Lake Area Tech’s Esports team opens season Friday

The match against Laredo (Texas) College will be held online, and fans can watch a livestream on Twitch.


Lake Area Tech’s Esports team includes six new members this season.

Lake Area Technical College’s Esports team will launch its competitive season at 7 p.m. on October 4 at 7:00 p.m. against the Palominos from Laredo College in Laredo, Texas.

The LATC team will showcase its skills in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, competing against two-year colleges across the nation during the season. All competitions are held online.

Esports, otherwise known as competitive gaming, has experienced rapid growth in recent years, offering student participants a dynamic platform to develop their gaming skills and build teamwork and community, while competing at a national level.

Lake Area Tech has six first-year players on its team this season, adding fresh talent to its eight-person roster.

The new recruits include Braydon Alford of Sioux Falls (Welding Technology), Kaian Enockson of Bismarck, N.D. (Computer Information Systems), McKinley Kosters of Frederick (Aviation), Garrison Steele of Aiden, Minn. (Precision Agriculture), Brandon Stephens of Windom, Minn., (Computer Information Systems), and Tucker Urdahl of Watertown (Welding).

Returning for their second year are on the team are Rudy Gallegos of Astoria, S.D. (Robotics Technology) and Michael Ready of Huron (Automotive Technology).

Lake Area Tech will offer a number of scholarships for esports athletes, which will provide talented students the opportunity to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a degree. The program is open to all students interested in trying out for the team or being part of the esports campus experience each fall and spring, regardless of scholarship status.

Lake Area Tech head Esports coach Bryce LeBlanc emphasized the broader value of esports.

“Esports are a pivotal new way to develop important life skills in our student athletes, build strong relationships, spark interest, and keep students engaged at Lake Area Tech,” he said.

Lake Area Tech competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) League, joining more than 200 member institutions and more than 3,000 students across the country.

All competitions will be live-streamed on Twitch, allowing fans to watch and support the Lake Area Tech Esports team from any location. LeBlanc is joined by assistant coach Levi Olson. Together, they combine their gaming expertise to help guide the students to success.

For more information about Lake Area Tech Esports, contact LeBlanc at Bryce.LeBlanc@lakeareatech.edu.