FOND DU LAC – Trace Rutman has been named the head coach of the Marian University eSports program, as announced by Director of Athletics Tony Draves.
 
"We couldn't be more excited to have Trace join our talented staff," said Director of Athletics Tony Draves.  "We are looking forward to watching him build the eSports program here at Marian."
 
Rutman becomes the third head coach for the Marian eSports program.  He joins the Sabre athletic department after founding the eSports program at Calvin University.  Under his leadership as president of the club, Rutman saw the Calvin eSports program grow to over 150 members after just two years.  The successful growth of the program earned Rutman the opportunity to be the head coach for the eSports program this past year.  This also allowed the program to transform from a student club to an official club sport at Calvin.
 
 "I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve as the head coach for eSports at Marian," said Rutman.  "Marian University has committed to support and elevate their eSports program, as well as the student-athletes, and it's an honor to be a part of it. I hope through my leadership and organization, I will be able to build a strong community focused on competition and academic success. Through local and national events, I'm excited to show the skills our student-athletes have."
 
Along with his duties of coaching and organizing practice and game schedules, Rutman developed marketing and branding strategies to continue the growth of the program at Calvin.  Rutman also played a key role in Calvin joining the National eSports Collegiate Conference (NECC) this past semester.  Beyond competition, Rutman organized several tournaments for the Calvin University community throughout the academic year.  Calvin eSports sponsored games such as Valorant, Super Smash Brothers, and League of Legends during his time.
 
Rutman earned a bachelor's degree in film studies this past spring from Calvin University.