Last month, the Bethlehem Central High School Eagles Esports team competed in the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) State Championships, held Dec. 13 at Syracuse University’s state-of-the-art gaming and Esports Center.
The championship brought hundreds of New York’s top high school players to the university’s new esports arena, which features specially-designed seating, large-scale displays and livestreaming.
Two Eagles teams advanced to the tournament’s playoffs: Eagles Esports Marvel Rivals and Eagles Esports Rocket League. The Marvel Rivals team earned a second-place finish statewide, while the Rocket League team placed third in the state.
Eagles Esports Marvel Rivals – 2nd Place NYS
- Peyton Gray (Gr. 11)
- John Stapleton (Gr. 12)
- Will Jensen (Gr. 11)
- Max Yaeger (Gr. 11)
- Phoenix Andrews (Gr. 12)
- Luca Ruggiero (Gr. 11)
- Matthew Foster (Gr. 11)
- Niccolo Genovese (Gr. 11)
- Eric Zheng (Gr. 12)
Eagles Esports Rocket League – 3rd Place NYS
- Max Yaeger (Gr. 11)
- Eric Zheng (Gr. 12)
- Kai White (Gr. 9)
- John Stapleton (Gr. 12)
The teams’ impressive results reflect the BC program’s growth from a casual gaming club into one of New York’s highly competitive esports programs. Last June, team member Peyton Gray earned a bronze medal in individual Esports play.
Congratulations to these students and to team coaches Navaar Johnson and Justine Nigro on their outstanding performances!
