WHITE PLAINS — Archbishop Stepinac High School’s Esports team celebrated its impressive third-place finish in its first Electronics Gaming Federal Overwatch National Championship, held recently in Orlando.

Established three years ago, the electronic game players of the all-boys Catholic high school were Riley Colon, Dylan Fox, and Anthony LeBlanc of Yonkers; and Chris Nugent of Hartsdale and Michael Robles of the Bronx.

The Crusaders earned the opportunity to represent Stepinac at the national competition by winning the inaugural CHSAA League Championship Title. A sixth member of the Stepinac team, Tyler Dobeck of Yonkers, contributed to the CHSAA victory.

Stepinac’s Esports Club provides students with the opportunity to casually play and compete in their favorite games. They also learn crucial skills such as: prioritizing tasks, leading a team, collaborating with others, planning strategically, and communicating effectively with others.

The rapid rise of Esports in high schools throughout the U.S. has generated opportunities for college scholarships, certification, and degrees in Esports team management. Several Crusaders team members have already won college scholarships as a result of their notable competitive achievements this year.