“Super Smash Bros” esports team won its first game

By Cameron Day//

Hood College Esports’ new “Super Smash Bros” team won its first game 2-0 over John Brown University.

“‘Smash’ has given the program a burst of new life, especially with the addition of new players into the team… it adds a whole other genre into our game titles,” Esports Manager Kole Johnson said.

Johnson said that when a new team comes together, communication and chemistry is a huge key to success.

Each game in the Esports program has a team with a team captain. The team captain for the “Super Smash Bros” team is senior Brian Hitchcock.

 “Captain Brian Hitchcock has really been begging to have a ‘Smash Bros’ team. We were elated to be able to give it to him,” Johnson said. “He is our top performer as far as in game and leadership with the other players.”

According to Johnson, the program is not all about winning. “Personally, as the head of the program, the only thing I care about is maximizing the students’ experience,” Johnson said. “Obviously winning is great but it’s more important for me to make sure our players are enjoying their passions…after all, it is just video games.”

The program ended last year with a record of 74-68. Hood competes in the Mid-Atlantic Esports Conference as well as the New England Collegiate Conference against Division I, Division II and Division III schools.

“The program is looking to have its best year yet…we have the biggest roster we’ve ever had, the most games we’ve ever had, a brand new coaching staff of nine,” Johnson said. “Hopefully we can translate some of those numbers into quality results on the different titles.”