LATC Esports to Compete for National Championship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lake Area Technical College Esports Team to Compete for National Championship Friday
WATERTOWN, S.D. – The Lake Area Technical College Esports team will compete for the Call of Duty Warzone 2v2 NJCAAE National Championship on Friday at 5 p.m., facing USC Sumter in a best-of-five series. This marks the first national title appearance for the program since it began five years ago.
LATC’s Warzone roster includes Jose Del Angel of Milbank, S.D., Garrison Steele of Alden, Minn. and Mason Anthony of Nicollet, Minn. The team earned its place in the championship after a strong regular season that included only one loss and a Region 13 Championship win. The team then advanced to the national semifinals, where they defeated Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College 2 to 1. After dropping the second match of the series, Coach Bryce LeBlanc rallied players Jose Del Angel and Garrison Steele with a simple message. “Win and move on or lose and go home,” LeBlanc said. The players responded with a decisive performance in the final match to secure their spot in the national finals.
The championship appearance reflects the rapid growth of the LATC Esports program. What began as a small student club with a handful of members has grown into a program with more than 30 students competing in nine game titles across two collegiate leagues. LATC teams have competed in multiple LAN events this season, including the Midwest Clash in Chicago and a CCL playoff event hosted by Dakota State University.
Students in the program represent a wide range of academic fields at Lake Area Tech. Warzone player Mason Anthony said competing at the college level has been an important experience. “Gaming was one of the few avenues I had to compete growing up,” Anthony said. Due to technical issues, Anthony stepped back during the regional rounds, and alternate player Garrison Steele stepped in alongside Jose Del Angel. The two have since formed a strong competitive duo and remain the starters for the national championship.
Del Angel said competing in the national finals has been the highlight of his season. “To be successful Friday, I need to stay focused, communicate well, and play aggressively,” Del Angel said. Steele added that his performance in last week’s semifinal, including ten eliminations, was especially meaningful. “Being in my final year here, earning a national title would mean a lot,” Steele said.
The LATC Esports program is coached by Bryce LeBlanc and Levi Olson, both former collegiate esports players. LeBlanc said this fall has been the program’s strongest season to date. “We had four regional qualifiers, one regional champion, three national qualifiers, and a national championship appearance,” LeBlanc said. “The most rewarding part has been seeing students from different majors form friendships, build community, and push each other to grow as competitors.”
LeBlanc said the team’s success comes from consistent practice, teamwork, and composure. “Our message stays the same,” LeBlanc said. “Play with confidence, trust the plan, and compete.”
Olson and LeBlanc said the program welcomes students of all skill levels and encourages prospective students who enjoy gaming to consider LATC. “Esports is a diverse and welcoming community here, and there is a place for anyone who loves games,” Olson said.
Supporters are invited to cheer on the LATC Warzone team this Friday. The Esports Lab will open at 3:30 p.m. for in-person viewing. The match will be streamed live beginning at 4:30 p.m. at www.twitch.tv/latcesports.
