ROCHELLE — Kishwaukee College will feature a competitive eSports program for the first time next year, and one Rochelle Township High School alum plans to plug his way into the action.

While the Kougars are still searching for a head coach, former Hub student-athlete Josafat Brizuela signed a letter earlier this week to compete with the Kishwaukee College eSports team next season. Brizuela is currently studying to earn his associate’s degree in photography and cinematography, which he will use to pursue a photography and videography business. Brizuela is the first student-athlete in RTHS history to sign with a collegiate eSports program.

“I’ve always been into playing video games and I want to compete against other schools,” Brizuela said. “I also want to meet new players from my school and other schools… I’ve been gaming since I was a kid playing Atari games like Space Invaders. I enjoy playing video games because it’s a stress reliever and it makes me more competitive. I want to be a better player.”

Kishwaukee College, along with other NJCAA schools, will compete in the National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE). The NACE holds fall competitions for games such as Overwatch, Paladins, Smite and Rocket League. Games currently listed under the spring competitions category are Counter Strike, Rocket League, League of Legends and Fortnite. Brizuela said he plans to compete for the Kishwaukee College League of Legends and Fortnite teams.

“I really like these games because they involve skill and technique to win,” Brizuela said. “Players can’t just pick up the game and expect to win without any knowledge of what’s going on or what they’re doing… I’m looking forward to joining the eSports program, working as a team and seeing how these tournaments go. I’ve competed online for Call of Duty and [Tom Clancy’s] Rainbow Six Siege, but this will be my first time playing with a team with the actual team members physically there. I’m excited for the competitive vibe in the arena.”

eSports was one of three new athletic programs (bowling and golf) that Kishwaukee College introduced this past fall. Brizuela, who spent one season with the RTHS soccer program as a junior, said he enjoys strategy and competitive games most. Brizuela is one of two student-athletes currently signed to the eSports program, with more expected to come.