Tim Montressor

Timothy Lewis Montressor (died 22 June 2020), commonly known as Tim Montressor, was an American professional paintball player, tournament organiser and paintball industry representative. His career included the Philadelphia Americans, Edmonton Impact, Houston Heat and Tampa Bay Damage. He was also the founder of the Iron City Classic, a ten-player tournament established in Pennsylvania in 2017.[1][2]

Montressor worked with Smart Parts, DLX Technology and GOG Paintball, combining professional competition with international equipment sales, promotion and product development.[2][3]

He was posthumously inducted into the Paintball Hall of Fame in 2021 and the inaugural Iconic Paintball Hall of Icons class, officially listed as 2023.[4][5]

Playing career

Early career

Montressor began playing paintball while attending high school in Michigan, where he also worked at a local paintball field and shop.

He subsequently entered professional tournament competition, playing for teams based in Detroit, Philadelphia, Edmonton, Houston and Tampa.[1]

His professional career developed during the expansion of X-Ball competition in the 2000s.

Philadelphia Americans

Montressor became a member of the Philadelphia Americans, also known as the All Americans, during the team's professional X-Ball era.

He was an established member of the squad by 2009, competing alongside Konstantin Fedorov, Ryan Moorhead, Chad George, Jason Edwards and Samuel Monville.

A contemporary roster published in February 2009 was supplied directly by Montressor and confirmed his membership of the team.[6]

Philadelphia won the 2009 PSP Phoenix Open, defeating the Los Angeles Ironmen 6-3 in the professional final.

The team subsequently finished second at the 2009 Paintball World Cup, losing the championship final to Boston Red Legion.

Despite the World Cup defeat, Philadelphia won the 2009 PSP professional season championship with 370 ranking points.[7][8]

Edmonton Impact and Houston Heat

Montressor subsequently competed with Edmonton Impact and Houston Heat, participating in major North American and international tournaments.

His association with both organisations is documented in official league interviews and historical accounts of his professional career.[2]

Montressor was registered on Houston Heat's roster for the 2015 NXL World Cup, alongside players including Konstantin Fedorov, Chad George, Ryan Moorhead and Thomas Taylor.[9]

Tampa Bay Damage

Montressor later joined Tampa Bay Damage, remaining with the organisation during the final period of his playing career.

In 2020, he appeared in interviews with professional paintball commentator Matt Marshall, discussing Damage, the National Xball League (NXL), ten-player paintball and the Iron City Classic.[2][10]

Playing style

Montressor competed in several positions during his professional career.

Earlier in his career, he was associated with attacking play in the snake and centre of the field. He subsequently became known for his ability to support advancing players and adapt to different positions.

Iconic Paintball's retrospective assessment highlighted his versatility and tactical decision-making across nearly two decades of professional competition.[3]

Paintball industry career

Montressor worked in the paintball equipment industry, including roles with Smart Parts, DLX Technology and GOG Paintball.

His responsibilities included international sales, promotion and supporting the development of paintball equipment, particularly products associated with the Luxe and Shocker marker families.[2][3]

He travelled internationally for tournaments, coaching and equipment promotion.

In February 2013, he was announced as a member of an American Dream Team assembled for the opening event of the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS) in Bangkok, Thailand.

The announced squad included Oliver Lang, Yosh Rau, Damian Ryan, Bobby Aviles and Jerry Desvarieux.[11]

Montressor remained employed by DLX Technology in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, until his death in 2020.[1]

Iron City Classic

In 2017, Montressor established the Iron City Classic, a ten-player paintball tournament at Urban Assault Paintball near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The inaugural event took place on 29-30 July 2017, attracting 18 teams.

The competition incorporated three traditional playing environments: woodland, hyperball and mounds fields. It permitted both mechanical markers and electronically operated markers subject to a reduced firing-rate limit.[12]

The event attracted former professional players, contemporary competitors and amateur teams, recreating aspects of ten-player tournament paintball from earlier decades.

The second Iron City Classic took place on 4-5 August 2018, expanding to 34 teams and more than 600 players.

San Antonio X-Factor defeated Bad Company in the final.[12]

The tournament continued in 2019 and became associated with renewed interest in traditional ten-player and mechanical paintball competition.

Montressor's role in establishing the event was subsequently recognised by paintball publications and the Hall of Icons.[3][5]

Death and recognition

Montressor died on 22 June 2020 at Excela Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, aged 36.[1]

Following his death, members of the paintball community established a memorial fundraising campaign to commission a statue at Urban Assault Paintball, the venue of the Iron City Classic.[13]

In 2021, DLX Technology introduced the DLX Luxe TM40, named in Montressor's honour. The manufacturer credited him with contributing feedback and product development work during the marker's design.[14]

Montressor received two posthumous honours:

2021: Inducted into the Paintball Hall of Fame.[4]
2023: Included in the inaugural Iconic Paintball Hall of Icons class. His individual induction profile is labelled 2022, although the official class archive is designated 2023.[5]

References

External links