Elizabethtown Area High School’s Esports Team made history by capturing its first-ever Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association (PIEA) State Championship in Overwatch! The championship match, held at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, PA, pitted Etown against a skilled Westmont Hilltop squad in a high-stakes showdown that tested the team’s focus and resilience.
After a slow start—dropping the first map—Etown regrouped with determination, battled to a tie on the second map, and then surged ahead, winning the next three maps in a row. The impressive 3-1 victory sealed their place as state champions and marked a major milestone for the program.
The PIEA is a highly competitive league that showcases top high school talent from across Pennsylvania. Etown’s win is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
This unforgettable performance capped off a remarkable season. Earlier this spring, the team also captured its first-ever Spring Conference Championship, which qualified them for the state championship tournament. These back-to-back milestones reflect the team's growth, resilience, and dedication throughout the season.
State Champion Roster:
- Cameron Cantey
- Madalyn Guerrisi
- Jackson Langlois
- Anthony Lazzari
- Jaymian Ortiz
- Liam Shriner
- Austin Henderson, Coach
"Winning the state championship was an incredible moment for our team," said Coach Austin Henderson. "These students have put in countless hours of preparation and grown so much—not just as competitors, but as teammates and leaders. I couldn't be prouder of what they've accomplished."
These students have put in countless hours of preparation and grown so much—not just as competitors, but as teammates and leaders.
— Coach Austin Henderson
Participation in Esports fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and time management while boosting self-esteem and creating a sense of belonging. In addition, high school Esports programs provide students with pathways to college scholarships, career opportunities in gaming and STEM fields, and the chance to represent their school at the local, state, and national levels.
Please join us in congratulating the team and Coach Henderson on this historic achievement. Go Bears!