All About Esports @ FTC
The Sound Athletics program is growing by leaps and bounds . . . and, now by high tech controllers as Esports starts to takeover and brings excitement to campus. Already raising students’ interest with a Town Hall Meeting, Esports @ FTC is set to launch this Spring 2021!
Sound Athletic Director Matt Guercio has announced that Thomas O’Keefe will be the Head Coach of the new Esports program at Five Towns College. The FTC Esports team has joined the East Coast Conference (ECC) as the 13th team. It will participate in competitions in League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League.
Learn more about the team, the opportunities and how to get involved by reading the brief interview with Coach O’Keefe below and a full interview hosted by FTC student Mike Calandra of WFTU Radio at the bottom of this page.
Also, check back for updates by going to https://athletics.ftc.edu/landing/index and if you’re interested in being on the team, [email protected] .
Q&A With Five Towns College
Esports Head Coach Thomas O’Keefe
How can I join the team?
One can join the team by reaching out to Head Esports Coach, Thomas O’Keefe at [email protected]. I am trying to grow the program into a community so you don’t have to be a gamer to join the team. I am also looking for content-creators, graphic design managers, and broad-casters.
What games will the FTC team compete in?
To launch our program, we will be competing in League of Legends, Overwatch and Rocket League. However, as the team continues to grow, we will look to expand into other game titles.
Tell us a little bit about your professional background as it relates to Esports?
I have had the privilege to work in esports over the last two years. My experience includes marketing, event management, and sponsorship sales for three collegiate esports associates; the ECC, ECAC, and NJCAAE inclusive of 100+ colleges. I have secured various esports partnerships with companies like HyperX, iBuyPower, and State Farm to help them market through esports assets. I have been fortunate enough to guest lecture at various colleges (St. Johns, NYU, and Brooklyn College) and sit on various esports panels (E.g. Collegiate Esports Expo) discussing the current and future landscape of collegiate esports.
How did you get involved working with FTC?
I was connected on LinkedIn with the Athletic Director of Five Towns College; Matt Guercio He reached out to me due to my experience in the space. After learning more about the College and the family community that they had I saw it as a good fit. I see a lot of opportunity to grow esports on campus inside the team as well as in curriculum through film, business, and graphic design to name a few.
What are your goals for this year regarding the FTC Esports team?
My goal for this year is to build the foundation for the program to be successful for years to come. I want to showcase esports to the entire community at Five Towns College to build a team and a community. The program will allow students to showcase their skills and passion for gaming, content-creation, broadcasting and more!
What are your long term goals for the FTC Esports team?
Long term goals for the program include both the growth of the team across various game titles and to have partnerships in place to help my team find internship and job opportunities. I would love to have FTC to be seen as a desired esports destination due to the culture we are building.
