KWU Esports Scrimmage with York College

Latest Practice Session Reveals Team’s Growth Potential

In a two-hour scrimmage against York College, Kansas Wesleyan University’s Overwatch team demonstrated they’re still competitive despite recent roster changes. The friendly competition included seven games, with both teams rotating players throughout the matches, giving everyone valuable playing time and experience against strong opponents.

Team Leadership and Communication

Team communication, a key factor in Esports success, has been steadily improving at KWU. The captain shared that players who were once quiet are now actively participating in match discussions. “Everyone is starting to break out of their shell and contribute more to team discussions,” he noted. While the team hasn’t added new callout strategies recently, they remain ready to update their communication system whenever clearer or more specific ways to share information emerge.

Flexible Roster Strategy

The KWU team takes a smart approach to player positions, balancing individual preferences with team needs. Some players, like James, excel in their chosen role as DPS (damage per second) and stay focused on mastering that position. Others show more flexibility, with the captain setting an example by being able to play any role needed. This adaptability allows the team to try different player combinations and find what works best for each match situation.

Coaching Philosophy

Photo by Nicolas Fierro / The KWU Esports lounge, located in Peter Science Hall.

The team’s approach to learning emphasizes real-game experience. Instead of stepping in during matches, coaches watch carefully and save their feedback for after the games end. This hands-off method during play helps players learn to think quickly and solve problems on their own. The captain explained that while they might point out better timing for character switches or ultimate abilities after a match, letting players work through challenges during gameplay helps them grow more effectively.

Building New Relationships

This practice session might mark the beginning of more regular scrimmages between KWU and York College. With York moving to a different conference, they’re no longer direct competitors, opening the door for more frequent practice opportunities. The scrimmage came together through friendly talks between KWU’s captain and York’s coach, showing how networking in collegiate Esports can create valuable training partnerships.

Looking Ahead

The scrimmage brought unexpected confidence to the KWU team. Despite losing some players from last year and feeling nervous about facing York College, who had been tough opponents in the past, the team performed well. “The team we have now has a lot of potential to go higher,” the captain shared, clearly pleased with how the newer roster handled the challenge.

Technical and Practical Considerations

The practice session ran smoothly overall, with only one minor issue involving a disabled character that was quickly fixed through team communication. The scheduling process showed the professional side of collegiate Esports, with captains and team managers coordinating available times and agreeing on practice rules beforehand.

These scrimmages help teams gauge their skill level against other college programs while building valuable relationships in the esports community. For KWU, this session proved especially valuable, confirming they can compete effectively against established programs despite recent team changes. As they prepare for upcoming matches, the confidence and experience gained from this scrimmage will be important assets for the team’s continued development.