Kodiaks esports coordinator Allyson Cikor (left) and coach Justin Garrick (right). (Photo provided by Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College esports team getting set for first full season

Jul 29, 2022 | 8:41 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College is gearing up for the first full season of its esports program.

The founding crew of 15 players joined Canadian Collegiate Esports League play during the Winter 2022 semester and took part in exhibition matchups against fellow Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) teams. Now, the focus shifts to a new season and new growth.

Recent Lethbridge College graduate Justin Garrick (Multimedia Productions, Class of 2022) will coach the Kodiaks in Rocket League, League of Legends and Super Smash Bros. He has been involved in gaming most of his life and is excited to see players reach their full potential.

Garrick stated in a news release, “I really want to help our players maximize their strengths and improve on their weaknesses in a positive and supportive way, not only for their personal growth, but for the growth and success of the team.”

Allyson Cikor served as coach during the shortened inaugural esports season for the Kodiaks. She will return to the team and serve as program coordinator. As part of this new role, she will be responsible for league and tournament registration, setting schedules, organizing internal tournaments and events, and ensuring the esports team has everything it needs in terms of equipment and software. That includes state-of-the-art gaming PCs from Alienware.

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Cikor stated, “Last year, while we had a lot of fun, we were just getting things figured out.”

She said, “this year, we’re starting off with a larger support team and a dedicated esports lab that will provide a great new atmosphere. It’s exciting to see that growth as we get set for our first full season.”

This season, the esports team will sport Kodiaks jerseys, players will be profiled online, and the team will receive all the support that comes with the designation of being an official Kodiaks Athletics team.

Todd Caughlin, Athletics and Recreation Services manager said, “The Kodiaks are among the first few recognized varsity esports teams in Alberta.”

“The work of last year’s team helped us establish the direction we’re now taking, and with the support of the college, we’re excited to see where it leads us.”

Tryouts for the Kodiaks esports team will be in late August and early September.

Gamers who want to keep playing but do not want to do so at the varsity level will still have the chance, as the Lethbridge College Students’ Association will again be organizing internal tournaments and more casual play throughout the year. For more details on esports at Lethbridge College, email lcesports@lethbridgecollege.ca.