Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Esports is rapidly transforming the college sports landscape — and in Wyoming, a small community college has risen to national prominence. Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington has built one of the strongest sanctioned Esports programs in the state, and its three-player Fortnite team recently secured a National Collegiate Championship.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with coach Caleb Spitzer and players Ryder Tillard, Alan Woodard, and Bridger Bruce to explore how a rural college created a powerhouse program.
They discuss:
• What makes Fortnite a unique competitive Esport
• How the NJCAA Esports league structures seasons, rankings, and nationals
• How players train physically, mentally, and technically
• The college’s investment in a full Esports lab, equipment, and coaching
• The surprising path from small-town Wyoming to national-level competitive skills
• The role of creativity, teamwork, communication, and discipline in Esports success
• Why Esports is now a multibillion-dollar industry shaping the future of athletics
Whether you’re a gamer, an educator, or someone curious about the rise of Esports, this deep dive offers an inside look at how competitive gaming is reshaping student life, opportunity, and college athletics in Wyoming and beyond.
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:01 – What Is College Esports? Wyoming’s Rapid Growth
00:31 – Inside Eastern Wyoming College’s National Championship Team
01:17 – The Esports Lab: Equipment, Coaching & Support
01:47 – What Is Fortnite? Battle Royale Explained
02:51 – How NJCAA Esports Works (Seasons, Rankings, Nationals)
05:12 – Other Esports Titles: Rocket League, Smash, LoL & More
05:51 – Recruiting Players from Rural Wyoming Communities
06:26 – Starting the Program: How EWC Launched Esports
07:35 – Meet the Players: Ryder, Alan & Bridger
12:48 – First-Person vs Third-Person: Learning Competitive Fortnite
15:32 – Training Like Athletes: Aim, Strategy, Mental Stamina
21:48 – The Esports Boom: Global Participation & $4B Industry
25:12 – Gaming Builds Community: Social, Educational & Life Skills
26:32 – Closing Thoughts
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With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
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Esports is rapidly transforming the college sports landscape — and in Wyoming, a small community college has risen to national prominence. Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington has built one of the strongest sanctioned Esports programs in the state, and its three-player Fortnite team recently secured a National Collegiate Championship.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with coach Caleb Spitzer and players Ryder Tillard, Alan Woodard, and Bridger Bruce to explore how a rural college created a powerhouse program.
They discuss:
• What makes Fortnite a unique competitive Esport
• How the NJCAA Esports league structures seasons, rankings, and nationals
• How players train physically, mentally, and technically
• The college’s investment in a full Esports lab, equipment, and coaching
• The surprising path from small-town Wyoming to national-level competitive skills
• The role of creativity, teamwork, communication, and discipline in Esports success
• Why Esports is now a multibillion-dollar industry shaping the future of athletics
Whether you’re a gamer, an educator, or someone curious about the rise of Esports, this deep dive offers an inside look at how competitive gaming is reshaping student life, opportunity, and college athletics in Wyoming and beyond.
---
⏱️ Timestamps
00:01 – What Is College Esports? Wyoming’s Rapid Growth
00:31 – Inside Eastern Wyoming College’s National Championship Team
01:17 – The Esports Lab: Equipment, Coaching & Support
01:47 – What Is Fortnite? Battle Royale Explained
02:51 – How NJCAA Esports Works (Seasons, Rankings, Nationals)
05:12 – Other Esports Titles: Rocket League, Smash, LoL & More
05:51 – Recruiting Players from Rural Wyoming Communities
06:26 – Starting the Program: How EWC Launched Esports
07:35 – Meet the Players: Ryder, Alan & Bridger
12:48 – First-Person vs Third-Person: Learning Competitive Fortnite
15:32 – Training Like Athletes: Aim, Strategy, Mental Stamina
21:48 – The Esports Boom: Global Participation & $4B Industry
25:12 – Gaming Builds Community: Social, Educational & Life Skills
26:32 – Closing Thoughts
---
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
