Marywood University Esports Team Ranks Second in National Competition The Marywood University Esports Rocket League Team, coached by Austin Sienkiewicz, was among the top-ranked teams in the nation to compete in the Emergents Division of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) from June 15-17, advancing through the brackets to a best-of-seven finals match with the Cleveland State University Vikings. The Pacers kept the hard-fought series tied going into the final match, ultimately securing 2nd place nationally. Marywood finished in its regional division (Emergents Central Atlantic) as the #1 seed in Rocket League during the regular season this past semester and attained 2nd place in the regional division playoffs, before going on to compete in nationals. The Rocket League team won all 3 of its matches without losing a single game in the Nationals Group Stage, and this 3-0 score placed them in the Top 8 bracket. Once reaching the Top 8 bracket, Marywood took a close 3-2 win over St. Ambrose University, and swept New Mexico State University’s “Pete” Team in 4-0 fashion. The final match against Cleveland State University Vikings was tough, with the match coming down to the final moments of game 7. Despite coming short of first place, Marywood will receive a portion of the prize pool for taking 2nd across the nation in the NECC’s Emergents Division. Marywood launched its competitive esports program in Fall 2021. Under the direction of Harley Adler, Marywood’s esports program currently features Overwatch, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In Fall 2023, Valorant will be added, bringing the program’s offerings to a total of five teams. Marywood University is one of a select number of higher education institutions nationally to respond to the ever-increasing number of students seeking this option, as the esports industry continues to explode throughout the country. A viable option for students of all majors, the program is continually recruiting Marywood student players for all games.
Marywood University Esports Team to Compete in Nationals The Marywood University Esports Rocket League Team, coached by Austin Sienkiewicz, has qualified for the top 8 teams in their division at the national level. From June 15-17, the Pacers will begin competition at the bracket stage to determine the #1 team in the nation. Marywood’s Esports Team is competing in the National Esports Collegiate Conference as part of the Emergents Division National Playoffs Top 8 Teams, with a single elimination bracket. The divisional playoffs will include several phases of competition. The quarterfinals will occur on June 15, while semifinals will be conducted on June 16. The event culminates with the final round of competition on June 17. Marywood University launched its competitive esports program in Fall 2021. Marywood’s esports program, under the direction of Harley Adler, currently features Overwatch, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In Fall 2023, Valorant will be added, bringing the program’s offerings to a total of five teams. Marywood finished in its regional division (Emergents Central Atlantic) as the #1 seed in Rocket League during the regular season this past semester and attained 2nd place in the regional division playoffs. Marywood University is one of a select number of higher education institutions nationally to respond to the ever-increasing number of students seeking this option, as the esports industry continues to explode throughout the country. A viable option for students of all majors,the program is continually recruiting Marywood student players for all games.
Marywood University Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Esports Center Marywood University will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Esports Center on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 3 p.m., at the Esports Center, in the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus. This event is free and open to the media and invited guests. Light fare will be served. At the ribbon cutting, Marywood University dignitaries, including Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president; Lisa Lori, Esq., chair of the Board of Trustees; and Paul Capoccia, director of the Esports program, will present the new NEPA premier Esports Center to the public. Sister Catherine Luxner, IHM, vice president for mission services, will offer a blessing, in the Marywood tradition, of the Esports Center. Marywood University’s Esports Center features 30 gaming stations, a workspace for broadcast (webcams, microphones), lounge area for team meetings and coaching sessions, coaching tools including smart tvs and white-board set-up, futuristic high-tech lighting, and a WOW factor that will entice all users of the facility. The Esports program at Marywood blends function and practicality into an exciting premier gaming center. With function at its highest level, Marywood will also establish a welcoming culture in which students can interact and be supported. Visiting students and those competing will have a powerful experience. For additional information about the Esports Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, or for questions about the Esports program, please visit marywood.edu/esports, or contact Paul Capoccia, director the Esports program at Marywood University, at pcapoccia@marywood.edu.
Greater Scranton YMCA Launching E-Sports Program With a goal to promote teamwork, leadership, online safety, and individual growth steeped in YMCA Youth Development practices, the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce its participation in the national Y’s E-Sports program. The Y is made up of people from all backgrounds working side by side to strengthen communities. We are committed to advancing equity for all in everything we do so that everyone—regardless of who they are or where they come from—has an opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. The E-Sports program will be another pathway for the YMCA to empower youth and teens to reach their full potential by providing them with access to nurturing environments, enriching experiences and support systems that reduce barriers and strengthen cognitive, physical and social-emotional development. Registration is open for the program, which will be comprised of NBA 2K, Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League. Each league can serve up to 50 children in middle and high school. Registrants will make up the Greater Scranton YMCA team, which will compete against other YMCAs across the country. Interested participants will need to have the ability to play on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Switch. In its pilot session, there will no cost to participate in the program, which is open to existing YMCA members and non-members (in future sessions, registration fees will apply). “The YMCA is excited to launch this new program as we continue to evolve to find ways to keep kids engaged with one another virtually during COVID,” said Wayne Stump, Branch Executive Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Not only do E-Sports require teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship and leadership, but they also help kids develop friendships and provide an educational opportunity through developing STEM skills that can help with a future career path.” Similar to in-person youth sports leagues, E-Sports will be held in eight-week sessions, with practice and games held twice per week. The program will run from April 5th through May 28th. The middle school group will practice and compete on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and the high school group will practice and compete on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Yearly league championships will lead to regional championships, which will then lead to the national championship. For more information, contact Wayne at wstump@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3266. To register, visit https://scranton.recliquecore.com/programs/40031/
