Missouri State University is proud to introduce the new scholarship-based esports
teams that will compete in the Missouri Valley Conference to represent the university.
The competitive teams eligible to receive scholarships are Rocket League, Overwatch
2, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.
Scholarship Information
Missouri State University is leveling up and now offering esports scholarships. The
competitive esports team consists of the top players that will represent the university
in the Missouri Valley Conference Esports League (MVC). These players are committed
to spending a significant amount of time practicing and playing to improve their skills
in their respective game titles of Rocket League, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and Overwatch
2.
Managed by the Plaster Student Union, 16 scholarships, valued at $1500 each, will
be awarded to top-performing students across these game titles. Those awarded the
scholarships will also be able to represent MSU at other competitions. If you are
interested in finding out more information regarding the team and tryouts, simply
access the link tree.
The stage is set and the battle awaits—join us in shaping the future of esports at
Missouri State University!
Meet the Teams
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Team Captain: Alex 'Acida' Kraus
Stephen 'Stiglord' Bish
Christian 'Gravity' Canales
Finn 'Drie' Benne
Scott 'Dead Beaver' Merseal
Russell 'N U T T' Kirkhuff
Alex Kraus
Alex 'Acida' Kraus
Main: R.O.B.
Hi, I’m Alex Kraus, a sophomore majoring in Electronic Arts. I first got into Super Smash Bros. after watching YouTube videos of people competing in tournaments, which inspired
me to give it a try myself. Go Bears!
Stephen Bish
Stephen 'Stiglord' Bish
Main: Toon Link
Hi, I’m Stephen Bish, a sophomore/junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I got
into Super Smash Bros. because a friend started playing for our high school team, and I picked up the game
to compete with him. Our friendly rivalry pushed me to keep improving and grow as
a player.
Christian Canales
Christian 'Gravity' Canales
Main: King Dede
Hi, I’m Christian Canales, a senior majoring in Accounting. I started playing Super Smash Bros. as a kid with Brawl on the Wii and have been hooked ever since, playing each new release as they come
out.
Finn Benne
Finn 'Drie' Benne
Main: Wario
Hi, I’m Finn Benne, a freshman currently undeclared. I got into Smash through a close
friend, who encouraged me to attend a tournament with him in 2019. Ever since that
tournament, I've been hooked on the thrill of competition and have developed lifelong
friendships from competing in tournaments.
Scott Merseal
Scott 'Dead Beaver' Merseal
Main: Bowser
Hi, I’m Scott Merseal, a freshman majoring in Elementary Education. I started playing
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U because it came with my console, but it was my cousins who truly got me
into the series.
Russell Kirkhuff
Russell 'N U T T' Kirkhuff
Main: Lucas
Hi, I’m Russell Kirkhuff, a junior studying Criminal Justice. I got into Super Smash Bros. because of my love for Mother 3. Lucas was in Brawl and Ultimate, so I naturally gravitated toward those games and have been competing ever since!
Overwatch
Team Captain: Jeremy 'Onstar' Onstott
Michael 'Crummy Jr.' Farmer
Nathan 'Lamp' Vo
Cooper 'Mundane' Jackson
Roberto 'Kaiser' Segovia
Keegan 'Bops' Harper
Jeremy Onstott
Jeremy 'Onstar' Onstott
Hitscan DPS
Hey ya'll, my name is Jeremy "Onstar" Onstott. I am a junior from Willard, Missouri,
and I am here to study Human Resources Management. I never played video games until
8th grade, which was when a friend from church introduced me to Overwatch. I quickly
admired the Overwatch League and Overwatch streamers on Twitch, so it was very easy
to obsess with the game. Fast forward to today, and I've met some of my best friends
here within the Missouri State Esports program. I am thrilled and honored to continue
to take this program to new levels. Go Bears!
