Undefeated North Carolina A&T State University Esports Rocket League Team Triumphs in National Championship
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on December 20, 2024 In its first year of operation, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s esports program has already clinched its first national title win. The Aggie Esports’ Rocket League team finished their season 9-0 against eight collegiate teams in their division, defeating the University of Jamestown 4-3 in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) finals matchup. Captained by Luke Johnson, a junior studying computer engineering, the Rocket League team’s prowess in strategic gameplay and teamwork, alongside teammates Andre Perkins and Everett-Alan Hood, quickly established Aggie Esports as a premier program. “We became stronger as a team and stronger friends as well, and by the end, we knew that we had the capabilities to clear the undefeated season and that’s what we went out and did,” said Perkins, a junior mechanical engineering student. Johnson, Perkins and Hood each bring a variety of skills and insights to the team. Their dynamic gaming style and chemistry drew the attention of fellow N.C. A&T students, who flooded the esports lab for a watch party to support the team in the championship. “I didn’t know until after the game I had so many of my friends, my aunts were watching, my uncles were watching, my sister was,” said Hood, a senior majoring in computer science. “I didn’t think anybody really cared about the game that didn’t play it. But I realized we had so much support and that made me really happy.” With esports becoming a growing interdisciplinary avocation and the creation of a fan base on campus and locally, the team feels encouraged and affirmed in their passion for gaming. The team’s dominance in the NACE East 7 Division helped solidify the advancement and competition foundations upon which Aggie Esports was built. “I like that that they competed — that’s my biggest thing,” said Dwayne Meekins, esports coordinator. “In everything that we do, I want us to compete. I don’t think winning everything all the time is a reasonable expectation, but I do think it’s fair to expect us to be competitive.” Even before the program was established, A&T enjoyed success in esports with alumni DaSean Wade Neclos, Jr. ‘24, two-time reigning Madden NFL champion, and Isaiah McPhatter ‘22, professional gamer and coach for Aggie Esports’ Call of Duty and NBA 2K leagues. Johnson, Hood and Perkins are already looking ahead to the development and future success of the Aggie Esports program. “It bolsters the Aggie Pride within each of us, knowing that the championship we won won’t be the last – not only for this team, but for other teams that are competing in the same nature,” said Perkins. About North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. A&T is widely recognized for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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