The LA Hitmen took 1st place in NPPL's Annual 5-Man Pump Division at Huntington Beach, California on March 30, 2008. The format was 5-man with limited paint. This format forces players to focus on accuracy and precision and is exemplified by an LA Hitmen sticker that reads, “One shot. One kill.” The use of pump action markers challenges many players who are used to semi-auto or auto markers. The use of pump action markers, in conjunction with the paint limits, increases the skill level required to win this game format. Teams must exhibit the highest level of training, accuracy and communication. The LA Hitmen are regarded nationally as the top team to beat in any pump paintball format and they backed that up their reputation this weekend in Huntington Beach, CA.
Going into the final game, the LA Hitmen had won both preliminary matches in addition to "max scoring" both teams, giving them 100% of the possible points to be earned in a game. The last play in the final game featured LA Hitmen players Mike Masushige and Rik Guzman shooting the last player on the opposing team for the clean win. Loud screams and clapping came from the sidelines as Mike hung the flag to signal the victory. When asked about his team's victory, Sonny Lopez, owner and head coach of the LA Hitmen responded, "I am very proud of my boys. They deserved the win 100%. Derrick Obatake played the entire event with a fractured foot in a cast and was still able to rise to the occasion. Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors, we want you to share this win with us!"
The LA Hitmen have won two consecutive OSC Old School Challenge Series titles and frequently hold clinics to help other teams and individual players develop their paintball skills. The LA Hitmen will also be releasing their pump-based paintball DVD featuring pump-play from various events and a soundtrack of 11 amazing independent music artists.
The LA Hitmen use Full Clip Gear, JT goggles, VL loaders, Guerilla Air Regs, Tiberius Arms for CQB, MultiCam by Crye Precision and Steel Flame high-end men’s jewelry. The team is also supported by New Life Fitness in Anaheim, CA, Sharenow.com -the next generation of social networking, Soka Solutions Consulting, Bring It On Sports in Victorville, CA, CS Paintball in Anaheim, CA and StickyIckyStickers.com. You can visit the LA Hitmen at www.lahitmen.com or www.myspace.com/lahitmen.
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