Adrian, Mich. — The Aquinas College Overwatch 2 Team competed at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic (WHAC) Tournament on Sunday (Apr. 6), where the team finished in sixth.
AQOW originally secured its entrance into the Tournament with its 3-0 victory over Defiance on Monday (Mar. 31). The team continued Play-In play for seeding on Wednesday (Apr. 2) as the Saints took on Cleary. The contest was in contention, but AQ was just unable to secure key points. The Cougars claimed the match 3-1.
Officially earning the sixth seed of the tournament, it was time for the LAN. The Saints had an early day as they traveled down to Adrian, Michigan, for the host site of Siena Heights. Aquinas faced off with the number three seed of Saint Xavier for the first bout of the day. Even with prosperous moments, SXU took the swift victory 3-0. Entering the consolation bracket, the Saints were once again set up to the task of Cleary. Similar to a children's book, a repeating of story took place. Aquinas battled well, this time putting the Cougars on the back foot and taking map one. This CU stagger caused the Cougars to steel themselves, bringing the contest to an electric back-and-forth.
With the conclusion of the final map, Cleary had swung back and taken the match 3-1. Bringing the Saints WHAC LAN pursuit to an end.
"We knew that this season was going to be a challenge," said Interim Director
Tommy Gehl. "But the team still faced it. We are a team composed of four walk-ons and one returner. In the team's short time, they have managed to bind together and find success in victory and overall improvement. Not only have our players improved both as individuals, but also as a competitive unit. With no graduating seniors, this team is poised to become a cohesive unit".
WHAC Awards
With the conclusion of the WHAC season came the conference awards. Overwatch's walk-on
Kyle Devine climbed his way onto the WHAC Second Team. Additional walk-on's
Brady DuSablon of Overwatch and
Megan Brennan of Valorant deserve nudges as the two were both a single vote away from also making their respective WHAC Second-Teams.
The Saints WHAC Champion of Character was
Nathaniel Kirtland, a fall walk-on for Rocket League. This award is given to the athlete who best represents the five core characteristics of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
The Saints' effort did not stop in the Esports Lab as the program also holds
Juan Garcia Valdes,
Sergio Alejos,
Steve Garvey, and
Evan Newman as part of the All-Academic Team. To be able to qualify for the All-Academic award, the athletes must be a junior or above in academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. In addition, the student-athlete must have been at Aquinas for at least one full year.
Up Next
AQ OW and the rest of the program now look to the 2025-2026 season.
