Foust hired as Cougar Esports coach

The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Cougars recently named their next Esports coach. Verrick Foust, current Information Security Officer at NICC, will lead the Cougars in the coming seasons.

Foust brings experience in many different games, including Hearthstone, Chess, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Kart and many more. He has led teams before, but this will be his first time leading an Esports squad.

"I approach a game like a puzzle," Foust said. "Then I try to build strategies to win. After playing it for several hours, I create a deeper strategy. This helps me create a roadmap to win."

There is confidence behind Foust already. Athletic Director, Nick Weinmeister, is excited for him to take the reins and lead the Cougars to the best of his abilities.

"Verrick is a great addition to the athletic department because of his genuine care for students and creating the best possible student experience," Weinmeister said. "Our Esports program will benefit from having him as a coach, and I can't wait to see what he can do in this new role."

Foust has already set goals for his team, but he realizes that building a foundation outside of NICC is as important as developing the current team.

"I want to support the surrounding area Esports programs such as high schools and leagues," he said. "This support will not only help recruitment, but our general community to build the needed infrastructure for Esports."

As a NICC alumnus, he believes the cost and quality of education are selling points for the College, but being able to offer Esports could be the deciding factor on whether a student joins the Cougar family.

Foust has one final goal that will benefit everyone at NICC.

"We want to bring excitement to campus," he said.

The Esports team will start their season once the 2024-2025 school year starts in August, and more information is available at nicc.edu/esports.