Interview with Buddy Baur, team Rhythm…

1) When and how did the formation of Team Rhythm take place?
Rhythm Began in January 2003. It started with 3 core members and grew into what is today "Rhythm".

2) Who is currently on the team roster? What are their ages?
Matt Kim 13
Chris Lawler 14
Clay Munnings 15
John Belmont 15
Mike Freitas 16
Troy Lubberts 17
Shawn Foti 18
Travis Carroll 20

3) How long have these guys been playing together?
The 7 of them have been playing together for about 6 months now. They practice at least once a week and have an extreme amount of dedication.

4) What is your role with the team Buddy?
In late 2002, I wanted to see if I could "teach" paintball. I took the initial 3 players and we started to do drills and I would show them what I thought was the correct way to play. I took them to some local events and as they got better, more people came knocking. I found 2 more players and then when the team decided they wanted to play 7 man, I looked for 2 more that would fit in nicely and wanted to make sure they would all click. I have formed, coached and promoted the team since the beginning. I left Detroit Thunder (right before Strange took over) to take a year off to coach....it does more for me to see them play than play myself.

5) Tell us about your sponsors for 2004. Who are they and in what way are they sponsoring you?
Rhythm's 04 sponsors include Free Flow Technology, SIRE Paintball, GRC Paintball, Severe, and Eclipse has been hinting around. All of Rhythm's gear rocks and they love it and support it very well.

6) Where will Rhythm be playing this year?
Rhythm will be playing the entire NPPL circuit… and hopefully IAO and some GT events.

7) Where does the team practice most of the time?
Rhythm Practices primarily at Pro Paintball and GRC Paintball.

8) Being new to the NPPL Super 7 World Series, what do you feel Team Rhythm will become known for?
I know Rhythm is the type of team that will be known for how young they are as well as being so talented at such a young age. They will become loved by all the teams on the circuit because of the way they conduct themselves and know how to have a good time.

9) What are your personal goals with Rhythm?
I am going to keep putting my time and $$$ into the team until they are where Dynasty is now. I am not giving up and neither are they. A lot of people from the northeast feel they are the next Dynasty and in a few years they will be able to be a competitive PRO team.

10) What type of image would you like Rhythm to take on?
Honestly, i have created an image for them that is a little different from all the other teams out there. I did not want the typical, JT or DYE or Empire Teams. They match, but they definitely have their own style and ways of doing things.

11) What do you feel makes Rhythm stand apart from other teams?
They stand apart for a lot of reasons but one that I have noticed is that they don't complain to each other and point out mistakes; they look at the positives and work out the mistakes they make in a productive way. They don't point fingers or blame each other for losing. They win as a team and lose as a team. (yelling is my job) J/K.

12) Where can people learn more about the team?
If people want to know more about Rhythm they can go online at www.teamrhythm.net or watch them in HB. I am sure they will catch your attention somehow!

13) Why has the team decided to play in the NPPL Super 7?
They are playing 7 man because I can't deal with 3 more kids! No actually they are playing 7 man NPPL because I have played both PSP and NPPL and I have seen how well run and organized the NPPL events are and it will keep them playing longer if it makes a good impression on them. They are really excited and can't wait to play their first big event at Huntington Beach NPPL.

For more information on the team, please contact Buddy Baur at lockoutbuddy@hotmail.com

Submitted by:
Camille Baker
Director of Marketing
National Professional Paintball League
www.nppl.tv
(714) 536-9050 Phone
(714) 536-0676 Fax

...c o n t r I b u t e Submit news