Name: Chris Coolen
Team: Halifax City United
Number: 7
I've known Chris for a long time.......This kid won't quit. He's got a great attitude and tonnes of talent. He recently made the SU CXBL team and plays his first match in just over a month....GL Chris
Chris you won your first Xball event with the Halifax Hitmen and the First AXBL Title, what did you take away from that year?That year really taught me a lot. I was fortunate enough to end up on the Hitmen at the beginning of the season and sticking through the whole year was worth every lap. That year proved to me that consistent hard work and preparation can turn an average team into champions.
Chris.....and.....air
You never played 5man, what was the jump from 3man to 5 man Xball like?I’m not sure that words can really describe this one. The pace and the speed is really something you have to experience. In a way I think not playing “sit back” five man helped. The first year a lot of teams played slow methodical paintball and it was easier for me to adjust to the faster pace than some players that were used to the old five man style.
What does Chris Coolen bring to a team?I’d like to think that I bring an honest commitment to a team. I’m not someone who quits and I’m not satisfied with anything but first place. I may not be a vocal leader, but I hope my determination on the field can lead by example.
Come Jay-rod...Lemme stick it in
You recently tried out for and made the CXBL Strict Union team, how does that feel?A) Exciting I think is the best way to describe it. I’ve wanted to play CXBL ever since the days of East Coast Shock (Editors Note: Most people try to forget that experience) and now that Event One is just six weeks away, I simply can’t get if off my mind.
Once a champ...always a champ
Any advice for newer players starting our sport?Practice really does make perfect. Little things like shooting your gun as much as possible in the yard or doing physical exercise. Like you always say, paintball needs to be treated like a real sport and the more practice you get(Editors note: BC has been voted smartest man on the planet, 3 years running), and the more serious you take it, then the better player you will become.
Chris Coolens Family Picture
The CXBL team is a mix of talent, youth and speed, where do you fit in?I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m far from being one of the more talented players on the team. There are so many great guys with a lot more experience. With that said I believe that I bring the youth and speed aspects to the team. I’m just a young’n and I’ve got some wheels (editors note: Yeah..that four door red cavalier with the noisy roof rack just screams Homo) so hopefully some of the older guys can teach me the ways.
You may get to line up with JMAC or JOSH, how much pressure does that put on a newer CXBL'er like yourself?I try not to think of it as a pressure situation, but rather an opportunity to show what I’ve got. I don’t tend to let nerves get the best of me and I would love the opportunity to play with these guys. On the other hand they have played in the CXBL and they know what it takes to win so there are certainly big shoes to fill (Editors Note: Well, Jeffery has a large gear bag to fill,.....so brings lots).
During the 08's season, you played with Storm, a talented team that tied an underdog team called Moncton Korruption, how was that possible?As much as I like the guys from Storm, it was a really drastic change from my previous year with Halifax. Practice was scarce and it mainly consisted of scrims. The team had enough talent to sustain themselves at the top of the league, but at the end of the season teams like Korruption, who had worked hard all year had the heart and perseverance that we lacked, were able to step up while we stood still.
You are constantly pushed into the snake position, are you a snake player?My speed is what pushes me there, so I guess the answer is yes and no. I can hold my own in the snake and I have good games and bad games, but there are certain aspects of the snake that I really need to improve on if that is going to be my position for the year. Overall however, I consider myself to be quite versatile on the field (editors note:cHRIS FILLS EVERY POSITION...FROM POD BITCH TO WATERBOY)and to be honest I’m happy to play anywhere (Editors Note: backyards, alleyways, gilberts garage).
What have your learned most about yourself playing this game?From playing paintball I’ve certainly learned that I can be pushed to my limits and that I’m a tough one to crack. I’ve played high level hockey all my life up until this season (Editors Note: Chris "Redlight" Coolen) and I’ve never been pushed or had as much pressure on me as paintball can bring.
How do you think the new CXBL team will do?It’s tough for me to say. I’ve never even seen a CXBL match played, but I have enough confidence in the team we have and I know that if we practice and prepare as much as possible then I think we will do alright. The key is our internal situation. It is no secret that Strict Union now consists of Strict Players and ECO players, but we’ve got to shed our pasts and come together if we are going to succeed (editors Note: Kumbayah......JK...He's 110% Correct).
Anything else chris?Gimmie a fist pound dog
