KENOSHA — Carthage's Overwatch Black team flipped the script during the 2024-25 academic year. They competed in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Division VI [Fall 2024] and Division V [Spring 2025]. Additionally, Black competed in the Spring 2025 Wisconsin Esports Conference (WEC). We will now highlight the accolades Overwatch Black achieved in the NECC and WEC.

Fall 2024 NECC Division VI

Carthage Black entered the Fall 2024 season with a hunger for redemption. In Fall 2023, Carthage Black competed in the Emergents conference's Midwest B stage. They went 0-6 overall and had a 0-19 round record. Ultimately, it was not Overwatch Black's season. However, in Fall 2024, the team was remodeled to ensure wins would come their way. 

The team was comprised of junior Colin Curtis [CaughtReign], sophomore Ethan Anderson [SnowStorm], senior Will Stevens [Lunarsynergy], freshman Billy Flanagan [ChickenFries], and senior Gabriel Gutierrez [CrazyMage]. Colin's role was Tank, while Ethan and Will watched the flanks as DPS players. Lastly, Billy and Gabe served in the Supporting role to round out the team's composition. With a revamped roster, Carthage Black was destined for a resurgence.

For the Fall 2024 NECC competition, Carthage Black achieved an undefeated 7-0 regular season, securing first place in Division V's Midwest A stage. The team was dominant thanks to an excellent amount of passion and synchronization. Carthage Black won 78% of their rounds within a best-of-five series across seven weeks. In the Midwest playoffs, Carthage Black conquered number-eight SVSU Red, 3-1, on Nov 15, 2024. A ticket was punched to play number-four Northwood University Black in the semifinals. Despite their hard-fought efforts, Carthage Black lost 3-2 on Nov 19, 2024. After a relaxing Thanksgiving break, Carthage Black earned third place overall after beating number-six Wright State Green, 3-0, on Dec 6, 2024.

Back in Week Seven, following an on-stream victory over the Louisville University Red, senior Gabe Gutierrez reflected on Carthage Black's journey from going from worst to first. The post-game interview was conducted by Chief Esports Stream Producer and Carthage Baseball player, Tommy Van Treeck:

Next, Spring 2025's NECC season prompted Carthage Black to go up one division. In Division V's Central B stage, Carthage Black posted a 6-1 overall record, good for second place in the final regular season standings. A 16-6 map record coupled with the overall record, which translated to a +10 map differential. Overwatch Black's lone defeat came against undefeated Valpo University (7-0) in Week Two competition on Valentine's Day. Valpo took the contest 3-1 over the Firebirds. Despite placing second, Carthage Black showcased regular-season consistency across two separate divisions.

With their efforts, Carthage Black earned the number-four seed in Division V's Central playoffs. However, their run was short-lived as number-five St. Ambrose University pulled off a 3-1 upset victory on March 28. A first-round exit undermined playoff aspirations. Despite this shortcoming, Carthage Black became grateful for their accomplishments. Their 2024-25 NECC campaign was highlighted by a 7-0 regular season and third-place finish during their time in Division VI Midwest.

Spring 2025 WEC Season

In addition to competing in the NECC, Carthage Black participated in the Spring 2025 WEC Season. During the season, the Firebirds achieved a 6-2 regular season record, qualifying them for a Regional LAN appearance. At LAN, the team went 2-2, missing the opportunity to qualify for State. However, Carthage Black had a chance to make it by winning an LCQ. As previously mentioned, Black needed to face its Varsity counterpart, Carthage Red. On April 21, Carthage Black's WEC season concluded after losing to Red. The result was a 9-5 combined WEC record, an incredible showing from a team that did not win as much during the Fall 2023 NECC season.

In summary, Carthage Black's 2024-25 academic year was a feel-good story, involving a team who were determined to win and perform at a consistently high level. 

Between Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, NECC action, Carthage Black had a combined record of 15-3. This included two playoff appearances and a third-place finish during the Fall 2024 NECC Division VI season. 

For WEC, Carthage Black obtained a 9-5 combined record, one game short of qualifying for the May 3 WEC State LAN. Together, Carthage Black finished the 2024-25 academic year with a 24-8 record across NECC and WEC competitions.

Carthage Esports will return for the 2025-26 academic year to kick off its fourth competitive season, starting in Fall 2025. Follow us on all social media platforms (@carthageesports) to stay updated. Follow our Twitch channel to get notifications when broadcasts go live.