No matter where you go to play paintball, sooner or later you will run into a player who simply stands out. It may be his appearance, it may be his play, it may be his attitude. Blake Roney aka “French t0ast” is all three. His shock of curly red hair and Converse shoes may look out of place deep in the woods or in the streets of Blanding, but Blake is a serious paintballer with serious heart.

Blake began playing a few years ago at the invitation of a friend. The first day, he bought a Brass Eagle Blade at Wal-Mart. After a few games, the rest of the afternoon devolved into shooting trees, but Blake was hooked. Within weeks he had purchased a Tippmann 98, and only a few months later he went to his first event at Blanding. In his own words “it just took off from there.”

Since those early days, French t0ast and his father “Papa Toast” have been a staple of woodsball and scenario games in the Southeast, and also made a trip out to Utah for the Elite Weekend in 2007, where Blake was designated an Elite Dagger for his excellent play on the field. One particularly memorable moment was captured by photographer Rich “Junkie” Struth, and retold here in French t0ast’s own words:

“Well one of my best moments was at Elite Weekend last year. I was put in charge of taking back the Medic tent. So I got a group of players, we made a strong frontal attack, with some more guys out on the left side. We stormed it and it only took a few minutes to capture it. The last enemy player left in it I took out. I ran up to his bunker, jumped up 3 feet in the air over the bunker and shot him out. I had people coming up to me for the rest of the weekend like “ t0ast! I saw that move man, that was great!”. I felt really accomplished.”

Tips for Young Players:

Like many people will say, one of the biggest challenges for new players is that they are always to scared to move up! They need to realize that being shot is just part of our sport, and that there is always a next game.

Second, in real life and on the forum I always see too many new players fall into the fad of upgrading your gun. Find a gun that fits you well, and play with it! Play a few days, shoot a few cases through it and see how you like it. By then you will know what YOU think your gun needs, not what other people suggest on a forum.

Also, never forget to have fun, that’s what paintball is all about. Make sure that you and the guy at the other end of your barrel walk off the field smiling. Even the most enthusiastic newer players will be turned off from the sport if they see people throwing fits of rage, and throwing their equipment and masks.

The Man Behind the Gogs:

Well I am currently a Senior in high school (class of 2009). I’m big into music. Besides paintball, my favorite thing to do is to hang out with my buddies at ska/punk shows. I also enjoy electronics, as nerdy as it is. I love making and soldering simple circuits. I work at Whataburger and The Farmers Opry house- a family friendly hot-spot for elderly singles. Haha.

In his own Words:

Pump play is pretty amazing. Everyone knows we are the real OGs (original gangsters) of the paintball world.

Lately it has been gaining popularity; many people pick up cheap Nelson pumps, or take old ‘Cockers they have and slap a kit on it.

It’s not very expensive to get into if it’s something you just want to try. But if you decide you like it (which you will) you will find a never ending passion. Pumps can also get pretty expensive. Lots of people pick up Phantoms. They may or may not be the best for you. Lots of people, like the moderator Legato don’t like the “feel” of them, they are too light. Other people love them. So just try one out. My Phantom is currently in California, with a guy I have never even met (Mighty Mike). He wanted to try one out before buying. But of course he loved it! Most pump players are really friendly, just go up and talk to one at your local field.

Inside the Gearbag:

For about a year and a half now I have been playing pump. I just love the rush and the challenge. Also I normally run a lot at scenarios so it makes for a VERY light load to carry. I also love my Vforce Grill mask. It’s great!

The Scoop

Place of Birth: Pensacola, Florida
Current Hometown: Jay, Florida
Special Ops Brigade Name: French t0ast
First Time Playing Paintball: Summer 2003
First Paintball Gun: Blade, 2 weeks later I bought a 98c
Current Paintball Gun: My main gun is a CCI Phantom
How’d You Get Your Brigade Name/Call Sign?
I can’t even remember, but I started using it a long time ago on Halo 1.
Current Team : Special Ops Pump Crew (SOPC) for life, the real gangsters!
What city is the team from : We have members all over the US.
Notable Forum Memberships: I am a moderator on the SpecOps forum
Recent Events Attended: The Godfather and Revenge of the Nerds at Blanding were my last two big events.
Honors, awards, recognition: I was made an Elite Dagger at Elite Weekend 2007.
What’s Next for You: I’m playing in the Tennessee SPPL qualifier with some guys from Underground Mod Shop. I’m really looking forward to that!

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