Okay, hedline’s a bit overstated. Local alumni from BC and Notre Dame got together last Saturday to shoot paintballs at each other. What better place than Camp Pendleton?
The six gents on the left were the Eagles contingent and the equal number (counting a young woman) on the right were the Domers.
As no one had had this experience before, we chose “paintball lite,” aimed at kids and adult beginners. The guns are smaller, lighter, less powerful; the paintballs themselves smaller; the result . . . no bruises. Except maybe to pride. Yes, we felt somewhat sheepish seeing so many others, including kids, go with the full-bore paintball. Maybe next time.
Here’s a short (<4 minutes) video of some of the action.
You may notice that the ND contingent was a little on the young side. We had not been aware they had promoted the event among those in their “young alumni” section. With the exception of a graduate of 2009, the others were all 2013 or 2014. That’s like . . . yesterday! BC’s contingent featured mostly guys in their late 30s and one ancient alum.
I survived. And flourished at the post-event get-together in Oceanside.
These kids from Notre Dame are alright! We’re friends until September 16, when the Eagles and Fighting Irish meet again on the gridiron in Chestnut Hill.