Concordia esports enjoys second place finish in spring conference, ongoing success

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (05/10/2024) — Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. Esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Most people don't realize that universities like Concordia University, Nebraska have esports teams. These teams not only offer opportunities for fun and fellowship with teammates, but may also mean scholarship opportunities for students.

Concordia Nebraska's esports team Overwatch enjoyed particular success in the spring 2024 semester. The team played in the National Esports Collegiate Conferences (NECC) emergents division.

"We were in the Heartland Conference and finished second in that conference only losing in the playoffs to Tarleton College," said Concordia Nebraska esports coach Ryan Hinds. "Then in Nationals, we were the 15 seed and ended up in the final four falling to Robert Morris University."

The Overwatch team included Tristin Kinderknecht, Cody Bender, Collin Curtis, Andrew Fynaardt and Noah Leeper.

"This season felt much better than our previous years. In all, our team was able to really come together and find success even in unfortunate circumstances," said Hinds. "Losing the conference championship was not our greatest moment, but in the national's tournament we proved to be a top team who can compete with anyone. I am thankful for my seniors, Cody and Tristin, who played their best. Next year we have a lot to look forward to and I am hoping for a conference trophy from the Overwatch team soon."

Concordia Nebraska esports participants come from a variety of backgrounds and include a variety of majors including education, DCE, computer science, business, marketing and more.

Not only focused on helping team members become more proficient gamers, Concordia's esports program also helps to develop leadership and teamwork skills. These skills translate easily into a variety of vocations.

"Whether your goal is to be a professional gamer, content creator or simply improve your skills, esports at Concordia provides a friendly, supportive and Christian environment where esports participants work with teammates to become a better gamer, communicator and student," said Hinds.

The Concordia Nebraska esports program competes in League of Legends, Overwatch and Rocket League, three of the most popular games in college esports. In Rocket League and Overwatch, Concordia Nebraska belongs to the National Esports Collegiate Conference.

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