Kirtland’s Esports Inaugural Fall Season Concludes with Thrilling Performances
As the fall Esports season reaches its closure, Kirtland Community College’s varsity athletes showcased their skills and determination across various titles, leaving a lasting, first, impression on the competitive gaming scene. The athletes demonstrated their competitive capabilities in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Madden ‘24, and Overwatch 2 with their Tier 3 team consisting of students and staff.
“Our first season was a learning experience for us coaches and the players alike despite that I think we were very successful in instilling teamwork and confidence in our players,” said Jake Haulotte, Kirtland Esports Coach. “I am excited to see the Kirtland Esports program grow in the future and become an integral part of Kirtland’s culture and Legacy.”
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a 1v1 platform fighting game consisting of a roster of over 89 characters, saw Kirtland’s Varsity players prove they belong in the college level of esports. Logan Neubecker, Bryton Caverly, and David Luster consistently produced results, securing spots in the top 50 out of 228 competitors during the regular season. Neubecker secured an impressive #10 rank, Caverly followed closely at #16, and Luster secured a commendable #50. All securing top seated spots for their first post-season playoffs.
Single-elimination matches kicked off the playoff season which began on November 28. Caverly faced a formidable opponent from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, ultimately succumbing to a 1-4 defeat. Luster engaged in a nail-biting battle against a Herkimer College, narrowly losing 3-4. However, Neubecker, dominated with a 4-0 victory against Heartland Community College, securing a spot in the top 30 players for the upcoming rounds beginning on December 5.
“It was an honor to be a part of Kirtland’s inaugural Esports season as a coach. It gave not only the players but also Matt, Jake, and myself an opportunity to learn and grow,” said Seth Magoon, Kirtland Esports Coach. “A core value that’s very important to me is that it’s not always about winning, but being the very best you can be in all aspects of life.”
In Madden ‘24, Kirtland fielded two talented athletes, Noah Cosme and Alex Phillips. Both showcased their skills during the regular season, with Cosme ranking #14 and Phillips at #29. The playoffs brought its share of challenges, with single-elimination, best-of-five matches.
Phillips faced a formidable opponent from Danville Area Community College, putting up a first year rememberable bout, but ultimately succumbing to a 1-3 defeat. Cosme received a bye in round 1, and his opponent from Southeast Community College forfeited round 2. Cosme will now advance to the quarterfinals beginning on December 6.
“I’m extremely proud of the performance of our Esports student athletes and their effort in Kirtland Inaugural Esports season. I’m grateful for the support of the College for establishing this student program, the Esports club members who participated, the Kirtland facilities and IT staff worked on our Esports arena, and especially Jake and Seth for making our shared vision of Esports at Kirtland a reality,” said Matt Biermann, Kirtland’s Director of Information Technology Services and founder of the Esports program.
Along with fielding a varsity team, Kirtland’s Tier 3 Overwatch 2 team, a 5v5 hero shooter emphasizing teamwork and coordination, saw Kirtland Esports make even more first-year milestones. Comprising of a mix between varsity and Esports club members, the team, led by captain Conner Biermann, featured David Luster, Ayden Heintz, Shawn Witherspoon, Anna Parks, Kayleigh Parks, and Koda Niederer.
Coming out strong, the team Ranked #16 in the regular season, with earning Kirtland another trip to the post-season playoffs. Their playoffs began on November 29 which showcased their teamwork, resulting in a unanimous victory over Gogebic Community College. Going into round two facing off against the United States Eastern Regional Champions, Trinity Valley Community College, Kirtland faced formidable challenge. Despite winning two rounds, Kirtland ultimately fell 0-3 to the champions, ending their playoff.
“That is part of our culture here at Kirtland, and I believe seeing how our players interact in the lab, with their opponents, and with others on campus as well as in the community—they also have that value, and it was a pleasure to be a small part of learning and growing with them. We are all very excited to see where Esports takes us and to give everyone a welcoming and warm environment to thrive in as we continue to build a legacy here at Kirtland,” said Magoon.
As the fall season of Esports draws to a close, Kirtland takes pride in commemorating the remarkable achievements, resilience, and sportsmanship exhibited throughout the inaugural season of their Esports program. The anticipation for the upcoming post-season playoff rounds in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Madden ’24 are eagerly anticipated by the teams. After post-season playoffs have concluded, Kirtland will look towards their winter semester, where the second season of the program will begin.
