By: Hernan Ruedas
The WPU Rocket League and Overwatch teams have fought hard through the regular season and are now gearing up for a playoff run. Both teams are now in do or die mode as they look for the first championship in WPU Esports history.
Rocket League’s Undefeated season
What a season it’s been so far for the pacers, an amazing 7-0 record has secured a first round bye as they head into the postseason. The Pacers are led by Captain Hernan “Herbanian” Ruedas, Braydan “K0egs” Koegel, and Evan “Ulterguy” Lohri. This team and program has come a long way from where it began to now conference champions.
“We have come a long way from where the team first started,” said Koegel. “I can tell we gained a lot of confidence, and I look forward to the playoffs where we plan to win it all.”
The Pacers’ path to conference champions wasn’t an easy one. Each series required focus and resilience to overcome the challenges that stood in their way. The Pacers level of play was a direct reflection of how they practice.
“We practice like it’s going to be our last,” said Koegel.
The practices are led by Head Esports Coach Coleman Arehart, who is heading into his final playoff run at WPU. With the season winding down, Coach Arehart took a moment to reflect on the journey that brought the team to this point.
“As the Rocket League team finishes up their regular season with an undefeated 7-0 record, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the path that led us here,” said Arehart. “This level of success has been a long time coming, and the timing feels perfect. With our captain, Hernan, graduating this spring and my own transition to graduate school next fall, this feels like a wonderful capstone to this chapter of the WPU Rocket League program.”
Coach Arehart’s leadership has been crucial in shaping the team’s success ever since he was named Head Esports Coach. The culture he has set with this team has been the reason for the success of the program.
“Our job isn’t done yet. We still have a playoff championship to win. Celebration comes later,” said Arehart
The Pacers got matched up with Minnesota State University in the semi finals, looking to book their ticket to the grand finals. In their previous matchup against the Mavericks took the Pacers to the brink as the Pacers took the series 3-2.
The Pacers came out hot as the Mavericks stood no chance against the Pacers. The Mavericks only scored 1 goal in 3 games as the Pacers swept the series 3-0. This booked the first ever championship game for the Pacers.
“We are here to win it all,” said Koegel
The Pacers are set to matchup against Texas A&M International University with the championship on the line on Monday, April 7th at 7pm via twitch.
Overwatch’s bounce back season
After a challenging 1-6 campaign last season, the Pacers have made an incredible turnaround, finishing this season with a 4-2 record. Their impressive bounce back season also earned them the 2nd seed in the postseason, and secured a well-deserved bye into the next round of the postseason.
The Pacers are led by Captain Sam “Starman” Wagoner who has been here since the beginning of the program and is thrilled with the team’s growth.
“This has been the best season the Overwatch team has had since its formation,” said Wagoner. “I’m incredibly excited that we’re heading to the playoffs and have a real shot at winning it all. No matter how the postseason plays out, I’m proud of how much this team has grown. They should be proud of themselves for sticking together through the ups and downs. It’s been an incredible journey.”
The Pacers are currently on a two-game win streak to end the season and are looking strong heading into the postseason. They are set to face Otterbein University, who defeated the Pacers earlier in the season.
“When we played them previously, we were missing one of our key players due to account issues, which left us a bit unprepared,” said Wagoner. “But now, we have that player back, and we’re going to make sure we’re ready. On top of that, I plan to have the team review footage of Otterbein’s past matches so we can adjust our strategy accordingly. With the added strength of our full roster and a more refined game plan, we’ll be in a much better position this time around.”
The Pacers were matched up against Otterbein University in the semi finals and flipped the script this time. The Pacers were in a hard and close match until the final game they dominated to win the series and book a trip to the championship game.
“I’m so proud of what we have accomplished,” said Wagoner.
The Pacers will look for the first Esports Championship in WPU history as they will take on Northwestern Michigan College on Tuesday, April 8th at 7pm via twitch.
