Posted: Mar 24, 2026

Cougars Begin NECC Playoffs

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. — The Mount Vernon Nazarene University esports team begins their National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) playoffs run this week for Valorant, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (A and C teams), and Overwatch 2. View our playoff matches live at https://www.twitch.tv/mvnuesports

VALORANT — After 7 weeks of competition, the Cougars qualified for the playoffs with an impressive (6-1) season record as the 2 seed. On Monday, March 23, they competed in their first playoff match.

Valorant Roster:

Shane "aserm4" Busch
Ethan "egunner" Byrom
Hayden "Ghost of Sparta" Erwin
Josh "Machampion06" Nims
Zayanna "BeefTacos" Ntia
Zoe "ChickenTacos" Ntia
Elisha "ElectriciT" Thao
Jaccob "Flight" Ritenour
Owen "SuperO7" Pollock
Thomas "T SIZZLE" Schaller

SUPER SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE (A TEAM) — The Cougars A team finished the regular season with a (4-3) record, earning the 8 seed in playoffs. Their first playoff match took place on Tuesday, March 24.

SSBU A Team Roster:

Derek "Maverick" Gill
Ethan "Pronto" Hershberger
CJ "DRINK" Wheeler
Eli "eclipse" Thrush
Josh "Machampion06" Nims

SUPER SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE (C TEAM) — The Cougars C team also secured a playoff berth with a (3-3) record, earning the 8 seed. Their first playoff match was scheduled for Tuesday, March 24.

SSBU C Team Roster:

JD "mynamejeff" Tracy
Rory "The Villager" Chismar
Tim "ItsTeaTim" Burrows
Caleb "Barley" Haynes
Hunter "arcticridge" Clark

OVERWATCH — The Cougars had a dominant regular season, finishing (5-1) and earning the 1 seed heading into playoffs. Their first playoff match will take place on Thursday, March 27 at 8:00 p.m.

Overwatch Roster:

Luke "Fairling" Faircloth
Mason "Vendetta" Rinehart
Caleb "Ionic" Parks
BB "dipstick_3" Brubaker
Anna "TheGr8King" Davis
Ethan "Egunner2" Byrom

Coach Darren's Thoughts:

"This season has been truly special for our entire program. I've had the privilege of watching our students grow not only in their gameplay but also in their character, teamwork, and leadership. Their dedication and effort have been evident every week, and it's been incredible to see that translate into success across all our teams. I couldn't be more proud of what we've accomplished together, and I'm excited to see what this group can do in the playoffs."

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.