CC esports ends season with record high finishes
Centralia College’s esports team (competitive video gaming) ended its inaugural season with the National Junior College Athletic Association esports with a second place in Rocket League and first and third places in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
“This ranks as a great achievement for us,” said esports Coach Jacob Beach. “Our players worked hard and put up a result to be proud of.”
Beach said the first and third place finishes in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are especially meaningful because of a large and challenging field of 59 competitors.
This initial success is great news for Centralia College, which has taken the lead statewide in esports. Centralia College’s team was the first official collegiate team in the state and, this fall, was the first college to offer scholarships to esports student-athletes.
The team currently has 37 rostered players who practice Hearthstone, Magic the Gathering: Arena, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at the esports arena in room 339 in the TransAlta Commons.
Beach’s goal is to build excitement for esports, cultivate skill, and help players earn college scholarships.
“Ultimately, esports can propel students through college and into a good career. They can become esports writers, players, managers, coaches, analysts, event coordinators, web developers, and social media managers,” Beach said. “There are a lot of opportunities for student-athletes willing to put in the work and get the experience.”
For more information about esports at Centralia College, contact Beach at 360-623-8660 or via email.