SPPL Oklahoma Qualifier is a Hit at D-Day, 2006
Woodsball Tournament Hosted at The Bunker Extreme

By Jordan F. Ricks

The 2006 SPPL Oklahoma Qualifier coincided with scenario paintball’s largest annual attraction, Oklahoma D-Day, to offer the combined paintball experience of a lifetime for players attending the event, June 5-11. Because of the logistics and sheer size of D-Day, 2006 (which turned out to be the largest, and arguably the best D-Day event yet), the number of teams participating in the SPPL Oklahoma Qualifier had to be limited to 10, but there was no shortage of talent and sportsmanship at the tournament. One of the league’s most capable groups of 10-man squads (including women) gathered at the Oklahoma tourney to compete for fun and bragging rights; as well as over $8,000 in prizes and an invitation to the SPPL National Championship Tournament (NCT). The NCT is also scheduled to take place at The Bunker Extreme on a weekend in October – yet to be determined.
The Oklahoma Qualifier received accolades from players and spectators who commented on the outstanding sportsmanship and quality of officiating. Aaron “Krazy8” Kirk of team Gridlock emphasized, “The reffing at this tourney is the best I’ve ever seen – bar none. Those guys did a fantastic job!”



Phillip “Jester” Bunting, who teamed up with AZ-SOCOM just hours before the tournament, stated, “This was the most fun I ever had at D-Day. I could have gone home after the SPPL tourney and would have been satisfied. The competition was great all around, and everyone held themselves to the highest standards on and off the field.”

Curtis Harmon of the Xtreme Fanatics traveled from Florida and served as a head field ref during the two-day event, and Kartoon Express, a PMI sponsored scenario team from Texas, occupied the bulk of the officiating. PMI generously covered the team’s expenses to allow them to officiate at the Oklahoma Qualifier.

Rory McCarthy, SPPL Event Director commented, “The guys from Kartoon Express, as well as the other refs, like those on the Spec Ops Factory Team, stepped up and did a great job. The Oklahoma officiating crew was one of the best, most complete groups we’ve ever had. On behalf of the league, we extend our appreciation to Kartoon Express and PMI.”

In addition to the demanding SPPL contests and an assortment of D-Day activities, the brutal Oklahoma heat also pushed the players’ limits of physical endurance. Yet, die-hard paintballers like David “Torch” McClannahan (also an avid rock climber), eagerly jumped at every opportunity to participate in the D-Day activities. McClannahan played on two SPPL teams (Primitive Screwheads and Monkey Theory) as well as in Oklahoma D-Day mini-scenario games during the week. For the most part, the surroundings provided a rejuvenating slice of paintball heaven for the players, and they relished being among thousands of paintball compatriots. The warriors immersed themselves in what was possibly the most intense week of paintball that they will ever experience.

SPPL – No Longer Hidden in the Woods
The league’s unique game format, intensely fun competitions, and renowned level of sportsmanship continues to attract the attention of many of the industry’s biggest names. Erich Garbers, founder of the Tippmann Effects team in 1999, expressed serious interest in registering the team in the SPPL, and Kingman’s Tom Cole vowed to have “Bad Company” take the field at one of the league Qualifiers. Sean Scott of Smart Parts also plans to field a team at the Michigan Qualifier.

Oklahoma Qualifier’s Top Teams
The 2006 SPPL Oklahoma Qualifier Title was claimed by Gridlock, a collection of top players from well-respected California scenario paintball teams. The tournament winners positioned themselves for a title run early in the competition with a strong performance over top contender, team Wetworkz, from Missouri. Gridlock utilized their talent to execute a clearly defined strategy and defeat the second and third place finishers to win the tournament in undisputed fashion. The West Coast juggernaut completed the tournament undefeated and capped the event with a 140-40 win over the Muddy Water

Boys in the final.
Though the Muddy Water Boys team was one of the victims strewn in Gridlock’s wake, the Nebraska-based unit notched the high score of the tournament’s opening round, and also turned in a strong winning performance in round three. Their second victory in the Qualifier put the Muddy Water Boys in line for a rematch with Gridlock, but the team was unable to solve the Gridlock riddle in the final and finished the tournament in second place.

But the enthusiasm and sportsmanship of the Muddy Water Boys remained at an all-time high. Team leader, Jake Hansen, exemplified the “tone” of the Oklahoma Qualifier. “The SPPL Qualifier at D-Day was the absolute best job I have ever seen something run. The tourney flat out rocked! We haven't had this much fun playing paintball in a long time; great teams, great attitudes, and great refs. We couldn't have asked for a better time at SPPL.”

Oklahoma’s team Wetworkz pulled off an exceptional feat at the SPPL Qualifier by not only placing third, but by fulfilling a slew of other responsibilities at D-Day. Composed of several former and current military personnel, Wetworkz designed, built, and successfully managed D-Day’s popular Special Forces obstacle course. The team’s captain, Jason “Grifter” White served as the Ranger unit general, and Justin “GMan” Gann, the team’s second in command, was the XO for the Ranger unit. Wetworkz team member Brad Shannon added, “During the event, we try to help out the D-Day staff whenever possible.”

Oklahoma Qualifier – Top Five
1st Place Gridlock
2nd Place Muddy Water Boys
3rd Place Wetworkz
4th Place Wolf Guard
5th Place AZ-SOCOM

PMI Sportsmanship Award Winner
Band of Brothers, a group from Colorado that came together and played for the first time as a team at the SPPL Qualifier earned the top sportsmanship honors to walk away with the tournament’s largest prize package. The PMI Sportsmanship Award package includes:
(10) Custom PMI 68/4500 Carbon Fiber Tanks with SPPL ‘06 Logo and Sportsmanship Award Identifier
(30) Atomic Ordnance Grenades
(1) $300.00 Gift Certificate from Special Ops Paintball
(10) Tippmann Scenario Gear Bags
(10) VForce Masks
Four additional teams received honorable mention for the prestigious PMI Sportsmanship Award: The Muddy Water Boys, AZ-SOCOM, Monkey Theory, and Wolf Guard.

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