Student Sppotlight - Colin Miltenberger

Colin Miltenberger, 20, is a third-year student at Marshalltown Community College (MCC) in Marshalltown, Iowa. Originally from Belmond, Iowa, Miltenberger is completing his degree in esports program management while pursuing a degree in computer networking. He has been part of MCC’s esports program for three years and hopes to build a career in esports or computer technology.

After completing his programs at MCC, Miltenberger plans to gain experience in both fields and pursue a job with an esports organization or a computer repair business. His interests in gaming and technology extend beyond the classroom, as he enjoys learning about computers, repairing equipment and exploring older technology.

Miltenberger’s interest in esports began in eighth grade in early 2020, when he watched his high school’s Rainbow Six Siege team compete. He became eager to join the program but had to wait until the fall of 2021, when he tried out for the team as a sophomore. He earned a spot on the varsity starting roster and remained on the team until graduating in 2024. During that time, the team placed in the top four every season and won the 2022 state championship.

At MCC, Miltenberger competes in Rainbow Six Siege and serves as the team analyst. He assists the coach with in-game adjustments and observes scrimmages to identify areas for improvement. He primarily contributes during timeouts and between games, when he evaluates the team’s struggles, studies opponents’ strategies and helps teammates develop plans to counter them.

Miltenberger’s biggest accomplishment in collegiate esports came in spring 2026, when MCC won the NJCAAE Division I championship against Lackawanna College. The teams faced each other multiple times during the season, with MCC defeating Lackawanna in both the regional and national grand finals.

To improve his skills, Miltenberger studies professional players, former professional coaches and gaming content creators. He remains open to learning new strategies and even examines game maps by breaking down walls and floors to discover new angles and setups.

Miltenberger also applies his approach to learning outside of gaming. When speaking with people who have more experience in a particular field, he tries to listen carefully and learn from their experience. He often follows this approach when his grandfather, who has more than 50 years of experience, teaches him about computer software or how to repair something.

Being part of a collegiate esports team has allowed Miltenberger to develop both as a competitor and as a teammate. He enjoys the team’s culture, where players support one another while keeping the atmosphere light.

“We always keep things light and have a comradery with everyone,” Miltenberger said. “It’s great because you get to learn and grow as a team and as people. Even if we’re busting each other’s chops, we do it out of respect for each other.”

Miltenberger also appreciates the NJCAAE’s sportsmanship and sense of community. He said players often chat with opponents before matches and compliment one another on strong plays, regardless of which team makes them.

His most memorable NJCAAE moment was winning the Division I championship. The league broadcast the match, and the commentators helped build excitement throughout the competition. Support from MCC students and fans in the livestream chat made the experience even more meaningful.

Miltenberger also challenges the stereotype that video games cause violence. He believes gaming can provide an escape from everyday stress and help players develop valuable skills. Although Rainbow Six Siege is a first-person shooter, he said players concentrate on strategy and teamwork rather than violence.

Miltenberger’s gaming identity also has a personal connection to his high school esports experience. His gamertag, “BERT,” originated during the summer before the fall 2022 season, when teammates decided to use Sesame Street-themed usernames. Miltenberger and his friend Will chose Bert and Ernie, respectively. The name stuck, and that season ended with the team winning the state championship.

Outside of esports, Miltenberger enjoys collecting vinyl records, photographing trains and learning about older technology, including film cameras and vintage computers. He also enjoys discussing and operating trains online with friends.

Miltenberger encourages young gamers to get involved in their school’s esports programs, meet new people and build connections. He also recommends asking others for advice and remaining open to learning.

“I have enjoyed playing [Rainbow Six] Siege for over seven years, and I’m still learning new things which keeps me interested,” Miltenberger said.

Whether he is analyzing opponents in Rainbow Six Siege, exploring the inner workings of older technology or preparing for a career in esports and computer networking, Miltenberger continues to pursue his interests through curiosity, teamwork and a willingness to learn.