By now you’ve heard about all the changes in the Source scene, both inside and outside of CAL. We’ve already gotten opinions from two CAL admins, Barry and Daniel, and now it’s time to finish off the trifecta. Today we have CAL|Gancorz, the Counter-Strike: Source Game Manager for CAL, and let’s get straight to the questions and his answers.
1) Thanks for taking the time to do an interview. You're the Counter-Strike: Source Game Manager. It sounds very important and official - does it come with a bigger office, and could you give us some details about your duties within CAL?
CAL|Gancorz: A bigger Office? No
A bigger audience? Yes
Some responsibilities I am still struggling through is the hiring process. As everyone knows we have lost a lot of very good and admins lately. My first large task will be putting current experienced admins into those positions and hiring some new blood to fill the gaps. I am currently looking for 8 general admins for open and we are always looking for ac admins. Staffing has always been a challenge and that will most likely be my biggest one.
I still do disputes, answer support questions, and help out where ever needed.
As soon as I figure out all my duties I will let you know. I am still the division manager for open and will finish my duties there when season 7 is complete.
2) Of course the big news from the last week was the changes to the CAL-Invite division. How did those come about? What's your outlook on Season 8?
CAL|Gancorz: Those changes where brought about by CAL|Shawn. I give him full credit for coming up with some great ideas and getting them implemented by the management of CAL. Let's face it. without change everything gets boring, and CAL needed to do something to get the interest of the community back. The change is here and I hope that a lot of teams embrace this as a positive thing for the community. These changes are a huge step away from the status quo that cal has had for many years.
Season 8 will be interesting to say the least. The placement tournament will be great and I hope a lot of top teams will apply to play in it. The community will have input in the things we do at all playing levels. We do read your posts, answer your questions and try to implement what we can. Some things take longer then others and this is only the beginning.
3) Your promotion comes at a time with a lot of changes to CAL. Have you gotten used to your new position, and how's your relationship with CAL Operations?
CAL|Gancorz: I can definately say that operations have been helpful in this transition. Barry, Daniel, Allen, Hickman, Kitto are there most the time to answer my questions. They seem open to change and are willing to work together to put CAL on top.
4) As part of the changes, it was announced that a lot of admins were leaving CAL. Those positions need to be filled. Are there people ready to fill them, and are you worried there might be a little lack of experience in the ranks?
CAL|Gancorz: We have a lot of good staff still left. They are now training the newer admins. The lack of exp is only a small factor. The senior admins do check on disputes and such to make sure they are being handled properly. I also keep an eye on things to make sure everyone is doing well. I am always in ventrilo for anyone to ask questions If they are unsure.
5) Why did you approach Shawn about coming back to be the CAL-Invite manager? Did it have anything to do with the admin turnover?
CAL|Gancorz: All the people that have left I still keep in touch with. When I heard that shawn was still interested in CAL I just plain out asked him about invite. He proposed some really great things to promote interest back in to the invite division. It just blossomed from there. He is a great admin, he knows his facts and he is a do'er. He is pro community and wants to hear what people want. This in my opinion is exactly what tht division needs to be successful again.
6) How long have you been with CAL, and what are some other positions you've held? Have you ever been paid in anything other than gratitude and FFs (forum flames)?
CAL|Gancorz: I have played in CAL since season 1 of source.
Positions held: General Admin Open, Senior Admin Open, Division Manager Open, Game Manager CSS Source.
Paid? I have been offered bribes, (not taken) but no admins are paid.
One person saying "thanks you where very helpfull" makes up for the other ten that are total a-holes.
CAL|Gancorz: I spend roughly 3-4 hours per day on CAL related work. I try to take weekends off to spend time with family and friends.
Sports: I currently coach 2 teams in my home town. Major league and minor league girls softball. I have 3 little girls that all love to play. (Yes they play cs1.6 and css also) I enjoy hunting, fishing, riding my 4 wheeler and most outdoor activities.
And before you say it YES I am an older individual. Umm I think I am the oldest CAL admin yet. How old? Old enough to know age has nothing to do with enjoying a good game.
School: I have not done that for over 20 years.
8) Do you feel like the lack of Source at CPL has created some problems for CAL, specifically in the Invite division?
CAL|Gancorz: Without a doubt yes. The purpose of teams playing invite was to get a better seed at the CPL along with getting some practice in. With no source support at CPL what would be a reason for any team to stick with CAL? Hopefully with this new rule set we will see top teams using the CAL invite div as their testing/practice ground for a lot of upcoming events within the source community.
9) What event are you most looking forward to in 2007 (CGS, CAL-I ss8, WSVG, etc)?
CAL|Gancorz: I am paying close attention to CGS, More from a "lets see what happens" perspective. The most excitement I have is too witness how this new rule set effects the invite division and the excitement that comes with trying something completely different.
10) How long have you been gaming, and what are your favorite games (current or otherwise)?
CAL|Gancorz: Hehe I will show my age again here. I have been Gaming for 30+ years. Not competitively obviously. My first gaming console I ever had was pong by Atari (1975). I went through the 2600, Nintendo, PS2 stage. I have played cs since 1.3 using dialup.
Favorite games: Counter Strike Source, Day of Defeat Source, Tm Nations, The command and conquer series, UT2004, Still occasionally play cs 1.6, Grand Theft Auto Series, Guitar Hero II, Far cry,
Waiting now for Crysis!!
11) I'm sure you have a lot of good stories from your gaming/admin career. What's one of the funniest or just one that sticks out from the pack?
CAL|Gancorz: The funniest thing that I have seen and I still chuckle about today is the movie that zmorris made a while back. "CAL Admin Meeting". I may not agree with the way that Chris reports rumor as fact but that movie clip was the funiest damn thing I have seen in a long time.
CAL|Gancorz: Hmm, Fatal1ty just to be able to say I did.
13) I like your avatar on the CAL forums because I'm a big fan of pirates. Who was a better pirate: Captain Morgan or Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean? From the way he walked and talked, do you think Sparrow had a little Captain in him?
CAL|Gancorz: Well the avatar came from the influence of Mike Sek (LD note: Mike Sek was a CAL admin for a long time, although he isn't currently with the league). He liked to reference pirate lingo a lot and the picture seemed fitting. Not to mention I do enjoy a bit of the captain with a splash of Coke on occasion.
The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are great entertainment and Captain Jack Sparrow was definitely enjoying something more than life with that character.
14) Last question. Who would win in a fight: Captain Kirk, Captain Picard, or Captain Morgan?
CAL|Gancorz: Kirk of course.
I like picard but have you ever seen him get in a real fight on next gen?
Captain morgan is to busy wenching and stealing booty to hang out with those other two.
Recap
I would love to write a lot here, but how do you beat an ending that features wenching and stealing booty? You don't. You just accept defeat and move on.
Tomorrow we’re back with the regular barrage of eSports commentary, jokes, and silly pictures. Thanks again to the CAL admins for lending their time, and I hope you (the community) enjoyed the interviews as much as I did.
