Northwest Christian University head esports coach Taylor Lind announced the signing of the first four gamers to NCU letters of intent at a signing event on Friday afternoon.
The four players will all compete in Overwatch in year one, with expansion into League of Legends in the plans for year two.
Coach Lind said, “We are extremely excited to announce the signing of four incredible young men to join the first ever NCU varsity esports team. Our goal in this first year was to bring in men of faith and strong character that will help to develop and set the tone for Beacon Esports for the future. That is exactly what we are getting in this group, along with a very high skill level in game play.
Three freshmen, all Eugene, Oregon natives, and one graduate student from the Portland area comprise the first group of signees.
Tyler Chase (ShockMaster#1960) is a Master level Overwatch player (3811) who has risen to the Grandmaster level in the past. The Sheldon HS product plays the Damage role. Hanzo is his preferred hero.
Jacob Gates (Goldfish#11872) is a Master level Overwatch player (3503). Like Chase, Gates recently graduated from Sheldon High School but unlike Chase he plays a Tank role. His preferred hero is Reinhardt.
Josh Sims (Pendragon#1772) has his background in League of Legends where he is currently a Platinum. He has also risen to the Diamond level, where he is among the top 4% of all LoL players. Sims, who is the son of former NCU basketball player Tracey Sims, will play a Support role on the Overwatch team.
NCU’s sole transfer student will be Alex Daraban (IAMSMARTALEX). The recent Portland State graduate is also a Support player who has attained Grandmaster status and is currently a Master level player (3900).
Coach Lind is still looking for gamers to compete in the fall at NCU. Players interested in competing for NCU are encouraged to fill out an online recruiting form.
Find more information about Beacon Esports.