The ISU Paintball Club will represent Iowa State in the Collegiate World Cup tournament at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando next week.

Club president Tim Rash, junior in computer engineering, has high expectations for the event.

“We expect to take first place,” he said. “We have a strong returning group with a lot of new players that are absolutely excellent.”

The tournament is a National Collegiate Paintball Association event and will jump-start the paintball season’s ranking of collegiate teams.

Ten collegiate teams are expected to compete, and over 400 teams around the world with skills ranging from novice to professional levels will participate in the event, Rash said.

To help pay for the cost of the trip, the club plans to arrive in Orlando four days earlier than their first scheduled game. They will referee and work during the week.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to go,” said Mike Harvey, director of Recreation Services. “Last year they finished fourth in the national tournament and this is a great way to test their skill and ability.

“It’s an extra bonus for the club to interact with more people and provide funding.”

Rash said by working four full days, the club will earn $3,000 for the trip. To cover the remainder of the cost, each club member that travels to Orlando is paying $300 out of his own pocket.

Jared Flater, freshman in engineering, said the World Cup will be his first event as a Cyclone paintball member.

“It’s a little nerve-racking,” Flater said.

“But the experience will bring the team together.”

The Government of the Student Body gave the paintball club $2,794 on Oct. 1 to help offset costs.