PORTSMOUTH, OH — Shawnee State University’s Esports team has made a powerful national debut, finishing 9th overall in Collegiate Rocket League at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup (CECC) — one of the largest collegiate esports tournaments in the country, held this month at Esports Stadium Arlington in Texas.
The team — composed of students Blade Taylor (“SlaYeR”), Sean Downard (“Tacostash84”), Dyllan Debruyne (“Duckworth”), and reserve player Tanis Caltrider (“Spookii”) — entered the tournament on a high note after an undefeated season and a Great Lakes Esports Conference Championship victory.
“We outplaced all expectations in every event we went to,” said Justin Kogge, SSU’s Interim Esports Coach. “Rocket League is the most popular esport offered in the country. We are returning two of our starters next year and are positioned to be a dark horse for the National Championship!”
National Debut, National Attention
The Bears advanced through the CECC’s group stage into the Top 12 Playoff Bracket, where they faced off against the eventual 3rd-place team, ultimately finishing tied for 9th place nationwide.
Their gameplay drew more than 7,000 concurrent viewers during a featured stream, earning SSU national exposure and reinforcing the university’s presence in the booming collegiate esports landscape.
“Our time at the CECC provided invaluable experience, significant exposure, and a clear direction for Shawnee State Esports,” said Kogge. “It has set the stage for future success at the national level.”
Esports on the Rise at Shawnee State and Beyond
Esports is rapidly growing in U.S. higher education, with over 200 colleges and universities now offering varsity teams. Beyond competition, these programs integrate with academic paths in game design, offer scholarships, and develop essential skills such as teamwork, strategy, and communication—traits that prepare students for careers in the gaming industry and beyond.
Shawnee State’s Esports program, already gaining momentum, is now positioned to be a contender on the national stage for years to come.
