KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The UW-River Falls Esports team has been named a finalist for the 2024 National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Awards Emerging Program of the Year.

During UWRF's inaugural season in 2023-24, the Falcons, led by head coach Dylan Gentilcore, secured a pair of NACE Varsity Plus Divisional Championships in different titles. Outside of NACE competition, UWRF won two NECC divisional titles with a pair of national playoff rosters, and had two top-100 Super Smash Bros. Melee athletes (Anthony Braun & Ben Strandmark) with strong finishes at Riptide 2024 and Genesis X.

The Falcons turned in an overall record of 129-108 among all their game titles, and Coach Gentilcore was named a finalist for the EsportsU Director of the Year. 

Other schools selected as finalists for the Emerging Program of the Year include Saint Xavier University, Landmark College, Syracuse University, Stony Brook University, and Conestoga College.