Saints Gaming, the varsity esports program at St. Clair College, is gearing up for Fall tryouts, which will run between September 5th and September 15th. This year, the Saints will field teams for League of Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Hearthstone, Super Smash Bros., and Rocket League.
The varsity program is now entering its second year. It enjoyed a lot of success last year, with many highlight moments.
The St. Clair Hearthstone team finished Top 12 in North America, and its run included a tournament championship at Lan ETS in Montreal. There, St. Clair Culinary student Zander “CheersLove” Paine brought home a win over a pro player who goes by the in-game name “Monsanto” (who was competing on his home turf).
The Saints Counter-Strike team managed to make it to the Final Four in terms of varsity programs in North America, with Brandon “Sherzzay” Sherlock named a First Team All-Star.
In Rocket League, the Saints finished Top 16 in North America. This year, former World Champion Brandon “Lachinio” Lachin joins the team, with the championships in sight. “I’ve been waiting all summer to get back to practicing with the team,” said Coach Ethan Sinclair. “With Lachinio joining us, as well as another pro player potentially joining us in January, we’ll definitely be pushing for a championship this year, and making waves.” This year, the Saints Rocket League team will compete for a share of $75,000 in scholarships being offered in the Tespa Collegiate Esports League.
Tryouts are open to all full-time St. Clair College students. Tryouts will take place in the Gaming Lab, located withing the Open Computer Lab in the Student Centre. This year, there are 36 roster spots up for grabs. As members of one of the teams, all players receive a tuition bursary, access to The Nest (varsity training facilities), jerseys, and other apparel. The program also covers all travel, accommodation and registration fees for tournaments.
Tryouts Schedule - Open Gaming Lab:
Rocket League - September 5th, 7-10pm
Overwatch - September 10th, 7-10pm
Fortnite - September 11th, 7-10pm
Super Smash Bros. - September 11th, 7-10pm *In the Student Centre across from Griffs*
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive - September 14th, 7-10pm
League of Legends - September 15th, 7-10pm
For more information about Saints Gaming, visit www.saintsgaming.ca
