THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DACC eSports is doing a fundraiser show Wed, 4/24, at Vermilion River Beer Company at 5pm to fund their trip to a pro tournament in Las Vegas and their quest for back to back NJCAAE National Championships. They’ll be taking donations and doing a raffle.
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College proudly announces the outstanding achievements of its eSports team in national collegiate competitions. With athletes demonstrating skill and strategic acumen, DACC is an up and coming powerhouse in the community college eSports landscape.
Leading the DACC team, DC Canady, a Culinary Major and the eSports team captain, has advanced to the final four of the Mario Kart Premier Division. Canady is competing for his second national championship. He was awarded his 2023 national championship ring during halftime of the DACC Men’s Basketball game on February 14. DC became DACC’s first-ever national champion in eSports, and is looking to repeat in 2024.
Jake Depratt, a General Studies major, currently ranks 10th in the Mario Kart College Series (CS) division. His consistent performance has significantly contributed to the team’s success this season.
Sebastian Burton, holding the 13th rank in the Mario Kart CS Division, is not only a Presidential Scholar but also a talented guitar player in the college’s pep band.
Justin Wilken, an Applied Computer Science major, excels as the captain of the Smash Bros Crew, securing the 2nd rank nationally in the Smash Brothers Crew Open Series (OS) Division. Wilken’s leadership and skill have been pivotal in propelling his team towards national recognition.
The DACC eSports team competes in Mario Kart and Smash Brothers Crew. Mario Kart challenges players with its fast-paced races featuring iconic Nintendo characters, while Smash Brothers Crew tests team strategy and combat skills in intense multiplayer battles.
Guido Esteves, the eSports Coordinator and a recent DACC graduate, shared his enthusiasm: “This is not only very exciting but it shows the beauty of esports. Even a small community college like DACC can have a nationally ranked esports program. After the NJCAA playoffs, several members of the team are going to a pro tournament in Las Vegas.”
DACC’s successes in national competitions underscore the growth and potential of its eSports program. The college is dedicated to offering students varied opportunities to hone their skills in competitive settings, equipping them for achievements both within and beyond the gaming arena.
As these talented athletes gear up for the finals, DACC encourages community support and celebration of their achievements, embodying the excellence and potential of collegiate eSports.
In an expression of goodwill and outreach, the DACC eSports team also has been hosting the IHSA Sectional competition for several years. This year, they will be hosting 140 competitors from 22 regional high schools, including Armstrong, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, Danville, Hoopeston, Milford, Salt Fork, and Westville, at the Sectional tournament on Saturday, April 20. Winners from Saturday’s competition will advance to the State Championships in Mariokart 4 V 4, Smash Brothers, Smash Brothers Crew Battle, Rocket League, and FC24 (Soccer).
Esteves says, “IHSA eSports has grown so big that they had to hold preliminary rounds online this year. Hosting the high school students gives us an opportunity to demonstrate what we have to offer if the students would like to advance to collegiate competition after graduation.”
For more information about DACC’s eSports program and upcoming events, please contact DACC eSports coordinator Guido Esteves at g.esteves@dacc.edu.
Danville Area Community College strives to provide quality education and enriching experiences, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. DACC fosters a supportive community where students excel academically and engage in a variety of enriching extracurricular activities.
