valley

We'd like to see as many TCP'ers as possible at this last event.
As always, if you need loaner gear, give C. Havoc a call at 969-9917 or simply e-mail him.

Everyone is cordially invited to the Colonel's house after the game for an end-of-season chili feed. (No Charge...just leave your paint in the car. Colonel has wife & small dog. On second thought, go ahead and paint the dog...) Maps to Havoc Headquarters will be distributed at the playing field.

See you there.

This Saturday

2005-09-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Next Tournament:

Saturday, September 10th
8 am- 2 pm
Kerr Valley

If you need Loaner Gear, reserve IN ADVANCE by contacting Captain "Point" Benson at 969-0196 or C. Havoc (E-Mail) 969-9917.

As always, thanks for the bucks in the offering can. It helps with supplies, gear, and invites for new recruits.

(New arm bands are due in this Wednesday. We can now accomodate up t0 60 players...Bring a lot of CO2 and Paint)

Game On...SUNDAY

2005-08-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here's our next tournament:

Sunday, August 28
3 pm-8 pm
Kerr Valley (Click here for Map)

Attendance at the previous two outings has been great.

We had a ton of fun last time and would like to welcome Eric and the team, who were fresh back from a Big Game in Oklahoma. Great to have you guys...Hope you make it out again.

As always, we have gear available for newer guys, so invite your friends or come out yourselves. Just E-mail Me or give me a call (969-9917) to reserve your stuff.

Quick housekeeping note: We're trying to get a handle on how effective this Blog is for Game info, etc. If you are reading this, could you take a quick second (or five minutes if you have a computer like mine) and leave a comment. Something witty, or just "yeah, I read it," would be fine.

Thanks...
See you Sunday,
Bring Lots of Paint.

Next Game: August 13th

2005-08-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our previous outing on July 31st was considered a great event by all who attended. Special commendations go out to Cpl. Point Benson (This is not him: He usually looks worse...) for his outstanding work in scouting and preparing the Kerr Valley theatre of operations.

Due to the quality of this site, we will be returning to Kerr Valley for our next engagement:

Saturday, August 13
8 am- 2 pm

Click here for a Map to this field.

As always, you can check out some good loaner equipment if you would like to give this sport a try.

Contact C. Havoc if you need gear or have any questions. New recruits always welcome.

Game ON!!!

2005-07-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Pick-up Game is on....

Here's the skinny:

Saturday, July 16, at 8 am
The Valley (Click here for a Map)

Thanks To DB for heading this one up.
Thanks to the Shadow for promptly posting the info in the comment section.
If you have questions you can still call C. Havoc at 969-9917

Have fun guys...wish I could be there....

Schedule Adjustment

2005-07-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Attention all Paintballers:

Due to some major scheduling items, we need to cancel the "official" paintball match this Saturday (July 16)

We look forward to our next meeting on Sunday, July 31st. (3 pm: Site TBD)

As far as this weekend, please feel free to call one another and put together a "pick-up" game. Some guys have been really enjoying playing some "Woodland Speedball" just west of the Valley.

TCP encourages this sort of radical behavior, so call each other up and have a good time.

We'll see you on the 31st.

(Newer guys: If you don't have folks' phone numbers, I've asked the guys who may set up a pick-up game to let me know the details so we can give you a call...Hopefully, if it comes together you'll hear from one of us. It's great to have you on board.)

Paintball This Sunday

2005-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hi, Guys...
Here's the info on this Sunday's Paintball Action:
Sunday, June 26, 3 PM

Directions to Field:
Take 73 South from Wal-Mart
Turn Left on Lingquist Rd. (It's only about a mile down 73, I think)
Take the 2nd right (It's a gravel road)
The road dead-ends. Park and walk through the gate on the left.
You're there!

Sorry I don't have a map to post for you. I've been busy at the Firework's tent at Wal-Mart. More on that in my Other Blog later in the week.

See you at the game. Stop at the tent and and buy some explosives ON THE WAY HOME. (See TCP rules...)

I'll still be in my camo....

