Derek Stutz
How long have you been playing paintball and how did you get started?
I’ve been playing paintball since I’ve been about 13. I’ve been playing competitively for 6 years. My first time playing paintball was for my buddy’s birthday party up at what was then Combat Zone (now Northside Sports).
What was paintball like back when you started, and how has it changed for you over the years?
Paintball was a very tight knit group of pretty cool people. Field layouts were awesome and there was lots of competition. Paintball has changed for me in a couple ways. One, the gameplay is different and faster paced. It seems like it is a lot more individual efforts than real team work. The other way is that no one helps out anyone anymore. No one is passing out tips or advice to newer players. Everyone also expects a lot for a little, not sure why it’s like that..must be the generation below myself’s way of thinking.
Why do you play paintball?
I play paintball because I enjoy the competition and flat out love shooting at people.
What tournament series & division do you currently play in?
My current rank is D4 for PSP and D3 for NPPL. I love playing both styles of paintball but unfortunately the pocket book can’t fund both series.
What teams have you played for in the past? And who do you play for now?
I started out playing woodsball with a small team called MNRAT. Then I was introduced to speedball and played with SCP Factory for a couple years. I have also played with Northside, Absolute, Hobo’s Heros, SX, Colorado Crash, and now Zero
What are some of the challenges trying to play with a team from out of state?
The biggest challenge is the distance and the money. Its hard to build chemistry with guys you only play with maybe twice a month.
How would you compare the venues of PSP vs. NPPL?
I’d say both are fun to attend. Both PSP and NPPL have great staff and setups. I definitely like the locations for the NPPL more. The beach is waaaay better than an old airplane field.
How often do you practice per week and how far do you have to travel to practice?
Well it’s the off-season so I’ll maybe play twice a month. Summer it’s a least once a week and I’ll usually travel 45 mins. plus. Depends where I’m headed. This interview took place in the winter
What was paintball like back when you started, and how has it changed for you over the years?
Paintball was a very tight knit group of pretty cool people. Field layouts were awesome and there was lots of competition. Paintball has changed for me in a couple ways. One, the gameplay is different and faster paced. It seems like it is a lot more individual efforts than real team work. The other way is that no one helps out anyone anymore. No one is passing out tips or advice to newer players. Everyone also expects a lot for a little, not sure why it’s like that..must be the generation below myself’s way of thinking.
Why do you play paintball?
I play paintball because I enjoy the competition and flat out love shooting at people.
What tournament series & division do you currently play in?
My current rank is D4 for PSP and D3 for NPPL. I love playing both styles of paintball but unfortunately the pocket book can’t fund both series.
What teams have you played for in the past? And who do you play for now?
I started out playing woodsball with a small team called MNRAT. Then I was introduced to speedball and played with SCP Factory for a couple years. I have also played with Northside, Absolute, Hobo’s Heros, SX, Colorado Crash, and now Zero
What are some of the challenges trying to play with a team from out of state?
The biggest challenge is the distance and the money. Its hard to build chemistry with guys you only play with maybe twice a month.
How would you compare the venues of PSP vs. NPPL?
I’d say both are fun to attend. Both PSP and NPPL have great staff and setups. I definitely like the locations for the NPPL more. The beach is waaaay better than an old airplane field.
Where do you typically practice?, where do you plan on practicing in 2011?
I like to pracitce where ever really. Its nice to play against different players and different fields. Last year I made it out to Northside, Annandale, AA, APPG, MNPro, and Xphere.
What was your greatest achievement so far in your paintball career? What events have you won?
I’m really still looking for that great “achievement” and that is why I got back into paintball in the first place. I have won a few Polar Bears and placed in a couple Sup Air Bowls but that’s about it. In Nationals I have been hit or miss for whatever team I’m playing with.
What is your best memory in paintball?
Best memory of paintball were back at the local tournaments and some of the hard core practices. People at each other’s throats and talking mad shit. Some of the most intense paintball ever but that really isn’t how it is anymore.
Describe your style of play on the field.
I am generally aggressive and will take every inch of ground you give me. I try not to stay in the same spot for long either. I can play virtually anywhere, usually where ever I feel I need to fill.
Are there any people who have been influential on your playing style?
If anyone that I admire is Oliver Lang. He plays a lot with the same mentality I do and can play everywhere. Plus he may still be the only Pro player to actually make money playing paintball these days.
What do you think your greatest strength in paintball is? What do you need improvement on?
My greatest strength is the ability to read a field and anticipate. Adapt and react basically. I could improve on sliding while shooting and always snap shooting. Can never be too good 
What do you think needs to happen in Minnesota to develop divisional teams that will be able to compete nationally?
More dedication around the board from everyone. Mostly players, both young and experienced. If you don’t have the dedication to practice and be a team you will never be a competitive national team, period.
Outside of paintball, what do you do for a living?
Outside of paintball I sell motorcycles and ride them. Great fun and easy money. As soon as I have my Bachelor’s it’s on to the real job market.
Finally what MN Paintball player (Past or Present) would you like to see featured next?
I’d like to see Truc or Johnny Cao
[...] Derek Stutz [...]