By John Halwood
CCC Journalism Program
CHERRY HILL – The Camden County College esports team has begun its second semester of competition.
The team competes in an arena on the college’s Cherry Hill campus. It plays Rocket League, League of Legends, Smash Bros., Overwatch 2, CS2, Rainbow Six Siege, Apex, Valorant, Hearthstone, Call of Duty: Warzone, Madden and NBA 2K.
The esports team formed in September 2021 and began playing competitively in the spring 2023 semester. One of the bigger teams, the Rainbow Six Siege team, started its season 2-1. Its only loss came against the Florida Gators on Oct. 12.
The team has five players: Brandon Wade, also known as Tank by his teammates, is the captain of the team, a second-year student at Camden County College and a history major. Ricky Cobian is a third-year student at Camden County College and a cybersecurity major. Ademir Peralta is a second-year student at Camden County College and a computer science major. Aidan Abrante is a second-year student at Camden County College and a literature/writing major. Austin McWilliams is a second-year student at Camden County College and a game design major. Connor Krieger is the Rainbow Six Siege coach and a Camden County College graduate.
As to what is different this season from last season, when the team went 5-2, Wade/Tank said, “We all learned to play off with each other and we all learned how our play styles are and so we can translate that into the game and coms and it’s a lot better this season.”
Members said this team feels like a second family to them and they bond over the things they like. They added it is like a brotherhood and they know they have each other’s back.
“I want us to get to the championship this semester. Winning it is optional but I do want to win,” Krieger stated.
Last season, the team lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Members said they are always looking for new players to join the team, whether they play some of the games the team already plays or want the team to add games. To sign up, click here. You must have a discord account to join. One of the coaches, Sean Dwyer, will then contact you on discord and send you a link to join the group chat.
To see where the team is in the standings and to check out other matchups, click here.