The Esports Team from Northwood University in Midland on Sunday won the inaugural Collegiate Rocket League World Championship in Dallas, defeating Stockton University of New Jersey 4-0 in the grand final to capture the title.
The Timberwolves had early victories against Salford University (England) 3-0 and St. Clair College (Canada) 3-0, and advanced to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, Northwood defeated the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV) and then ValleyField College (Canada) 4-2 in the semifinal to advance to the grand final.
“This victory is something these students will remember for the rest of their lives,” says Cody Elsen, Esports coach at Northwood. “I am so very proud of the hard work and determination that they showed. What an unbelievable moment for Northwood University.”
Hunter Woitas, of San Tan Valley, Ariz., was the team captain and competed for Northwood University along with Stephen Hoelbinger of West Deptford, N.J.; and Alexander Che, of San Antonio, Texas.
“We just simply trust each other and once you have that, you become the best team possible,” Woitas says.
This victory completes the grand slam of College Rocket League events for Northwood University this year. It triumphed in the Collegiate Rocket League Summer Series Championship, Collegiate Rocket League National Championship, Collegiate Rocket League North American Championship, and now the first Collegiate Rocket League World Championship.
Since Fall 2020, Northwood Esports team has won four national championships; 31 league/conference titles; and 20 tournaments. In the last two years, the team’s viewership also has grown to more than 15.8 million views.
For more information about Northwood’s Esports program, visit here.
