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The fifth season of the Houston Rookie League officially began, September 7th, 2003, picking up and running from where last years HRL left off.   Forty-five three-man teams made their way out to Katy, TX for the beginning of the newest HRL season, 15 youth teams, and 30 rookie teams.  This year there is no rookie senior division, as the HRL makes a turn back to its roots as a true rookie tournament series.

The sun was shining, and there was a bit of a breeze; perfect weather for the first HRL event of the new season at Tank’s Paintball.  Cars and people were everywhere as things geared up for the kick of the tournament.  Teams from as far as San Antonio came to play in the HRL, wanting their chance to ball in Houston’s Premiere 3-man series.  Players and parents were a buzz, as things got underway.   A Concession stand with breakfast tacos was set up for the early risers who did not have a chance to grab a bite to eat on the way.  The Mountain Dew Code Red van showed up in the afternoon, and gave out free cans of Code Red to those in attendance.  Also making their way out to show their support for paintball were Barrelplug.com and Max Anodizing, who both set up booths.

Four fields were used for this event.  Three pipes hyper-ball field, and a tires field.  Some fields were changed from the last event at Tank’s paintball, and the redesigned fields were a hit with all the players. At 8 o’clock a players meeting was held, going over the rules for the day, a modified NPPL 100 point system.  Boundaries were explained as some fields had bunkers pretty close to the tape line, which might catch players off guard.

As the games began, you could here paint hitting bunkers across every field.  It was a flurry of constant action and you could hear the excitement in the crowds watching from the sidelines as teams went head to head, for their chance at the semi’s, and ultimately, the finals.  

At the end of the prelims, everyone took the chance to take a break, get some food, and get everything ready for the semi-finals.  A raffle was held, with prizes ranging from new beanie’s to barrel socks.  The tickets were given to players as part of their entry and could not be bought.

The results of the prelims were in, and everyone eagerly waited the announcement, wanting to know if they were going on to the semi-finals.  Eight teams from the youth division and sixteen teams from the rookie division hit the fields, playing hard for a spot in the finals.

At the end of the tournament in the Youth division Team Stamina took home 1st place.  Team Push 2nd.  Dark Age 3rd.  Outbreak 4th.  The Youth division allows a player who is under 15 to compete with the same rules as the Rookie division.

In the rookie finals it was Constant Velocity A taking first.  Second, Bad Habit.  Third, Domination.  Fourth, Havoc.

New players are always welcome to HRL.  Friendly players with a good attitude are the only requirements.  It’s an unlimited, tournament paint only event.  Paintball Zone will host the next tournament October 5th.  The deadline for registrations is October 3rd, at 5:00pm.  More information can be found at www.houstonrookieleague.com.  If you missed the tournament at Tank’s Paintball, don’t worry, the Houston Rookie League is now being video tapped, and highlight videos will be available.  Get your hands on them fast, because their hot!  Special thanks to Zap Paintball, Dye, Smart Parts, Redz Comfort Gear, Odyssey Paintball, Warpig.com, Splat Magazine, Bigman Paintball, Paintball Maxx, Paintball Gear Store and F:Series for the support of the HRL.  And a big thank you to Mountain Dew, Barrelplug.com and Max Anodizing for coming out and showing their support.

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