More Than A Game: How Paintball Changed A Life

Misconception is rampant in today’s world. Many examples of it exist through social media, as certain objects, people and other things are given a bad reputation due to stereotypes and other judgment. A common example of this is the game of paintball.

A large majority of people may describe paintball as a sport for children. Some may even perceive it as a hobby that does nothing but create trouble through injuries. However, for Chris Cohen, paintball is much more than just a game. It resembles a way of life.

Cohen has resided as the UWM Club Paintball president for the last four years. His love for the sport can be traced back all the way to when he was a child in the Madison area.

A 10-year old boy, Cohen first discovered his passion for paintball when a friend took him out to the woods to play. Like many mothers and fathers would be, his parents were not too ecstatic about his new hobby.

“My parents hated the idea of guns, which made me want to play more,” Cohen said.

A rebellious state of mind from the third-grader caused some friction at home, especially when his dad found out he bought a gun with his birthday money.

Despite the disagreement, Cohen’s parents accepted their son’s excitement. He and neighborhood friends would spend countless hours in the forest donning ski masks and goggles for eye protection.

His first taste of what real paintball had to offer came when he had the opportunity to play in a $1 million complex in Kewaskum. If he had to pinpoint where his obsession first began, it would be that moment.

“I had never played in such an environment before,” Cohen said. “It’s a whole new perspective and the adrenaline rush when you’re hiding behind bunkers and different obstacles is unreal.”

As his love for the sport continued, Cohen wanted to take his skills to a competitive level. As a 15-year-old, he joined the Outlaws, a member of the National Professional Paintball League (NPPL). It included events all across the country and a very thrilling experience for teenagers. The first event his parents let him go to was in San Diego.

However, as he continued to grow up, his interest in paintball began to diminish as he approached high school. Like every other teenager, Cohen was beginning to gain new interests.

“Girls and cars began to get more interesting,” Cohen said with a laugh. “You can only spend your money in so many places.”

His hiatus would last a year-and-a-half until he reached UW-Milwaukee as a freshman. One day when at the library, the President of the club paintball team at the university noticed Cohen’s paintball sticker on his laptop and offered him a spot on the team.

“I was shocked,” said Cohen. “I didn’t even know UWM had a club paintball team.”

It was not long before the flame was reignited. Following a spring practice and three tournaments in the fall of his sophomore year, Cohen remembered why he loved the sport so much.

In fact, his desire to play the game became so strong that his classwork was structured around paintball. Following the dropping of a class, Cohen had to quickly enroll in a sports and rec class so he could maintain the 12 credits necessary for involvement with the club team.

Unfortunately, right after all seemed to be going smoothly, Cohen was presented a major obstacle. The president of the club was about to retire, meaning Cohen was the only one left on the team, as other members were also set to walk across the stage. Help was at an all-time low as well, as the Sports Club Leadership Council (SCLC) had not been created yet. Despite the uphill climb, Cohen was determined to keep the ship afloat.

“I found my passion for paintball fueling my drive to make sure the club stayed alive,” said Cohen. “I did not want the legacy of the club ending to fall on my shoulders.”

With the help of former Sports Club Coordinator Melissa Moutry, Cohen was able to keep the program from going under. Moutry’s experience paid huge dividends, as she had helped the paintball club at the University of Georgia get on its feet during its creation.

“Melissa was a huge help,” Cohen said. “I can’t even remember how many times I walked in her office asking if she had a few minutes to discuss matters.”

Following his many meetings with Moutry, Cohen really took over the leadership reigns. He enrolled the team in tournament after tournament. That transpired in many memories that will be carried for a lifetime, none bigger than a match against Purdue in the Midwest North League.

The only member of his team left on the course, Cohen had run out of ammo. He could see his opponent on the other side of the playing field near an obstacle. Slowly and cautiously, Cohen walked over. He looked down and saw a single paintball sitting on the ground, silently loaded it into his gun, popped up and eliminated his opponent. It gave UWM the decisive point needed for victory.

Though that moment stands out as his favorite, Cohen has had countless other memories through paintball. The Panthers have had a constant presence making it to nationals, most recently this year where they came in 11^th.

However, excitement on the field is not the only thing Cohen will take away from his paintball career. Being the president provided many challenges and uncharted territory for Cohen, but they were life changing.

“I had never been a captain. I had always been a quiet guy,” said Cohen. “I’ll be able to take what I learned in paintball into my business career following graduation.”

He praised the intangible qualities that his position required as what he will take away, saying there’s a fine line between being a leader and a boss.

“I had to cope with so many different issues,” said Cohen. “Everyone has a different background, which makes everyone unique.”

When blended together, those backgrounds piece together a mosaic that has motivated Cohen, who says the team bonded like brothers.

“I would work all week to play, just so I could go out on the weekend and spend time with the guys,” Cohen said. “They were a second family to me.”

Graduating this upcoming December, Cohen has decided to hand the responsibilities of presidency to Austen Vail. An underclassman, Vail will be taught the ropes from Cohen in his final semester.

Like before, Cohen said his biggest worry was that the club would collapse.

“When I realized I was going to have to eventually give up my duties, I became worried,” Cohen said. “As funding gets smaller due to cuts, success can’t be taken for granted.”

However, being able to show Vail the ways allows Cohen to sleep soundly at night.

“I’m happy where we’re headed,” he said with a smile. “I have all the confidence in Austen taking over the club.”

Vail believes that Cohen will be a major help in the transition.

“I’m sure that Chris will be helping me a lot this fall just overseeing everything and my actions.”

Like Cohen was when he first started as the club’s leader, Vail is feeling butterflies in his stomach.

“I am a little nervous,” he admitted. “However, once I figure out what I’m doing, I think it will be a smooth transition. My biggest worry would have to be keeping up with everyone and making sure that everything gets done when it needs to get done.

How do Cohen and Vail want people to think of paintball? By recognizing it serves a much greater purpose than just being a hobby.

“Paintball teams turn into families,” Cohen said. “We see each other at our best, and we see each other at our worst. It’s a lifestyle.”

If anyone is interested in joining the UWM Club Paintball team, you are encouraged to email Austen Vail at arvail@uwm.edu.