E-sports team blasts to a finish in Rocket League
By Tyler Kerstetter ‘25, sports editor; Autumn Kehler ‘25, staff writer and layout and design
Shamokin Area’s Esports Team competed in the second annual Esports League District Championship March 7 in Milton. Although this was the second tournament, this was the first time the Shamokin Area team had traveled to the competition.
In this tournament, schools such as Bloomsburg, Danville, Montgomery, Selinsgrove, Southern Columbia, and Warrior Run competed with the Indians for a ticket to states.
The Indians, who are coached by history teacher Ty Crossley, placed highly in the tournament, but the performance sadly did not push them into the final rounds at the state championships.
The competitors at this tournament were the A team, and consisted of just three players. Each player has their own unique screen name, or gamertag. The A team includes senior, Korbin Kramer, who goes by “KramersGamers”; junior, Jacob Erdman, “Big Baconator”; and junior, Manual Tapia, “Khoshiumi”.
The B team includes freshman, Logan Munson, “ChocolateMuk”; junior Aron Jones, “BonesJones”; and sophomore, Joseph Aliberto, “KNG_Zombie9755”.
The students battled each match out in the video game Rocket League, made by Psyonix.
Rocket League is available to play on many platforms. In this high-speed combination of soccer and car racing, competitors are tasked with scoring as many goals as possible against the opposing team. Each game lasts about five minutes, with an overtime being allowed if the match is tied.
In this specific tournament, teams played five games. The two teams that placed the best in these games move on to the state championships.
Esports is a great way to get kids involved in unified sports that wouldn’t have had the chance normally, or just not enjoy the usual physical aspects of a game like football or basketball. Students connect with each other to strategize and win the game. Although esports are highly competitive, the environment is usually very friendly. This creates an environment that is beneficial for all participants. Esports is quickly becoming very popular amongst local school districts. There are now endless possibilities for all students to compete in different ways.