Pick-Up Game

2005-05-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Paintballers!
A few players are getting together for a pick-up game:

This Saturday, June 28th
9:00 Am
Location: The Valley

Matt R is co-ordinating this one. It's not on the TCP schedule, but some of the TCP guys will be there.

Here's a map to the Valley: Click Here for Map

Questions, please contact Matt R.
Or, if you don't have his contact info, you can E-mail old C. Havoc & I'll pass your questions and comments along.

Another Great Day Full of Paint

2005-05-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the teams pretty much sorted out along the lines of age vs. speed.
Not surprisingly, the older, wiser, and much slower Blue team only took the first two games.(although it could be argued that game #1 was a draw) Then, once lactic acid fermentation set in on the geriatrics, the Pink team carried the rest of the day.
Here's how it broke down....

Game #1: Blue began a push to the east and two tape runners to the west. The opening skirmish was dominated by Blue with a couple quick eliminations from the flank. Pink, however, slowed them down with some good defense at the flag station. Eliminations were traded until two Blue attackers (JB & HVS) faced a known Pink defender (DB) and an unknown sniper (Young AR). The Blue attackers re-grouped, eliminating DB, and making a push for the flag. Upon taking the flag, JB & HVS headed back toward their own flag station and their own two remaining defenders.
Using neat move, AR sniped HVS and, motioning for him to remain silent, set out in pursuit of the quickly retreating JB. In a sceen hauntingly familiar from last year, AR welted up JB's back, thus recapturing Pink's flag and saving the team from a decisive defeat.
The game ended minutes later as time expired with Blue having two remaining players to Pink's one. A technical victory for Blue, but a moral victory for Pink.

Game #2: Switch sides and go again. Blue repeated it's early game one success by gaining an advantage during the opening firefight. This time, however, Blue pressed that advantage by pulling their two defenders (OLD AR and DM). With most of the conflict up the West side, AR & DM made a flanking tape run up the East. Encountering no Pink players, they were able to maneuver around and behind the Pink flag defenders. Despite a valiant effort, Pink's DD & GR, were eliminated by the combined front and rear assault. Blue captured the Pink flag and moments later saw victory as the final Pink player reported to camp as eliminated.

Game 3: Pink was not to be denied. Using a combination of speed (Provided by the young guys) and strategy (Provided by DB) they made short work of Blue in a Center Flag game. Sprinting for the flag at the opening, they also quickly out-flanked Blue in the middle of the field. During the carnage that followed, Blue was painfully schooled in the concept that, in Paintball, position & teamwork are everything. Fast, Decisive Victory for Pink.

Game #4: The teams moved down the trail to the Ridge theater of operations. The Scenario involved Blue defending the ridge, upon which sat "The Target" (a lone pine tree). Pink had 15 minutes to make physical contact with the tree, thus eliminating the Target. Blue attempted to hold a lower ridge, setting up a two tier line of defense. Pink, however, found shooting lanes from a nearby stand of trees, and either eliminated or drove back the Blue defenders until they overwhelmed the ridge, taking the target with plenty of time to spare. Victory: Pink

Game #5: Switch Sides, Go again. Pink, recognizing the weakness in Blue's previous defense, chose to defend the target by advancing on the south flank, through the trees, and eliminating each of the Blue attackers, assuring the Target's safety. Any opportunity by Blue to exploit Pink's bold strategy through a full-blown frontal assault was missed by C. Havoc and Cpl. Point B. Too little, too late. Court Martials are expected. Another Victory for Pink.

The following two games of "Gettysburg" were too painful to mention, other than to note that certain players discovered the importance of proper gloves, etc. (My knuckles are still swollen.) I really don't understand WHY we play that game. ("Whoa...that hurt...Let's play AGAIN!")

While C. Havoc and others limped home, tired but happy, about seven players stayed for some final pick-up action. It is our understanding that the final games were great and that EK is a warrior.

Next Game: Saturday, June 11, 8 am, Hwy 5 Location

Next Game....

2005-05-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 21st, 8 am.
Hwy 5 Location.
4 wheeler rides available at starting time.
Don't forget, if you need to borrow equipment, give Col. Havoc a call.

