DrDogg interviews NinjaCW

By Bryan "DrDogg" Dawson

Welcome to the new face of the San Francisco Optx. Saying goodbye to old players and friends is always tough, but saying hello to the new players and friends is something that will become tradition for the Optx and its fans. One of the new faces on the Optx will soon become a staple in the league with his rounded sunglasses and trademark smile. I’m talking about Chris “NinjaCW” Harris, the Optx new DOA Men’s division player.

Harris had an amazing Combine, splitting game sets with the number one DOA-M draft pick, Carl “Perfect Legend” White and defeating last season’s top DOA player, Ryan “Offbeat Ninja” Ward. If Harris can keep the wins rolling in, the Optx should be cruising into the World Final for the first time in franchise history. But alas, I’m getting ahead of myself. Before we talk about just how far the Optx can go with the addition of Harris, let’s sit down and talk to the man himself.

How does it feel to be on the San Francisco Optx this season?

It feels good, it's a team I am sure a lot of players wanted to go to.

After the first day of the Combine, most people expected you to go to New York or Los Angeles. Where did you think you would end up?

Well originally I thought I would be going to New York because I talked to Dave Geffon the most and he seemed the most interested. But after losing 0-10 to PL, I was sure that even if he did still want to pick me up, it wouldn't be until the later rounds, if at all.

When your name was called for the Optx, what were the first thoughts that went through your head?

The first thing that went through my head was, "Thank goodness". I never expected to be drafted by the Optx, but I was extremely excited when I was called up there, even though you couldn't tell by the expression on my face.

Do you feel any pressure to perform better than Cardell "Cheppelle" Thomas this season?

Not really, I am just going to do my best and take it one match at a time.

You have the advantage of Vanessa being your teammate. You won't have to train her (unlike the other DOA-M players) since she plays on a level that's almost equal to the guys in the league. How will this affect your training schedule throughout the season?

My schedule will be staying the same pretty much. Keeping up to date with the game and making sure I don't get rusty or complacent.

With arguably the best DOA duo in the league, what are your expectations for the Optx this season?

My expectations are very high. I am expecting us to make it farther than last year and probably win Worlds.

You used Hitomi as your main character at the 2007 Combine. This was also Vanessa's main character last season. Why did you change to Gen Fu? Will we see Hitomi at all this season?

I changed to Gen Fu for a number of reasons but the main reason is he is overall a much better character. The chances of seeing me use Hitomi are pretty much slim to none.

Vanessa has been debating a character change for some time. Do you think she'd be better off sticking to Hitomi or changing things up like you have?

I talked to Vanessa about this many times. She should pick who she is most comfortable with and who she can still play with at a competitive level.

Beisbol, the former Optx racer and the manliest man in the CGS, is now gone. Will you become the new manliest man in the CGS?

I'll worry about that after we get to the World Finals. lol