The Catshack is is once again very pleased to introduce another of the pros that doesn’t really need an introduction. Meet Alex Fraige, Team Captain of the most well known and illustrious pro teams in paintball today.
When it comes to paintball, Alex is an old hand in the game having been around for a very long time. Alex took some time out during his recent trip to New York to answer a few questions for The Catshack Reports as follows;
Historically speaking when and where was your very first paintball experience and what was it about that experience that had you hooked? My first experience with paintball was on Halloween of 1998 at Mare Island California. Being a rambunctious 15 year old who loved to play tag and run around and pretend to shoot guns, paintball was the perfect game for me. My friend Nick had a paintball gun and had played before so he invited me and my friend Oliver (Lang) to play. I rented me a pump gun which was absolutely useless against the field. I didn’t shoot anyone the whole day and the only thing I took home was a bunch of welts and the urge to play again.
What teams have you played for over the years? Are there any teams or players you’ve played with a lot?
What teams have you played for over the years? Are there any teams or players you’ve played with a lot?
I have played for a few amateur and novice teams such as The Monkeys, Lofty, The Ironkids, The Diggers, and KAPP factory. While on these teams I met most of the players that would be part of building Dynasty. In 2001 we started the pro team Dynasty. This is the only Pro team I have ever played on. Throughout the years I have played with many great players who have had an impact on my life and paintball career. People like Oliver Lang, Ryan Greenspan, Yosh Rau, Eric Crandall, Matty Marshall, and many more have played a roll in my success as well as the construction of Team Dynasty.
Over your career in paintball (again aside from Dynasty), what would be some of the greatest highlights during this
time?
Over your career in paintball (again aside from Dynasty), what would be some of the greatest highlights during this
time?The single greatest moment aside from being part of D ynasty happened in 1999 when The Ironkids won the Spyder Cup in Pittsburgh, PA. Along with the glory of winning first place we received 5 ford Mustangs. At this point is History this was the largest prize package in paintball had ever seen. There have been many great moments and tournament victories that I feel blessed to have experienced.
What is it like to be Team Captain for one of the best, most well known teams in paintball?
What is it like to be Team Captain for one of the best, most well known teams in paintball?
Carrying the tile of captain is a flattering and demanding job. I mainly get blamed for anything that goes wrong and receive no accolades for successful accomplishments. In reality our team has no dictator. I do my best to determine the collective opinion of the team and move in the most logical direction.
There is always room for improvement, for 2010, what will Dynasty be doing to improve as far as practices and changes to the game plan if any (if you are able to share such info)
There is always room for improvement, for 2010, what will Dynasty be doing to improve as far as practices and changes to the game plan if any (if you are able to share such info)
As far as tournament victories go 2009 was not our most successful season ever, but I think it has set the stage for a great 2010. We have made some positive changes to our roster adding Chad George who is one of the most explosive snake players around. We will be practicing more and with greater efficiency. The format changes over the past few years have caused our practice techniques to evolve and become more effective. This year we are going to try to have a more definitive strategy with aggressive and powerful game plans.As far as your time with Dynasty, what are you most proud of and what would be what you would consider your personal highlights during the time you have spent with the team ?
I have had many great moments on Team Dynasty, but all the victories in the world don’t compare to all of the fun and exciting experiences I have shared with my best friends. Traveling the globe, meeting thousands of wonderful people, and doing it all with my friends and getting to play the game that we love. As far as tournament wins go I would have to say winning Huntington Beach NPPL and winning the World Cup in Orlando have been two of my most outstanding accomplishments. Being a part of Dynasty has been an honor and I am looking forward to many great years of paintball with my friends.
Whats on the books for Alex Fraige for 2010?
Who knows what 2010 holds for me? I just hope the paintballs stay round and my body holds together. I will try my hardest to perform on and off the field and be a positive ambassador for paintball all across the globe.
If you were to council a new team or young person just starting out in the game today, what would you tell them?
If you were to council a new team or young person just starting out in the game today, what would you tell them?
My advice to a young player is to make sure that you are having fun. The reason that we play is to have fun and be with our friends. Keep sight of this and success will come. Push your personal limits and become a complete player.
Thanks very much for taking the time to have a few words with The Catshack Reports, welcome to The Catshack Reports Hall of Fame reserved for those who have dedicated their lives to support paintball.
