Amber Wolfington TORRINGTON – The Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) Fortnite (No-Build) team competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) National Tournament this week. Ryder Tillard (tag: Ryders TNT) and Allen Woodard (tag: Papa.Padre) represented the college. After multiple consecutive wins leading up to the semi-final match, the team was unable to surpass […]
Amber Wolfington
TORRINGTON – The Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) Fortnite (No-Build) team competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) National Tournament this week. Ryder Tillard (tag: Ryders TNT) and Allen Woodard (tag: Papa.Padre) represented the college. After multiple consecutive wins leading up to the semi-final match, the team was unable to surpass the kill count of Wichita State University (WSU) Tech from Wichita, Kansas. WSU Tech had two teams in the finals, and EWC faced one in the semi-final round and the other in the final round, ultimately placing fourth.
Although expectations were high as the team entered the National Tournament as the first seed, competing at nationals — let alone placing — is a significant accomplishment. The finals conclude EWC’s first season in Esports, having opened the Esports program in the spring. Coach Caleb Spitzer has overcome numerous challenges while setting up specialized equipment, recruiting students, and training them to compete at the collegiate level.
“Ryder and Allen played great, we learned a ton from the experience, and we will hit next season hard. 4th place nationally is a great start for our first season, after having no program 9 months ago,” Spitzer said of the matches.
Tillard and Woodard will be competing in the next Esports season, which starts in February.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my team,” Spitzer concluded, “and am excited for what the next seasons hold.”
See the Torrington Telegram Sports section Friday, December 13 for additional esports coverage.
