Penley’s Paintball is a true team-building experience
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For Eisenhower head football coach Jim Penley, whose life is built around competition, his off-season from practices, preparation and games aren't that hard to understand.
It was back in 2023 when he put his energy into Penley's Paintball. His brother, Eric, started the business in 2013 to provide a place for a small number of local paintball enthusiasts to enjoy themselves. After medical issues limited his brother and how often the business could be open, Jim decided to put all his energy into it.
"As someone that has been involved with competitive sports and activities my entire life, it has really been a great experience so far." Penley said.
One of the things that Penley has enjoyed is growing the business and putting his personal stamp on it.
"I've really enjoyed building a community of enthusiasts that will nurture their competitive spirit, but also foster sportsmanship at every opportunity," he said. "... Every year I try to build and add on to the course and to involve more types of groups for team and community building."
Penley has had groups from the Phoenix program, various clubs from Jamestown Community College as well as family reunions, bachelor parties, scout groups and various sports teams take part.
"We are quite busy," he said. "I've enjoyed getting to engage with so many different groups and families."
One of the teams that Penley's Paintball has recently hosted was the Eisenhower wrestling team.
"I used paintball last year when we merged with Youngsville as an opportunity for the wrestlers and our coaches to get to know each other," head coach Jared Lindell said. "It was a big hit so we decided to do it again."
Lindell bringing his team together also provides opportunities for his coaches to get a look at his wrestlers when they aren't on the mat.
"As a coach, it gives us a chance to see which guys step up in a leadership role," he said. "We had a couple of girls, and for our guys moving up from elementary and junior high to the varsity program it gives them an opportunity to meet and engage their new teammates and coaches in a fun setting."
One addition to this year's competition was when some parents wanted to play a few games.
"I'm sure we made some memories that will be talked about on buses and van rides on the way to tournaments and matches all year long, and beyond," Lindell said. "It's so rewarding to see the smiles and hear the bantering between everyone."
Lindell thanked Penley and the Eisenhower mat club for the opportunity to put it together again.