Pro*file: Jason Wheeler

Jason is a friend from across the pond--and I confess I took (just a tiny bit of) advantage of his lack of knowledge for American idioms. Or perhaps he's just more, um, open-minded. Enjoy.

Name: Jason Wheeler
Age: 22
Hometown: London, England
Occupation: Work at DYE EUROPE
Family: Dad - John Wheeler, Mom - Janice Wheeler, Brother - Jake Wheeler and Sister - Kelsey Wheeler.. Brother and Dad both play paintball.
Other Interests: I love to visit new places, paintball and travelling definitely go hand in hand, so I kill two birds with one stone!

Questions:
1. What was your first paintball experience and who introduced you to the game?
My dad used to play with his friends in the woods and he got me started out, I went down to a local site and hit up some woods ball with him and his work buddies, I've been hooked ever since!

2. What team do you play for now?
London Nexus, since 2008.

3. What teams have you played for in the past?
London Tigers YG (2005), London Tigers (PRO) (2006), Copenhagen Ducks/Method (PRO) (2007), London Nexus (2008 - Present)

4. What role do you play on your current team?
Since I joined the team back in 08' I have been playing snake point the majority of the time.

5. Who are your favorite paintball players?
Theres a few of them, and I respect them all for different reasons.. During 2008 and 2009 I played a lot with Brandon Short in the pro division of the Millennium series, I learnt a lot from B-Short and we became good friends. If I had to name a few; Bryan Smith of TBD has a great methodical style of play, then Mishka and Kirill are a great dorito combo. It's hard to pick just one player, as I have respect for certain players and coaches for different reasons.

6. What’s your best paintball experience or memory?
Definitely the best memory was beating Phillys in my first PRO win back in 2008 with Nexus, and then winning 2010 Semi-pro with Toulouse Tonton at Worldcup.. they are moments i'll never forget.

7. What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in order to play paintball?
Hmm, there have definitely been a few! When I was studying I had to jump a few train tickets to get to practice, and sleeping in a random shed in Sweden during the winter to practice a few years back was pretty crazy too.

8. What are the single most important lessons the up and comer needs to learn?
''Never Quit'' Everyone has goals, in the back of your head theres something that any and all players want to achieve or do I really think that if you want it enough, no matter how difficult it seems I really think you should push to make it reality. Be that individual that gets to practice early and leaves late, drill when people are at home, play when ever you get the chance and you'll be ahead of the competition.

9.What keeps you playing paintball?
Paintball is so much part of me that it would feel wierd without it, the drive to be the best, to be at the top of the game is a big motivational aspect for me.

10. Do you have any superstitions related to playing paintball?
I have been wearing the same undershirt since 2008 - its good luck :)

Bonus Picks (Choose one of each pair listed)
Ketchup or Mustard: Ketchup
Coffee or Tea: Tea (I'm english after all)
Soup or Salad: Soup
Whole grains or white bread: Whole Grains
Pizza or Steak: Steak
Beer or Liquor: Beer
Pitcher or Catcher: Catcher
Dog or Cat: Dog
Car or Truck: Car
Harley or Ducati: Ducati
Gym or Beach: Gym
TV or Movies: Movies
PS3 or Xbox: Xbox
Ken or Barbie: This is a trick question! [Editor: It's not the only one.]
Paper or Plastic: They are both useful
Debit or Credit: Debit
Manual or Automatic: Manual