Picking up where we left off with Drew Templeton, pro player with Chicago Aftershock and St. Louis Avalanche…Drew and I discuss his ability to play any position and we learn a bit more about his new online magazine “Grind”, a publication he personally wrote from the heart…respect!
Drew, in your interview with PBCulture you mention the ability to play any position…not to mention you play Pro XBall and USPL formats….what is it about Drew Templeton that makes you that flexible and diverse as a paintball player?
Honestly I think it’s realizing that some spots aren’t glamorous but that they are needed to win. If I play a corner I am going to strap up with as much paint as I can carry and mow the tape the entire game. I’m not going to pass up my snake player or shoot inside with hopes of getting a few more kills than someone else on my team. That is selfish and that is what makes team lose. I play to win and if winning means I do a job without any thanks then I’ll do just that.
How did the teams you competed with in 2009 fare overall in your opinion? where do you think could some improvements be made?
We did well. Both teams were actually the number one Eclipse teams in their respective leagues. Of course we didn’t reach our true potential because both teams have the ability to win events. Unfortunately it didn’t happen last year even though we came close. Our realm of mistakes is pretty much due to experience. Luckily we are all fast learners and we’ve got some fire for 2010.
What were the highlights of 2009 for you as a player?
I’d have to say playing well at Chicago this year. My parents come to that tournament every year and I am glad they got to see me play well. I was feeling so good about our team that event but we beat ourselves against Dynasty on Sunday.
This year saw Drew Templeton come out with his own online magazine publication, what is this magazine and what can a reader expect from reading those pages? Who else is involved?…who does the photography aside from yourself? What is the mandate for Grind Magazine and your overall vision for it?
I didn’t really have anything in mind for that magazine other than to try to 
channel all of the heart I have for paintball. I seem to hear so many kids tell me about how they get burned out on paintball and it makes me want to cry and shake them silly all at the same time. Paintball can give you so much in your life if you just relax and take it for what it is. The magazine is all me. I design all of the pages, take all of the pictures and write all of the articles. I didn’t want it to be some sort of “self-promotion” deal which is why if you notice I never really take claim to who I am. I do however give our team a lot of praise and I am proud of that.
What sets “Grind” apart from other publications?
It’s from the heart and gets straight to the point. There’s no product reviews or one of one million profiles for Dynasty. It’s how I view paintball and I’d like to think I have a good insight for it considering it’s been such a big part of my life for such a long time.
Whats on the books for 2010?…..sticking with Aftershock and Avalanche?….any changes?…which events will Grind be covering?
No changes, still sticking with it. However, we do have a couple of big roster additions for Shock in 2010. Let’s just say the boys are back in town!
Who sponsors both teams your with and is anyone sponsoring the magazine just yet?.
Aftershock- Eclipse, Shocktech, BBT, Badlandz, Grindhouse Reball, Globe Electric, Procaps, V-Force, Guerilla Air
Avalanche- Eclipse, Warped Sportz, Procaps, V-Force, Sports Authority
Grind- None, but hopefully that will change!
What advice would you give to young teams and players just 
entering the game today?
I mentioned this in that PBCulture interview. I’d say just go out and enjoy yourself and enjoy paintball. Make paintball be about having fun and enjoying yourself with your friends. You’re not going to become pro over night. I’ve been playing for 13 years and I still feel like my game is always developing.
What is your favorite paintball video to watch?
Sunday Drivers. I watch this on the plane to every event. It still gives me chills. When we won World Cup in 2007 I watched the World Cup section over and over again every night until I fell asleep.
Favorite moment overall?
Tie between winning World Cup in 2007 with Avalanche and winning Toulouse World Cup 2007 with Philly Dogs with a buzzer beater!
Special thanks to Drew Templeton for stopping by The Catshack Reports to share his life and experiences as well as some of his special talents showcased in his new Grind Magazine … if you have not seen it just yet please take a moment and check it out, entirely written and photographed by Drew himself, it is in our opinion well done!
http://www.drewbietron.com/grindwc09/
When your finished checking this one over…do us a favor and come on back to The Catshack and leave us a comment on what you thought of it. Thanks!
