Muskies kick off first esports season
SHEBOYGAN, Wis (BVM) — COVID-19 did not stop Lakeland University’s Esports team from kicking off their inaugural season this fall semester.
It was announced last fall that Lakeland would add esports to their list of varsity athletics to begin in the fall of 2020.
The team is one of the more than 150 colleges and universities that are members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). The NACE sets the standards for eligibility and conduct of collegiate esports.
The co-ed team competes against other NACE colleges and universities in online, multiplayer video games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, Fortnite, and more.
After receiving a call from a friend at the university about the team and open head coach position, Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer and esports enthusiast, Ahman Green, accepted the offer.
“This has been a lifelong passion for me,” Green told Lakeland. “I am excited to get the opportunity to come to Lakeland in this new role and grow the university’s program from the ground up.”
“It is amazing how quickly esports is growing, and how much it has evolved over the years I have been playing. I’m looking forward to talking to gamers about Lakeland and all the university has to offer as we build this program.”
With the addition of the esports program, a new 3,000-square foot facility was renovated to provide a quality place for practice and competition. The arena features 18 gaming stations, six consoles, a lounge area, and a space for spectators.
Giovanni Ramirez and Justin Wahl Adame, seniors and baseball players at Lakeland, are two of the nearly 40 students to join the esports team this fall.
“I joined the team because I thought it would be a fun sport to be a part of my last year and I thought I could compete at the next level,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez has been playing video games “ever since I had a gameboy.” The games he usually plays in his free time are NBA 2K and Call of Duty.
“I joined the team here because I already play competitively and decided I could do the same for Lakeland,” Wahl Adame said. “Esports is a growing field that has my interest as I look to continue competing for money and fun.”
“I have much experience prior to this,” Wahl Adame said. “Most recently, Warzone has been my major competitive game.” He has also earned money playing Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Rocket League, among other games.
Ramirez and Wahl Adame both play NBA 2K and Call of Duty for the team. Ramirez is captain of the NBA 2K squad. Wahl Adame is head of the Valorant squad and one of the Call of Duty squads.
Ramirez and Wahl Adame play every day, but Ramirez is not competing until the spring while Wahl Adame competes every Wednesday and Friday in Valorant. The current games being played this fall are Fortnite, Madden, Brawlhalla, Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, and Rocket League.
Not only do these two members appreciate their team and coach, but also the brand new facility
“It is something needed to run an esports team,” Wahl Adame said. “To have facilities solely for your gamer, whenever, with good equipment, gives us the most advantages we could have.”
“It has brought gaming to a whole different level,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez’s only goal for himself is just to enjoy his last year, while Wahl Adame wants to “simply win.”
“Esports is awesome!” Ramirez said. “I have a great time doing this and experiencing new things. I enjoy learning the complete aspects of the game.”
“Esports is a growing field and will be for a long time,” Wahl Adame said. “If you want to game competitively, come join.”
