AUTHOR: CHRIS "BEARLIGHT" LEE / @BEARLIGHTCASTS
The second annual CVCC Campus Series LAN kicked off this past weekend, seeing colleges from all over the region attend to scout for up-and-coming high school esports student athletes. The high schoolers arriving at Stay Plugged In's most recent live recruiting event are in pursuit of a roster spot, and potentially even an esports scholarship to play in the rapidly expanding collegiate esports space.
The two-day event featured a fully equipped college fair dedicated to esports coaches and directors, as well as competitive play in Rocket League, VALORANT, and Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate for a $900 total prize pool.
During the event, hundreds of conversations were sparked between students and attending colleges to inform, connect, and for students, potentially commit to a new home for higher education. It is well known that attending college fairs and visiting campuses is an essential part of the college discovery process for high school students. What goes relatively unnoticed at times is the grind from community college students on the path to a four-year degree.
As part of the occasion this weekend, we saw Catawba Valley's own Bailey "VANDERI" Patterson take that next step, signing to Cumberland University Esports to play VALORANT this upcoming semester. In the photo on the official announcement tweet, you see the celebration of all parties involved, as Bailey (center) sits side-by-side with both current coach Cody Dalton of CVCC ESPORTS (left) and future coach Spencer Claypool of CUMBERLAND ESPORTS (right). Bailey placed with his CVCC team over the weekend.
Check out the results of competition, as well as some of players that stood out in each title over the course of the weekend below!
VALORANT
CHAMPIONS: CODY, BARRY & FRIENDS
ROSTER: BARRYTINE, HIPPO, BEEFY, TENTOM, CYANTRIX
ROCKET LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS: SONS OF AZAPATOS
ROSTER: ADRIFT, COLE524, KYEHRO
SUPER SMASH BROS.™ ULTIMATE
CHAMPION: DEATHSPADE