Michael Farmer
Michael 'Crummy Jr.' Farmer
Main Support
My name is Michael Farmer, and I’m currently a junior majoring in Chemistry. Overwatch
has been my favorite game since I was young, and after playing for over 8 years, I’ve
developed a deep understanding of it. Now, I’m proud to represent the Missouri State
Bears—ROLL BEARS!
Nathan Vo
Nathan 'Lamp' Vo
Tank
I’m Nathan Vo, a computer science major in my fourth year. I started playing Overwatch randomly around 2019, and I haven’t stopped since. I’ve been playing the piano since
I was young and competed a lot while growing up, so I’m naturally competitive—which
is why I thought it would be fun to play Overwatch for MSU. I also play some ball.
Cooper Jackson
Cooper 'Mundane' Jackson
Support
My name is Cooper Jackson, and I'm a freshman at MSU as a part of the Bear Launch
program. I've been playing video games as early as eleven years old, and from an early
age I adopted a competitive playstyle in any game I came across. My passion to win
and improve are some of the main reasons I'm so excited for this program. I cannot
wait to see the program grow and I appreciate this opportunity very much. Go Bears!
Roberto Segovia
Roberto 'Kaiser' Segovia
Flex Support
Hi, I’m Roberto Segovia, a Cybersecurity major graduating in 2027. I’ve been playing
video games since I was about 5 years old, starting with Black Ops 1. I didn’t get into Overwatch until last August during tryouts, going in blind but still earning a spot on the
team. Some might call me a genius, but I’d say I’m a prodigy. Fast forward to today,
I’ve made great friends through this program and now proudly represent the university
in a game I just started last year.
Keegan Harper
Keegan 'Bops' Harper
Flex DPS
Hello! My name is Keegan Harper and I am attending Missouri State as an undergraduate
with an undeclared major but a desire to learn and be a better person! I was introduced
to Overwatch through a friend about roughly six years ago and have played casually
off and on since then. I have a drive to compete in the things I enjoy and I believe
being on this team is going to help me fulfill that drive while also allowing me to
join a group of like minded individuals. I am excited to be a part of this program
and I look forward to what the future has to hold!
Rocket League
Team Captain: Parker 'Spicii' Smith
Allan 'Topqz' Mitchell
Jacob 'Volt' Heiney
Andrew 'Andrew MSU' Appleby
Parker Smith
Parker 'Spicii' Smith
Hi, I’m Parker, a senior studying Electrical Engineering through the cooperative program
between Missouri State University and Missouri S&T. Growing up, I only played a few
games, but Rocket League was the one I excelled in the most. Now, thanks to MSU’s
brilliant idea to pay us to do what we love, I couldn’t ask for more. Go Bears!
Allan Mitchell
Allan 'Topqz' Mitchell
Hello! My name is Allan Mitchell and I'm currently a 5th year student here at Missouri
State. I'm getting my undergrad degrees in Music and Entertainment Management and
I just started the accelerated master's program to get my MBA. I first started playing
Rocket League back in middle school and was only able to play offline against the
bots for several years. My brother later bought me the game on steam for my birthday
in High School and I became addicted. Playing this game at MSU these past few years
has been nothing but amazing and I'm super excited that the program is starting to
grow. To be a part of this first group of players to receive scholarships is such
an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Jacob Heiney
Jacob 'Volt' Heiney
My name is Jacob Heiney, and I’m a freshman at MSU, currently undecided on my major.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and am proud to have reached the highest rank
in Rocket League. The competitiveness and teamwork in the game fuel my drive to improve
and compete. I love the thrill of each match and the supportive community surrounding
the game. Go Bears!
Andrew Appleby
Andrew 'Andrew MSU' Appleby
My name is Andrew Appleby, and I’m a junior studying Computer Science at MSU. In 2019,
I was at my neighbor’s house when he was playing Rocket League. I gave it a try, instantly
fell in love with the game, and have been playing ever since.
Connect With Us
Plaster Student Union 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897
