By: Mark Reinhiller
With a new season approaching, the second year of Esports at College of DuPage was a resounding success.
The Chaps compete in three divisions in The National Junior College Athletics Association Esports (NJCAAE)—Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3—with teams competing weekly, beginning in September. The six teams are Overwatch, Valorant, League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Valorant JV. COD teams play at Lisle's Scrims Center, the hub of DuPage County Esports.
According to head coach Alex Grossman, the six teams that include 45 Chaparral students enjoyed fall and spring semester seasons, capped by competing in championships last December and April.
“Being involved in a community at COD is absolutely critical,” Grossman said. “Students who get involved stick it out. Esports has the potential to reach so many students and give them something to positive to belong to. Being a part of something ties them to the community. They make long-lasting friendships and they tend to do better in their studies.”
Last December, Team Overwatch won the Tier 3 national title. In April, the six-member League of Legends team reached the NJCAA Tier 3 finals and the Valorant five-person team won its Tier 3 championship.
Grossman holds an open invitation for others to join.
“We have competitive teams, but we need other students who can bring their talents to support what we're doing,” he said. “Involvement includes livestreaming our events, broadcasting, photography and videography. It helps build their work experience and supports what we're doing.”
The NJCAAE is the nonprofit Esports association serving only two-year, technical and community colleges in collegiate Esports, meeting their specialized needs. More than 185 institutions across North America participate in activities and competitions each year.
For more about Esports at COD, information, contact coach Grossman at grossmana41@cod.edu.