On December 2, the Seton Hill University Esports Team defeated Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) East Conference Championship for Marvel Rivals. After six rounds of play, the score was even between the two teams. In the last few moments of round seven, the Griffins found victory.

In response to IUK's initial lead of the tournament, the Griffins won three consecutive rounds. Their streak was broken by the Cougars who evened the score before the final bout. Max Kazmierczak, a tank and captain for the Seton Hill Marvel Rivals team describes the final moments; “They [IUK] won the first point of the last game and then we won the second. So in the final round after many team fights that went back-and-forth… We just barely won a team fight that secured us the win. We could’ve very easily lost if we were not playing in perfect sync. It was incredible.” Kazmierczak is a sophomore on the Biology Pre-Med track of the LECOM program at Seton Hill.

This win made history for the team, being the first time Seton Hill Esports has ever won an NECC East Conference Championship in Marvel Rivals. It has won two previous championships in Rocket League. The team was established on The Hill in 2022, and has grown exponentially since. The team now has 42 players and competes in Overwatch, League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Smash Ultimate, Rocket League, Fortnite, Madden and FC2X. Next semester they plan to add Valorant and Counter Strike to their repertoire. This year’s Marvel Rivals team consists of captains Jess Simonovitch and Max Kazmierczak, and players Peyton Cercone, Ari Case, Ariel Winfield, Carter Schaffer, and Cass McVicker.

“...being a part of the Rivals team feels like being part of a family, supporting each other and pushing each other to grow past our limits, learning and improving as a team. Everyone on the team is super kind and supportive, and we all try our best to make our teammates feel important, no matter their role."

“Whenever teams within the Esports Program see other teams being successful to this degree, it can be very motivating for them as a group to go out and push for that same sort of accomplishment,” says Coach Christopher Sanders. Since joining the university in 2023, he has watched the team grow and thrive. He expressed excitement for the future of the program at Seton Hill. He said, “As a Coach I am excited to be able to continue to foster a winning culture and an environment where students are able to spread their wings with success.”

The growth of the Seton Hill Esports team coincides with the sport’s acceptance and popularity in collegiate athletics. The NECC now has partnerships with over 400 colleges and universities in North America. Not only does Esports provide a competitive outlet and education access for many students, but it also builds community.

“...being a part of the Rivals team feels like being part of a family, supporting each other and pushing each other to grow past our limits, learning and improving as a team,” said Jess Simonovitch, a captain and DPS for the Marvel Rivals team. “Everyone on the team is super kind and supportive, and we all try our best to make our teammates feel important, no matter their role.” Simonovitch is a sophomore communication major.

The feeling is mutual amongst the players. Junior communication major, and DPS for the Marvel Rivals team, Cassie McVicker shared, “Being on an Esports team has greatly enhanced my student experience, it's a tight-knit community where nobody feels like they don't belong. It gives me something fun to look forward to after classes are over.”

Like many involved in Esports, she hopes to see the sport grow at Seton Hill and throughout all colleges. “I hope it becomes more mainstream, I want it to be held in the same regard as every other sport. It may not test people's physical strength, but it still has a lot that goes into it, stuff like reaction time, coordination, teamwork, and so much more go into every game.”

Watch the winning moments below.