The Buccaneers’ Overwatch team as well as Super Smash Bros representative Jaydon Flores competed for titles, but settled for national runner-up finishes to end their respective seasons.
In the first match of the day, Gabriel Lopez, William Bowman, Jake Langridge, Matthew Hutchings, and Nicholas Behney vied for the Overwatch championship against Bryant & Stratton College in a rematch from the spring 2022 title match.
In the best-of-five series, Bryant & Stratton took a 1-0 lead before the Bucs tied the series up with a victory in round two. That was as close as Blinn would get, however, as Bryant & Stratton captured the final two maps to earn the title with a 3-1 triumph.
“We made it competitive, and we showed our growth and improvement from last year’s title match when Bryant & Stratton swept us,” Blinn assistant coach Kyle Murto said. “Today’s loss does nothing to wash away the success of this season. What we’ve done this year is something these kids can take pride in.”
Despite Sunday’s setback, Blinn Overwatch enjoyed a wildly successful spring campaign, which included a top 4 finish in the National Association of Collegiate Esports season, and a top 10 finish in the Kentucky Invitational LAN.
“We had a successful season any way you look at it,” Bowman said. “This is the end of my run at Blinn, but we’ve solidified ourselves as a top team in the nation. This program is solid, and future recruits are going to know that our players on these teams can do something. We’re proud of that.”
(Pictured: Blinn Overwatch player William Bowman competes during the NJCAA Esports Overwatch Championship match against Bryant & Stratton on April 23)
Several of the Buccaneer Overwatch competitors were visibly upset following the season-ending loss, which Murto speaks loudly about the Blinn esports athletes’ pride for and commitment to the program.
“Our kids don’t look at our program as a place to just come play video games,” the coach explained. “They care about what we’re doing here, and they care about each other. They’re all in it to win it; they’re in their zone every time they compete; and these losses hurt. As a coach, you love to see that in your players.”
The Bucs had a second chance at a national championship Sunday night when Flores, a sophomore in just his first semester of competitive esports action, took on an opponent from Heartland Community College for the Super Smash Bros title. Flores, who uses the character King DeDeDe of the Kirby franchise, entered the title bout undefeated, having already knocked off his Heartland adversary earlier in the tournament. In the first best-of-five tilt, the two competitors traded victories before Flores fell in the deciding fifth round.
(Pictured: Blinn Super Smash Bros player Jaydon Flores competes during the NJCAA Esports Super Smash Bros Championship match against Heartland Community College on April 23)
Because it was only his first loss of the tournament, Flores’ setback forced a decisive grand final. He and his opponent again went toe-to-toe. Flores grabbed the first two rounds for a 2-0 advantage, but the Heartland competitor rallied to win three consecutive rounds to prevail.
“Both sets were 3-2, and I almost had him there at the end, and that’s what hurts the most,” Flores said. “With that said though, I definitely feel like I made an impact for Super Smash Bros here at Blinn. I’m happy with what I accomplished here.”
Murto said by the end of the title tilt, he was endlessly impressed with Flores as a competitor and the fight he showed during the championship match.
(Pictured: Blinn assistant coach Kyle Murto, left, speaks with Super Smash Bros player Jaydon Flores during his NJCAA Esports Super Smash Bros Championship match against Heartland Community College on April 23)
“This wasn’t just his first semester at Blinn; this was his first semester ever competing in Super Smash Bros,” Murto said. “A lot of our players, even our walk-ons, come into the program with competitive experience in local tournaments or other competitions … Jaydon just played with King DeDeDe for four years and wanted to give esports a try, and now he’s top 2 in the NJCAA. So, to see what he was able to do this semester … I have nothing but admiration for what he’s accomplished.”
Blinn’s esports season is not over. The Buccaneer Valorant team will compete in the Collegiate Valorant South Spring grand final on Sunday, April 30. Blinn’s opponent as well as the start time for the match has yet to be announced.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 43 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
