Paintball is a competitive sport in which players are eliminated from the game when hit by a round, breakable dye-filled oil and gelatin pellets also known as a paintball. This year HSE introduced a paintball club. According to president Konner Coverdale, the paintball club is a unique way to get outside and experience the sport of paintball whether you’ve been playing for a while or if you just want to experience something new. The club travels the Midwest to compete in tournaments against different teams around the country and the Midwest.

The team competed in their first tournament as an HSE club in Nov. at White River Paintball in Anderson, Ind. and finished third. Paintball tournaments are based off a point system. Whichever team gets the most points wins.

“[The teams] were expecting a better outcome,” sponsor of the club Gregory Sasser said. “They had competed in a tournament as a group before the club was created.”

Members of the club plan to reflect on their tournament and improve.

“I think we did our best, but there’s room for improvement,” Coverdale said.

The club meets throughout the month to prepare for tournaments. They prepare by practicing at White River Paintball and having meetings to talk about the game tactics and game strategy.

“Most [of the team] have a playlist they listen to to get in the zone,” Sasser said. “In addition to that, they’ll go over all their gear and make sure it’s all ready to go. They also do hand exercises to help them shoot quicker.”

There are high hopes from the members about the future of the club and where they would like to see the club go in the next few years.

“I hope that the club grows about twice the size before I graduate,” Coverdale said. “[I also hope the club] starts getting more podium finishes.”

If you would like to join the club or have questions contact a member of the club or Mr. Sasser for more information.