USC Sumter Esports Team Wins Championship

by Alethia Hummel

Sumter, SC (04/23/2020) — The University of South Carolina Sumter is excited to announce their Esports team recently won the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) Rocket League Fall Championship.

The team is coached by Kris Weissmann and includes USC Sumter students Dominic Alexander, Kelvin Keller Jr. and Adam Saoud. They competed in an online game over a nine-week season that included playoffs.

The Fire Ants ended their regular season undefeated in matches and had a total game record of 12-1. Their regular season success earned them a number one seed and a two-match bye going into the tournament. In the playoffs, the team went 2-0 in matches securing them a spot in the championship. Championship play saw them competing in a best of seven match, and the Fire Ants swept Centralia College Blazers 4-0 to claim the title.

"I felt like we were overdue for a big program win and recognition. We have worked very hard for a long time to be great, and it was awesome to see the players get what they deserved. It felt like we finally turned a corner, and bigger things are on the horizon. I just felt great for the team and the program as a whole," said Coach Weissmann.

"After the championship game, I was overwhelmed with excitement and a sense of fulfillment. Being able to grind our way up to winning the program's first championship was an incredibly rewarding journey. All in all, I am proud to be a part of this phenomenal program," added Keller.

Keller continued, "To me being a part of the USC Sumter Esports team has been an amazing experience. The team is one big family for me whether it is in or out of practices/competitions. Over the past couple of years, I've learned how to be a leader, a team player and overcome obstacles."

Weissmann, along with the support of USC Sumter Dean Michael Sonntag, was instrumental in bringing an Esports team to USC Sumter in 2015 when the idea of a collegiate esports team was still in its infancy. Weissmann has coached the team ever since.

"The program has come a long way since its founding. We started with one game: League of Legends and expanded to over half a dozen in five years. Our numbers increased from 6-10 athletes to 20-30+ athletes. We have been able to provide Esports scholarships to students both in and out of state. Our facility has expanded in both quality of looks and equipment. We have been an instrumental factor in helping other institutions in the state and nation start their Esports programs. I get calls and emails daily on how to start a program and what my best advice would be. We compete in over half a dozen leagues as well," added Weissmann.

For more information on the USC Sumter Esports program or if you are interested in joining the team, please contact Kris Weissmann 803-938-3763 or weissmak@uscsumter.edu.

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