Kinda boring, cut and dried post, but it's been a long week.

Can't WAIT to get out there and have some fun!

Still Looking for a Good Marker?

2005-05-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

Whoa, there are some decent sales going on out there... (I sound like my wife)

The Tippmann A-5, a favorite of many TCP members, is selling for $219.60 at Action Village . The A-5 features a "Paddle Feed" built-in hopper system that virtually eliminates ball chop and can keep up with a 15+ BPS fire rate.

The A-5 can also be easily upgraded to the Tippmann Flatline Barrel for extra distance and accuracy. The Flatline barrels are currently selling at a reduced price of $99.00

I do not own an A-5, but the guys that do swear by them. My son, who works a lot of hours, (even on sale, these things are not cheap) ordered one as soon as he saw the sale price.

TCP does not make any claims about Action Village, their products, or service. We simply post this information as a public service.

Note that if you were to order an A-5, you would also need a Mask (about $30-$40), a CO2 Tank (20 oz. Recommended, about $25-$30), a Barrel Sleeve ($5-$10), but NOT a hopper.

There are also lots of great markers out there in the $79-$150 range. TCP members, what do you like? Comments are welcome.

Still Need a Mask?

2005-05-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

If you are shopping for a decent Thermal mask, 800paintball.com has V-Force Shields in basic black, on sale for under $30. A thermal mask is a pretty important piece of equipment, since a player with a low to medium grade marker will usually eliminate a player with a fogged-up mask, even if that player has a "longer range" marker. There are many good, thermal masks out there. I personally have a v-force and am very happy with it. Lately they have been selling for about $35. TCP makes no claims as to 800paintball.com's service or selection, but brings you this information as a simple public service.

Any other favorite masks? Leave comments!

Coming soon: Marker forums...

First Game Recap

2005-05-02T08:57:00.001-07:00

Sunday-1 May-1500 hrs
29 men
42 degrees farenheit
Snow and intermittent hail

Actually, the snow and hail stopped just before game time, and resumed as we were loading up. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Following a Safety and Rules orientation by Sgt. Big Dually, we randomly divided into two teams of seemingly equal strength...

Or so we thought...

The day began very well for Blue. The first two games of capture the flag found Blue dominating the openning skirmishes and cruising to decisive victories. The safe zone, where eliminated players gather, could have easily been named "Pink Headquarters" from the number of pink players lounging there.

C. Havoc, of the Pink team, showed his paintball prowess by being promptly eliminated within 2 minutes in each of the first two games. I was, however, then able to switch into "Press" mode and capture some video... (PRESS! I'm PRESS! Please don't SHOOT me!)

To watch video click play button. It may take a while to load. Note: If it still doesn't play, may be exceeding our "free" space for video downloading. It's cool that we're all visiting the site...Keep trying. It clears itself on the hour.

Things began to change a bit in the third game. Pink held off Blue in a "Center Flag" game, while Sgt. Dually and Rod made an heroic dash through a creek bed to flank Blue from the west. Unfortunately for the Pink Patrol, their defenses finally collapsed in a hail of paint, with Blue rushing the flag to victory while Dually & Rod's counter attack was only yards away.

Blue 3-Pink 0

With a couple of players having to leave (AWOL?), Hank & Tim stepped it up and crossed over from Blue to Pink. Their selflessness paid off in spades. In game 4, Pink made a mad dash to the flag. Once it was secured, they combined a ferocious frontal assault with the flag bearers treking through the same swamp around the western flank to victory.

A final game up on "the flats" featured excellent firefights on each side, with Pink finally emerging victorious.

Final Results:

Blue 3, Pink 2,

A Great Day in the Field...Everyone.

Here's some Pictures... Comments are Welcome...See you on the 21st.

2005-05-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sarge Explains the Safety Rules

2005-05-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

I Love the Taste of Paint in the Morning...

2005-05-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Stuart Takes One for the Team

2005-05-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hank Switches to Pink and Saves the Day

2005-05-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

A Few Still Standing at Day's End

Standard TCP Issue

2005-04-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here's some of the "Rental Gear" we have available. They are Tippmann ProLite paintball markers.

