William Schmidt

William Schmidt was a Decipher-era Squadron Member, Gold 18 from Tempe, AZ, whose slot was marked Retired after Decipher's SWCCG run.

He learned the game in early 1996 at the Bookstar in Tempe. Kendrick Summers recruited him after the 1996 Rebel Leader Tour stop there. The 1997 Tatooine Regionals (Phoenix) he hosted drew 36 players and was won by Jeremy LaMere over Brandon Allen.

He wrote three strategy articles for Scrye, beta-tested Decipher's tournament program and wrote a card-management program, the Card Organizer. Just under 200 different players had attended his tournaments by then.

In their own words

Introduction

I consider myself a veteran of the Star Wars: CCG and was first introduced to it very early in 1996 by Jason Meyer, my assistant manager at the Bookstar where I worked. I first purchased a starter deck and a couple of boosters (which I begged my wife for) and from there I later bought a box of Premiere boosters and then another. It's great to know you have a loving wife who supports your habit even when she doesn't fully understand it.

Afterward, Jason taught me how to play and I look fondly on those days where a game could last for nearly three hours (2 hours 45 minutes is our record)! We made a lot of mistakes back then. He and I played with a couple others every Sunday evening at Bookstar, a Gaming Event that still continues. I discovered Decipher's player list and e-mailed everyone in our area. Our numbers at Bookstar grew and many of today's regular players were part of that first e-mail. Things were going well and players were eager to test themselves so I decided to apply as a Director.

1996

Star Wars: CCG really exploded here in the desert when I read about the Rebel Leader Tour in the summer of 1996. I sent an e-mail to Sandy Wible (Rebel Base Leader at the time) and he forwarded it to Kendrick Summers (Gold Leader, now Marketing Manager). Kendrick called me the next day. After all arrangements were made, when he arrived he was greeted by a huge Bookstar crowd of Star Wars fans. It was after this event that Kendrick offered me a position with Gold Squadron, which I eagerly accepted.

1997

The next year, 1997, I held my first Regional Qualifier at a local convention. Kendrick participated with this and though I was disappointed at only having 36 players show he assured me that this was not a bad number to draw. If only the players knew they did not have to pay the convention price to play. Oh well. We had a great match between Jeremy LaMere and Brandon Allen in the final game. As many of us know know, Jeremy won his second trip to Worlds.

1998

Early the next year, I was honored to hold a Pre-release tournament for the Official Tournament Sealed Deck product. And though I was worried that we would not get enough product for the potential draw, everything worked out fine. We had 37 players show up at the Bookstar, which filled us up to capacity. It was a great turnout and I was pleased that I beat my record set at 1998's Regionals. Josh Martin won that tournament.

Later that year I held my second Regional Qualifier at Arizona State University. This time I drew 45 players and though I had to charge for my first tournament (I dislike charging for tournaments but we had to rent the room) I was pleased with the turnout. We had a tense final round between our area big players here for the Qualifier, Michael Girard and Mike Strahan. Mike Girard of course won that battle, his first trip to Worlds. Jeremy LaMere had won earlier in the season.

1999

Starting this year, I began writing strategy articles for Star Wars: CCG. So far I have written three articles for Scrye magazine and though I have not written for the magazine lately I do plan to continue that again in the future. Besides, I have not had time to do any writing. I continuously work on numerous projects for Star Wars (as my wife can attest). My first was a tournament program I designed in Microsoft Access. I used that program until Decipher's tournament program was officially released (which I was happy to Beta Test).

My current project, however, is the Card Organizer. For those familiar with DeckMaker will understand the concept behind this program. For those not familiar with this type of program, typical Card Management programs assist you in maintaining your inventory, trade lists, and deck ideas. The Card Organizer does more than previous Card Managment programs because it allows you to do keyword seaches in the cards. Very helpful. If you are interested in learning more about the program, click here and take a look. Let me know what you think.

Early in 1999 I was offered to become one of Decipher's Flight Leaders, a special program where a Squadron Member specializes in doing demonstrations and conventions. Basically, we meet the players and promote the games as much as possible. As part of those new duties I held three demos and the Barnes & Noble stores in Phoenix. Though we did not have that many participants (LucasFilm did not allow the stores to advertise) my wife and I had a great time doing demos with all the younger players.

Other Interests

My other interests include reading and writing Science-fiction and fantasy. I have finished my first fantasy novel and occasionally work on its sequels. Though I have yet to be published (other than in Scrye), this is a goal of mine I hope to attain soon. Someday I hope to have my novels published.

Conclusion

Currently, I continue with the Classic Star Wars: CCG but also do a lot of work with the Young Jedi: CCG. This game is still in its infancy but I expect great things for it. Since I've started in the games, I have had just shy of 200 different players attend my numerous Tournaments. I'm happy to have two Gaming Events started in my area, three locations where Tournaments are held, and many Directors who support me and assist in tournaments when necessary. And now that I have another Squadron Member in the area, Michael Girard, Gold 120, things are expected to get better than ever.

I am happy to say that Star Wars: CCG is alive and well here in the deserts of Tatooine. In 1997 we had one person go to Worlds and in 1998 we had two. I'm proud to be in the Region where we have a three-timer (Jeremy LaMere) and a first-timer (Michael Girard). We hope to bring more in the future.

Here's to the future of Star Wars and Young Jedi. It is strong here and can only get stronger. I thank Decipher for the opportunity I have been given to serve the players here and look forward to what the future will hold. Come visit me sometime at the Tatooine Regional Home Page.

Service

Dates	Service
August 1999 – January 2001	Squadron Member Gold 18, Tatooine region; Tempe, AZ; Decipher profile page
1996	Ran weekly events at the Bookstar in Tempe
1997	Hosted the 1997 Tatooine Regionals (Phoenix)
1998	Hosted an Official Tournament Sealed Deck pre-release
From early 1999	Flight Leader

Jedi Knights TCG

Schmidt playtested the Jedi Knights Trading Card Game (2001).

See also

• Squadron Members · Anagrams · Creators of SWCCG · Radio Free Decipher
• Corellian Engineering Corporation (fan site)

External links

• Decipher SWCCG Squadron Members (Players Committee reprint). Preserved copy: Internet Archive