Name: Tobey Riedmann, esports team Overwatch coach
Hometown: Menomonie
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Undeclared
What is your experience level with Overwatch? I have played Overwatch competitively for the past three years, ranking within the top 500 in North America. I have been close to reaching the semiprofessional level multiple times.
What makes Overwatch a fun and challenging game? Overwatch is a fun and challenging game because at the highest level it requires mechanical skill, teamwork and the ability to make quick decisions. It is incredibly exciting when you make the right decision at the right time or clutch — pull out — a team fight at the last second.
What is your assessment of UW-Stout’s Overwatch team? I expect to see a lot of growth in our first season. Many of our players have little team experience in Overwatch but have demonstrated skill in the mechanics of the game. From what I can tell, our League of Legends team is in a similar spot. I expect our Rocket League team to be especially competitive off the bat.
How will you prepare the team for the season? I plan to prepare the team for the season by hosting scrimmages with teams at a similar level in order to get play time as a team. Between scrimmages, we will review recordings of our games in order to improve players individually, as well as their communication and team play.
What are your thoughts about UW-Stout having esports? I am excited to share my experience to help develop a competitive and cohesive team. I have very high hopes for our esports teams over the next few years.
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