RIPON, Wis. -- Ethan Sledge (Waukesha, Wis., Waukesha West HS), a senior on the Red Hawks Esports team, has amassed an impressive mark in EA Sports FC 26: 58-1 in ranked online play, including a 50-game win streak. The results have moved him up the ranks from Division 10 for the title's ranking system to Division 1, and marks success for a first-year Ripon Esports program already boasting impressive results across multiple titles. In addition to playing FC for the Red Hawks, Sledge also acts as a sub for the program's Call of Duty team, and has gained experience acting as an intern and student coach under head coach Andy Sotter. 

"Being a part of [Red Hawks Esports] helped my success, through learning from other players about new strategies and ways to play my best." Sledge said. "Also, having the opportunity to coach other players unlocks new perspectives in FC26. This especially helped my success even more, due to the support of the coaches and members of the program."

For Sledge, joining Ripon's Esports program was motivated by several factors. 

"Seeing the team's facility had an impact… How advanced the technology was, with some of the best Alienware PC's and other gaming equipment, along with a clean and beautiful design."

It was not just the resources and equipment of the program that drew Sledge's interest; instead, the environment of the team and the roster provided the deciding factor for his involvement. 

"I chose this program because it was an opportunity to showcase my skills while building connections with people that enjoy the same passion… When I first joined I could see how connected everyone in the program was, and it made it easy to find my purpose within the program."

While the collegiate Esports scene continues to develop and shape, the Red Hawks find themselves navigating cross-divisional conferences, titles, and scheduling from different organizational bodies, such as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Wisconsin Esports Conference (WEC). While the competition ends up taking a variety of forms, Ripon Esports, motivated by the passion and connection felt by Sledge and the rest of the roster, continues to find success. 

Follow along with Red Hawks Esports as their spring season develops on socials here: Instagram | Twitter

Watch the Red Hawks compete here: Twitch