By David Wise
@wiselingsc2
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KawaiiRice at the live CSL 2012-2013 tournament finals
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I caught up with Washington’s CSL coordinator Adrian ‘Kawaiirice’ Kwong to talk about the inner workings as well as the difficulties in the day-to-day function of the StarCraft II squad. Kwong explained that the relationships formed in the team are what led to its initial success. “In the past it would be our confidence and friendship which in turn allowed for our informal coaching system,” stated Kwong. “I’m not a great ‘formal’ coach but our relationships allowed me to work with our players during the Azubu CSL season. Nowadays, however, nobody really plays the game so things have changed.”
In 2012, the team supplemented its regular coaching routine with a boot-camp during holiday. I asked if Washington still carries out that sort of training. “I would not have the passion to run a boot camp anymore, and the prize pool doesn't warrant it,” replied Kwong. “I only open SC2 to play one game every Saturday and I would find it too disrespectful to host a boot camp and play other games while telling others how to play.”
Kwong also reflected on the 2012 and 2013 CSL seasons, when Washington finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. “Our key to success was having Caliber and I on the team,” said Kwong. “Having two high Grandmaster-level players is enough to make it far in playoffs. We were also fortunate to have several talented patch Zergs who were willing to learn back in Lings of Liberty, as well as one of the best 2v2 teams in the league in Chemist and Rawls. However, almost all of those players have graduated.”
However, despite the loss of these high-caliber players, Washington is still within striking distance of the top spot in the West Division. The Washington coordinator seemed pleased with the team’s performance thus far. “I came in with no real expectations so I am pretty satisfied. I think we have a good shot at making the playoffs but me not practicing is going to hurt going onwards in the season,” he replied. This doesn’t mean that Washington is ready to rest on its laurels, however. “Any school that knows how to submit a lineup with character codes is a huge threat,” stated Kwong.
KawaiiRice, Caliber and Binski watch their friend Tilea at MLG Anaheim 2014, in a display of camraderie.
Kwong also delved into the administrative aspects of running the team. “People ask me to regurgitate things like maps, dates of matches, lineups, rules, etc. that they can check for themselves,” he stated. Being a coordinator is like being a tournament administrator. When you put everything in people's faces they still prefer to ask you instead and it makes unnecessary work.” Administrative issues aren’t the only challenge that faces Washington. “Recruitment prior to the season start was a little rough. Now, we have a decent amount of people that hang around online but our biggest challenge is getting everyone involved,” said Kwong. “Since we are fielding pretty much the same players every week and not doing really anything outside of CSL matches, there are others who basically don't get to play and probably don't feel like a part of the group.”
Another issue that faces Washington, as well as most other CSL teams, is the influx and departure of team members each season. Touching on the effect of these shifts on the CSL squad, Kwong stated, “University of Washington CSL is basically on its deathbed.”
Despite these challenges, time issues don’t affect the success of Washington’s StarCraft squad. “Even if we had free time we wouldn't be playing StarCraft II,” replied Kwong. “So it doesn't really affect us.”
The University of Washington, regardless of its challenges, rose above most of its competition to come within striking distance of the top spot in the West Division. Whatever the future of this CSL squad holds, this season could certainly be one of Washington’s best yet. Washington’s strong performance thus far composes a fitting twilight for this CSL powerhouse.
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