 The
Smart Parts 1999 NPPL tournament saw intense competition. With excellent
weather (at least until the finals) and exciting fields 46 10 player competed,
and 24 5 player teams hit the fields.
3 Amateur B teams started out poised on the edge of advancement
to Amateur A classification, while 7 Amateur A teams had the potential
to go pro at this event. This with a possible shake-up in the status
quo, the air was heavy with excitement. More teams in the top classifications
means competing for titles in 1999 will be tougher than ever. Advancing
to the next division requires gaining 4 wins against any of the top 10
teams in that division, within a single season. This many teams ready
to go this early in the season (second tournament) is a sure sign of change
this year.
 One
word describes the fields here - diverse. With a field of ravines
and brush, a field of traditional bunkers in level woods, a mound field,
and a Sup'Air field. Most of the fields have easily accessible sidelines
and the games are drawing quite a few spectators.
Under the Vendor's tent tech support from WDP, Airgun
Designs, and Air America are caring for their teams and customers.
Lou "Gramps" Grubb is on hand providing support for Max Attack air systems.
Diggers are out in force with their team on the field, and shoes at their
booth. Distributors are making their presence felt as well.
Brass Eagle has a product display, and both Diablo Direct and PMI have
semi trailers supplying paint. Unique Sporting's booth - packed as
always with packs and gear is manned by Albert Griffith while KAPP's tables
display their full line of accessories as well as necessary repair parts.
Positioned at PMI's trailer is their hospitality area with shaded tables
for their teams and guests. JT's bold red white and blue trailer
has sprouted an awning and lawn chairs and has become a center for relaxed
conversation. Warped Sportz tent features not just the Warped Line,
including the Dark Angel, but also Redz Comfort Gear.
 Out
on the fields, the All Americans and OBR are reffing the 10 man games with
G-Force reffing the 5 man event. The trend of stricter standards
is taking hold, with outbursts and disputes with the refs being penalized.
Heavy weather moved in mid-morning Sunday bringing the
10 player semi-finals and division 2 5 player prelims to a halt.
The strong winds and lightning were a threat to player safety. The
game became a game of waiting under the vendor's tents and in vehicles
for the weather to pass, while the NPPL rules committee hurriedly met and
planned for contingencies in case the skies did not clear in time to complete
the days games. All remaining 10 player games were moved to the mound
field, cypress field and the SupAir field.
While the weather never completly blew over, the heavy
winds and lighning passed leaving a light rain for the finals - and plenty
of mud on the fields. It seems the players were better at coping
with mud on the fields than off, as many vehicles had trouble getting out
of the parking lot.
The 5 player top team was Da Boyz. In the Amateurs,
Farside captured first place for A, and B was won by the Southern California
team, Hostile Takeover. The Pro finals were hard fought, but Avalanche
finished first. With first place wins in Vegas and Dallas, to be
followed by reffing points from Chicago, they are looking a favorite to
take the series title this year. |
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