ORDA66 Lair S7 27 Tony Fernandez ( TFez) drops 8/28

Tony Fernandez on the Evolution of Competitive Paintball

> A conversation with T Fez about his journey and the sport's past.

Hello, fellow paintball enthusiasts!  
This week, we dive into a vibrant conversation with Tony Fernandez, also known as T Fez, a staple in the paintball community and a long-time NXL referee. Our host Gavin and T Fez discuss everything from humorous dad jokes to the evolution of competitive paintball, offering listeners both laughter and insight.

🗣️ A Journey into Paintball  
Tony reminisces about his first experience in paintball, which began when his son was invited to a birthday party at a local field. He recalls,  
 "My son was invited to a birthday party. I said, 'What do you need?' and we went to check it out."  
His initial foray into the sport was filled with excitement and a bit of confusion, leading to his first game where he learned the ropes—albeit after being overwhelmed by more experienced players.

🗣️ The Competitive Spirit
Tony's journey quickly transitioned from casual play to competitive tournaments within a year. He describes the thrill of competing, saying,  
 "Once you get a taste of it, if you've got that competitive nature, you go all in."  
His first major tournament was with Ninja Squad at the A XP L, a defining moment that solidified his commitment to the sport.

## Memories of the A XP L Era
Reminiscing about the fast-paced days of the A XP L, Tony paints a vivid picture of the intense competition and the camaraderie that defined the league.  
 "Fifteen minute halves, 15.5 balls per second. You either did well or you ate it."  
The nostalgia is palpable as he shares stories of the thrilling matches and the top-tier players he faced.

😂 Humor off the Field
We also share a few laughs as Gavin challenges Tony with a dad joke of the day:  
> "Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide!"  
While Tony rated the joke a solid six, it’s clear that humor plays an essential role in their friendship and the community.

As we wrap up this engaging episode, we reflect on the importance of both humor and competition in paintball. T Fez's stories remind us of the joy of the game and the bonds formed on and off the field.  

For more stories, insights, and laughs, tune into the full episode with Tony Fernandez. It’s a ride you won’t want to miss!  

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Stay tuned for more adventures and reflections from the paintball world!