HU Storm wins 2nd consecutive Collegiate Overwatch National Championship

Jul 20, 2020

The following was sent to Inven Global as a press release.

Despite facing numerous obstacles in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrisburg University’s Esports team, the HU Storm, displayed passion and resiliency by winning its second consecutive Collegiate Overwatch National Championship.

The Storm took down rival Maryville University 3-0 in the Collegiate Overwatch National Championship Grand Finals hosted by TESPA, the world’s largest operator of collegiate Esports leagues. The Storm bested the same team it beat to win the ESPN Collegiate Esports National Championship in 2019.

“We are so proud of the team bringing home its second consecutive National Championship, especially since the team has had to overcome such tough obstacles related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though they were unable to practice together and bond in person, the team still grew into a strong unit and advanced to the national championship,” said HU President, Dr. Eric Darr.

“This Championship is a testament to the team’s resiliency and a win for not only the team, but Harrisburg University and the region.”

After advancing from spring National Championship preliminaries that pitted the top 64 Overwatch teams from across the U.S., the Storm bested Auburn University, Fresno State, UCLA, the University of Washington, and the University of Utah during the quarterfinals and semifinals of the tournament last weekend.

While the HU Storm has been able to effectively move all Esports operations online during the past few months, it has faced numerous challenges to reach the championship. Moving all practices and interactions online made it much harder for team members to continue to develop strong relationships and teamwork.

“I am so proud of our team and the effort each and every member put in to bring this National

Championship home to Harrisburg University,” said Joe Gramano, Head Coach of the HU Storm Overwatch team.

“Not being able to see each other, not being able to spend time with each other outside of the game, and not being able to talk things out face-to-face are all important factors in being able to build a strong and successful team,” Gramano said. “Despite this, we have found a way to make it all work and to create an environment where students are still passionate, motivated, and committed to the sport and to the team.”

Last weekend’s playoff run is a testament to the commitment the team, University, and regional supporters have made to keep the HU Storm on top of the collegiate Esports world during the past several months, he added.

“This National Championship really goes to show how even in the midst of a pandemic, where the world seems to have taken a step back, Esports continues to grow tremendously and has provided our students and Harrisburg University with something special to always be able to look forward to,” Gramano said. “I am really proud of the continued success of our team and program.”