The MPN is proud to announce our new Interviews section, where we are going to try and provide you the readers with a new interview with a amatuer/pro player every month.  This is to give you the inside scoop of what it's like hearing about the lives and stories of different players of famous teams.  It's a little intimidating talking to these players when you walk out onto a field, but you soon learn, that they are ordinary people just like you and me.
 

Micah Mcglocklin has been playing for Southern California's Ironmen since 1993.  Micah, himself, has been involved both on and off the field with the sport of paintball since he was in the 8th grade.  Living in Northern California, he makes his way down south to practice with the rest of the team.

The MPN : How and when did you get involved with paintball?

Micah : I first my first start into paintball when I got $50 for my birthday when I was in the 8th grade.  I went out and bought a Splatmaster (for all of you who can remember those).  I used to play to play on renegade fields with my friends.

The MPN : How soon to you started progressing and playing at regular fields?

Micah : My friends and I eventually bought pump guns.  I bought a Line SI Bushmaster.  We soon started playing at Carpet Bob's (American Canyon Paintball in Northern California)

The MPN : Let's talk about tournaments, when did you play your first?

Micah : The first tournament that I played was called Hound's Cup.  I did pretty good, and got recognition from Marty Bush.  He had mentioned that they were always looking for new people for their team (The Ironmen).  I started practicing with them when I was 15.  We used to scrimmage against teams such as GBD, Black Diamonds, as well as many other talented teams.

The MPN : When did you first play in a Major tournament, such as GWS, NPPL, or ZAP?

Micah : Back in 1993, We took 1st at the GWS in Portland.  I was currently 17, playing Amateur.  The only thing was that I was the 11th player in a ten man squad, so I mainly played when there was an open spot.  It didn't really matter because I enjoyed playing for them any ways.  They eventually formed Iron Men 2 which was basically another squad.  Our main purpose was to put in a team when we had enough players, and to be a scrimmage group for the main team to practice with.

The MPN : What other tournaments have you guys played in?

Micah : Back in 96' we won the GWS 10 man Amateur series.  We took 2nd and 4th at 2 other tourneys that year.

The MPN : So how did Bob Long's Iron Men form?

Micah : Bob Long left the Southern California Ironmen in 97', and took most of the Iron Men 2 squad with him.  They soon became known as Bob Long's Ironmen, which were primarily based in Northern California.  I then left team because I wanted to pursue something new.  I then joined Marine Team, which is based in San Diego.  It was actually pretty cool because we (Marine Team) went to the World Cup that year and took 3rd, and also won the 10 man amateur title in the Great Western Series.

The MPN : It seems like you have had quite a career at a young age.  How long did you stay on Marine Team and did you play on any other teams?

Micah : Didn't stay too long.  In 98', our sponsorship fell through, so I went to play with the Paraplegic Turtles, under captain Dale Price.  I played 2 tournaments with them, then decided to rejoin Southern California's Ironmen.  At that time, Dave Williams, and Matt Marshall joined as well.  We took 5th at the Chicago NPPL, 4th in Portland, and 6th in Orlando.

The MPN : Do you still play with the original guys, or are there new faces on SCI.

Micah : Well, basically, we changed up a few guys.  We got Todd from the Turtles, Eric from Outta Control, Rich Telford from Bob Long's Ironmen.  The rest are mainly the same...Dave Youngblood, Shane, Marty, Binini, and Braheim (of OTP), hope I'm not missing anyone...

The MPN : What have you guys done so far this year as far as tournaments are concerned?

Micah : Well, we reffed the Vegas NPPL, took 2nd in Dallas, 7th in Chicago, and 3rd in Boston.  We are now gearing up for Orlando.

The MPN : Who are your sponsors?

Micah : Currently, we are sponsored by Dye, JT, Unique Sporting Goods, Air America, B&M, SC Village, Worr Games, and Diggers.

The MPN : So do you follow the hi-tech craze and have any electropnuematics?  What guns do you mainly play with?

Micah : I had an Angel.  It was ok.  I currently play with my custom Autococker, and also have a Sniper.

The MPN : Sounds good.  On a final note, do you have anything you would like to suggest to players out there who are trying to push their way up the tournament ladder?

Micah : Keep up the hard work and dedication...you will eventually get there.  Don't expect sponsorships to give you hand outs...and be sure to appreciate anything they may or do help you out with.

Thanks Micah, Good Luck in Orlando!
 

Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist