The Illinois Wesleyan Rocket League Esports team wrapped up a successful regular season of play last week on Nov. 7, 2024.
The team is now preparing for their upcoming Eastern College American Conference (ECAC) playoffs starting at 7 pm. on Nov. 20.
Rocket League is a fast-paced video game that combines soccer with rocket-powered cars.
Formats consist of 3v3, 2v2 or 1v1 play. Players control customizable vehicles to hit a giant ball into the opponent’s goal, using acrobatic maneuvers and teamwork to score points.
The game has a strong emphasis on skillful aerial control, precise timing and strategic play.
“I feel very good about our season this year,” sophomore Kenyon ‘Knyn’ Wagner said.
“We’ve had a great season in every league that we’re in. Even after rough losses, our team improves very well and learns something from each one.”
“I have very high confidence in our team’s ability to go far in the postseason,” Wagner said.
The Titans finished their regular season 6-1 in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) and the Midwest CRL.
However, the team is only 3-3 in the ECAC, the conference they will be competing in next week for their postseason playoffs.
Titans Esports fans should not fret, as the Rocket League team is excited for their upcoming matches.
“I’m proud of how our team progressed through the semester,” sophomore Christopher ‘Tiny Spider’ Clark said.
“I’m feeling pretty optimistic about the ECAC playoffs later this month and can’t wait to compete with my team,” Clark said.
“For our first semester competing together, things have been going pretty good,” sophomore Elijah ‘Blitz’ Rogers said.
“In following seasons we can keep improving coordination and camaraderie both in and out of play.”
“As for playoffs, while the ECAC isn’t our strongest conference, we’ll make it work,” Rogers said.
“Adapting and overcoming challenges is the name of the game.”
The Rocket League team regular season wrapped up on Nov. 7 with a loss to Fuel Esports Academy but remains undeterred as they prepare for the ECAC playoffs.
“On game days, we meet up and warm up together for around an hour before the match begins,” Clark said.
“Outside of game days, we usually have individual practice on our own or with our coach.”
“We prepare by going through different drills and playing a few matches to warm up, practicing every week individually outside of scrimmages and matches,” Rogers said.
“Next semester, we hope to get more team practices going as well.”
The Titans will kickoff their playoffs at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2024.
Titans fans can watch Rogers, Wagner and Clark compete in the opening match on the IWUEsports Twitch page at www.twitch.tv/iwuesports.
Program updates can also be found on X at @IWUEsports.