TCP is not a paintball business. We're just a bunch of guys who enjoy the game, and you are welcome to join us. We do need to offset the cost of CO2 and Marker Maintenance.

If you would like to rent gear, the rates are:
$5 for the Marker. (This includes a mask if you need one.)
Plus 5$ for each CO2 tank used.

Don't forget to read the Blog below for information on our game, and links to download the entire TCP schedule. Give us a call, dress dark (or camo), bring a LOT of paint, and we'll see you there!

The Schedule is Ready

2005-04-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Finally!

The first game in the TCP 2005 schedule will be:
Sunday, May 1st, 3pm-7pm.

We have found a good location for this event.
Take Hwy 169 past Chisholm to Hwy 5.
Turn right on Hwy 5.
The Field Entrance is the FIRST trail to the right on Hwy 5.

Please park off the road.
The walk-in distance is about 3/4 mi.
There will be 4 wheelers available for rides.

Here's a MAP.

The entire TCP 2005 schedule can be download and printed HERE.

Please remember: If you want to try paintball, TCP has "Loaner" equipment available for you to try. Contact C. Havoc if you are interested. Equipment is loaned on a first call/first reserved basis.

Some Meeting Video

2005-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

News!
We are only hours away from releasing the TCP 2005 Schedule.

In the meantime, here's some short video clips of the Info Meeting...

To watch video click play button. If video does not play. You may need to download windows media player below.

Windows Media Player Download Center

The Meeting

2005-04-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, TCP held it's Pre-Season Informational Meeting.
Many thanks to everyone who attended. For those who couldn't make it, we should have some video posted for you in a day or two. In the mean time, take a look at the slide show to your right. It should give you a feel for what went on. If the slide show takes a while to load, you can spend the time checking out our Saftey Rules and Recommendations for New Players. (Actually, EVERYONE should read these...)

By the way, even if you didn't make the meeting, you are still invited to join us to play paintball. Watch this site for a schedule soon. We have equipment available for new guests. Please contact us if you would like to participate.

2005-04-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Sarge orientates some new recruits.

2005-04-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Dave gives some good input on the intricacies of the Tippmann A-5

2005-03-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

The Truck Looks Much Better Now

Painting the Truck

2005-03-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

A few of us just couldn't wait for the big meeting.

Besides that, Phil had just sold this truck, and decided it needed a paint job before he sent it on the way.

We hope the buyer appreciates our efforts.

Here's a video of the process.

To watch video click play button. If video does not play. You may need to download windows media player below.

Windows Media Player Download Center

It may take a bit to load, so you can spend that time servicing your marker.

Pre-Season Meeting

2005-03-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION ALL PAINTBALLERS (& POTENTIAL PAINTBALLERS)

You are Invited (Ordered?) to appear at a Pre-Season Informational Meeting:

Monday, April 4th, 7 PM (1900 hrs)

The Meeting will be at Sgt. Big Dually's Headquarters near the Hibbing Chisholm Airport.

For all you TCP'ers who played last year, fall in and get your marching orders for another season of pain.

If you are new to TCP, come on out and see what all the commotion is about.

Don't worry if you don't have any gear. We'll have some samples on display, and you may even get to try out a couple markers.

We need to know if you're coming...
Leave a comment on this post or
Email Col. Havoc to report in for duty.

See You There.

Welcome

2005-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to TCP: Taconite Country Paintball.

Like so many others, we're just a bunch of guys who like to run around in the woods shooting little round capsules of Jello(tm) at each other.

At TCP, we play hard, we laugh, we shoot, and we don't mind you getting hurt, as long as no one gets injured. (There's a difference...)

In everything we do, we endeavor to keep good attitudes and to honor Jesus Christ in all we do.

If you'd like to join us for a game, leave a comment with your e-mail address. We'll get in touch with you. Newbies are welcome. We have equipment you can borrow. Come check out Taconite Country Paintball and see if you like it.

I'll be the one wearing all the Paint...

The Guys...Well, a few of them anyway

2005-02-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

Just a few of the guys...Nobody seems to like the pink armbands.