Patrick McConnell currently works at Ripon College as a member of the Office of Information Technology, and was the primary IT staffer who worked closely with Coach Sotter to successfully build out the tech infrastructure for the brand new esports arena. Working through what systems to purchase and install, how room layout would effect network cabling and power needs, as well as adding input for the look and feel of the room were just some of the strengths Patrick brought to the project.
Patrick spends the majority of his regular workday ensuring Ripon College technology is always working and up-to-date. He additionally provides cybersecurity expertise and readily assists students with their personal tech. During his time on campus, he has also been consulted as a subject matter expert for class presentations and tech-related studies. With the esports program off the ground, Patrick is able to volunteer additional time to coaching esports athletes. His role as volunteer assistant coach means providing guidance on team work, communication, strategy, and game mechanics across many titles. Patrick has garnered more than three decades of personal game knowledge, including time spent in his own college studies for video game programming and design, and eagerly injects those skills into his coaching strategies.
"Esports is and will continue to grow in the high school, college, and professional tiers for many years to come," McConnell says of the team. "This program will bolster Ripon Colleges athletic offerings, promote another place of community for our students, and even help shape future academic offerings on campus across not just the Arts or Sciences, but all areas of study."
