The Bow Valley College Bears are cubs on the competitive collegiate esports scene. Still, our Valorant pack showed their ferocity last night, securing a victory in their first-ever match against cross-town rivals, the SAIT Trojans.
Out of hibernation (practising), the Bears were hunting down their first varsity victory in their den, ready to maul their way onto the leaderboard.
It was their inaugural National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) match, and dozens of students showed up in the college's adjacent Market to cheer on the Bears as they clawed their way to the top.
"Bow Valley College has never had a varsity team in its 60-year history, so the addition of our Bears Esports Varsity team is injecting a new energy into our campus. It's incredible to see the pride and enthusiasm of our teams, the casters and commentators, fans, and employees," says Lynn Connell, Vice President Student Experience.
Much work has led up to this, with nearly 200 students auditioning to be a part of our varsity program, which includes a support crew learning the ins and outs of broadcasting and streaming the match live on Twitch, and our engagement crew putting together a spectacular event.
"I am extremely proud of how our teams have come together. But I'm even more thrilled that we have built a supportive culture and an atmosphere that encourages team spirit," says Thelma John, Bow Valley College Esports Engagement Specialist.
Led by their coaches, Tyler Gingras, and Esports Business Management student Nick Olmstead, the Bears squad of Koi Ponce, Justin Caballero, Dennis Asham Jr., Tristan Francisco, Dawson Pickett, RJ Morillo, and Karston Matthews secured the 2-0 win.
While the victory is sweet, playing is more than putting notches in the win column.
"It's a huge honour to represent my school. I'm really proud to be part of this team and to be able to compete at this level. It's also a great opportunity to show that gaming can be a positive and rewarding activity," says Koi Ponce, Information Technology Services Diploma student at Bow Valley College.
Bow Valley College's investment in esports boosts the sport in Calgary for gamers and prospective students.
"Our Bears Varsity team and free play for our students in our esports arena add to the college's student life experience. They're able to enjoy themselves and have an outlet to balance their studies, complementing our high-quality education," says Connell.
This win is just a first. The Bears will play Canadian and American teams this season in the NACE league. Bow Valley College's League of Legends and Overwatch 2 teams are back in action on February 11, and squad Valorant is next up on February 12.
Go Bears!
