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FTC Esports team to face West Virginia University tonight in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Final
By Grace Bonamico
Five Towns College’s Esports team is heading into its biggest match of the semester with momentum firmly on its side. The FTC Sound Super Smash Bros. Ultimate squad will face off against West Virginia University in the ECAC Division A Playoffs Finals, capping off an undefeated season and marking the first time the team has made it to the finals.
What makes this run even more impressive is the team’s makeup. The roster is largely composed of freshmen and sophomores, with just one graduating senior, Jalen Perkins, known in competition by his tag “Poobadooba.” Despite the team’s relative youth, they’ve managed to dominate their competition all semester in Smash, building a perfect record heading into the finals.
Behind the scenes, the production side of FTC Sound has also evolved alongside the team’s success. “This semester, we have tried to integrate higher quality graphics and production values into the show,” said Mass Comm student Max Rappaport, who runs the broadcasts. “We have upgraded to a multi-camera setup rather than just one and have incorporated a replay function into the broadcast. I have also spent a lot of time updating the graphics to look smooth and flow well, and we have streamlined the format and general schedule of the show. We also started doing weekly live interviews with standout players at the end of each broadcast.”
This broadcast is also a special one for Rappaport. “With this week being my last broadcast, we are going back to our roots, and Thomas DiSalvo and I, who got the broadcasts going, will be commentating. I am also taking the crew out to Applebee’s to celebrate a great season and broadcast.”
For those on the mic, the experience has been just as impactful. Mass Comm student and regular commentator David Frith reflected on his personal growth through the season. “To be a commentator for Esports has been exhilarating. Commentating has allowed me to feel more comfortable not only on camera but with people on the broadcasting team. I’ve grown as a person and as a talent, and I hope to be able to do more for The Sound in the future,” he said.
As for the team, the focus remains on the challenge ahead. Head Coach Evan Leider expressed both pride and anticipation leading into tonight’s finals. “I am extremely impressed, proud, and excited for our FTC Sound SSBu team to have made it to the ECAC Division A SSBu Playoffs Finals. This is a wonderful accomplishment for Five Towns College. All members have been working hard at practicing and preparing. We are very much looking forward to facing West Virginia University tonight!”
The final will be streamed at 8:00 PM on Twitch.
