All three Kodiaks Esports teams made the playoffs in their inaugural season. (Photo: Lethbridge College)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge College Kodiaks wrap up esports season

May 18, 2023 | 10:25 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College’s esports teams have finished their first full season.

Esports were added to the Kodiaks Athletics programs in the summer of 2022, with players eligible for the same scholarships and access to equipment that other athletes are.

All three teams; Valorant, League of Legends and Rocket League, reached the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) playoffs.

In Valorant, a fast-paced first-person shooter game, the Kodiaks team lost in the first round of playoffs against the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

For League of Legends, an online multiplayer battle area game, the Kodiaks won five out of eight games on the season to make the playoffs, but bowed out in the playoffs against Pace University from New York City.

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The Kodiaks’ Rocket League team finished the regular season with a record of 7-1 in the vehicular soccer game. However, their season ended with a 2-4 loss to Loyola University Greyhounds.

Kodiaks athletic director Todd Caughlin was impressed by the introduction of esports to the Kodiaks, and was proud of the success they had.

He added, “Establishing any new sport brings challenges and unique learning opportunities and building an esports program definitely lived up to this challenge, but what an incredible opportunity for the college, the current roster and our future Kodiaks!”

The team also had multiple highlights at events this season. In late February, the Kodiaks took part in the Alberta Esports Expo in Edmonton.

The Kodiaks also co-hosted the first annual Collegiate Esports Battle of Alberta, alongside Keyano College. The charity event supported the Extra Life organization, a fundraising program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The stream, which featured Valorant, League of Legends and Rocket League, raised $556 dollars in donations.

Going into the next season, the Kodiaks esports team will be transitioning out of the ECAC and into the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). They will be joining a conference that includes more than 250 schools across North America.

Read more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com