The University of North Georgia (UNG) Esports program has reached a historic milestone by securing the Fall 2024 Halo College National Championship. Esports, which features competitive multiplayer video gaming, has gained significant popularity, with Halo being one of the most iconic science fiction titles in the genre.
In the championship finals, UNG triumphed over powerhouse Fisher College with a 3-1 victory. The winning team consisted of Wyatt Gowan, Eli Huey, Clayton Poore, and Dalton Ragon, with coaching provided by Nathaniel Hehl, a former UNG Esports player and part-time Esports supervisor who graduated in 2023.
Impressive season
This championship caps off an impressive 12-1 season for UNG, including a perfect 9-0 record during the regular season.
Eli Huey, a December 2024 graduate from Acworth, Georgia, earned a degree in criminal justice with Peace Officer Standards and Training certification. Huey, who previously played soccer for two years at North Greenville University before transferring to UNG, views Esports as an inclusive and widely accessible alternative to traditional sports.
“Everyone has their niche,” Huey said. “Esports can create more opportunities for students to compete and get involved in college life.”
Wyatt Gowan, a professional Esports player and former world champion, added to the victory with his experience and passion. Gowan, who finished fourth in a recent international event, reflected on the team’s perseverance.
“Winning this championship means a lot to me because we put in so much time and effort,” said Gowan, a sophomore from Murrayville, Georgia, studying information systems with a minor in cybersecurity.
Competing with top universities
Clayton Poore, a senior from Dahlonega, Georgia, pursuing a degree in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity, was also thrilled by the team’s success. He expressed pride in how UNG is now able to compete with top universities, but also emphasized the close-knit community within the team.
“I’m very thankful for our team,” Poore said. “These are some of the best friends I’ve made.”
Dalton Ragon, a junior from Dacula, Georgia, who is studying computer science with an eye on working in the gaming industry, was also part of the team. A former professional Esports player, Ragon is excited to see Esports continue to grow at UNG. He encourages other students to explore the competitive gaming scene.
“If you have a passion for video games and competing, it’s definitely something to pursue,” Ragon said. “UNG and Nathaniel do a great job fostering that balance of fun and competition.”
Growth of the program
Nathaniel Hehl, who joined the UNG Esports program in 2019 as a student, has played a key role in its growth. Since earning his degree in management with a minor in digital design and fabrication, he has continued to support the program in a part-time capacity. Hehl is proud of the program’s expansion, now involving approximately 55 students. This championship is just one of several recent achievements for UNG Esports, following their Peach Belt Conference titles in League of Legends (Fall 2018) and Overwatch (Spring 2024). The program is eager to build on this success in the upcoming semester.
UNG Esports will also host online tryouts for 10 different games during the Weeks of Welcome. Stay up-to-date with all Esports news by joining the official UNG Esports Discord channel.
