Unlocking the Competitive Edge: Lake Area Tech's Esports Team Gears Up for Thrilling Season

Excitement is palpable on the campus of Lake Area Technical College as the Esports team prepares to kick off their highly anticipated season on October 4th. The team, comprising a dynamic mix of new and returning players, is set to face off against the Palominos from Laredo College, Texas, in a captivating match of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege. This event marks a significant milestone in the college's commitment to fostering a vibrant esports community and providing students with a platform to hone their gaming skills, cultivate teamwork, and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Elevating the Game: Lake Area Tech Esports Poised for Success

Welcoming Fresh Talent and Seasoned Veterans

The Lake Area Tech Esports team is thrilled to welcome six new first-year players, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. These talented individuals hail from diverse academic backgrounds, including Welding Technology, Computer Information Systems, Aviation, Precision Agriculture, and Welding. Their arrival infuses the team with a renewed energy and a wealth of untapped potential.Alongside the new recruits, the team is bolstered by the return of two seasoned veterans, Rudy Gallegos (Robotics Technology) from Astoria, SD, and Michael Ready (Automotive Technology) from Huron, SD. These experienced players are poised to share their knowledge and expertise, guiding the newcomers towards success.

Fostering a Collaborative Esports Community

The inclusive nature of the Lake Area Tech Esports program extends an open invitation to all students, regardless of scholarship status, to join the campus experience each fall and spring. This inclusive approach aligns with the college's commitment to creating a vibrant and diverse esports community, where students can come together, forge connections, and engage in friendly competition.

Elevating the Game: NJCAAE Competitive Levels

Lake Area Tech's Esports team competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) league, a network that boasts over 200 member institutions and more than 3,000 students nationwide. The NJCAAE offers three distinct competition levels, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth.The Tier 1 – Premier Series (PS) represents the highest level of competition, where teams vie for the coveted NJCAAE National Championship titles. The Tier 2 – Contender Series (CS) offers mid-level competition, with teams competing for the Contender Series Champions crown. The Tier 3 – Open Series (OS) is open to all participants, fostering community engagement and campus involvement.

Coaching Expertise Fueling the Team's Success

Guiding the Lake Area Tech Esports team towards victory is the dynamic duo of Head Coach Bryce LeBlanc and Assistant Coach Levi Olson. These seasoned professionals combine their extensive gaming expertise to mentor and support the student-athletes, empowering them to reach new heights of performance.Coach LeBlanc emphasizes the broader value of esports, highlighting its pivotal role in developing essential life skills, fostering strong relationships, and keeping students engaged and motivated throughout their academic journey. This holistic approach to player development sets the stage for the team's success, both on and off the virtual battlefield.

Bringing the Action to the Fans

Fans of the Lake Area Tech Esports team can look forward to catching all the action live, as all competitions will be streamed on the popular platform, Twitch. This live-streaming capability allows supporters from near and far to cheer on their favorite players and follow the team's progress throughout the season.The upcoming match against the Palominos from Laredo College, Texas, in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege promises to be a thrilling showcase of the team's skills and determination. As the Lake Area Tech Esports team takes the virtual stage, they do so with the unwavering support of their college community and the excitement of esports enthusiasts across the nation.