Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University is welcoming five nationally acclaimed students to its Eastern Esports roster as part of its first semester of recruitment for 2024. Among them is Jacob Bennett from Detroit Catholic Central High School, who ended his high school career with a national team championship in Rocket League.

Eastern Esports allows students to compete in video game titles at a competitive level, featuring six teams in Overwatch 2, Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, Call of Duty, and Super Smash Bros.

Bennett triumphed over 3,000 schools from 30 states to claim his championship, marking Detroit Catholic Central’s first national title. His win attracted the attention of YouTuber SunlessKahn, whose video on Bennett's story garnered 300,000 views. Bennett aims to bring his passion for gaming and leadership to Eastern’s Esports program.

“Leadership is not just about being the best; it's about helping your teammates to be the best they can be,” said Bennett. “My first goal here is to make an impact. My long-term goal is to win it all.”

Zachary Lewis, coordinator of Eastern’s Esports, oversaw much of the recruitment process and hopes that Bennett’s incoming class will legitimize Eastern Esports as a viable competitor for nationals.

“The 2024-25 year will be the first true year of EMU Esports' competitive legacy,” said Lewis. “Our first-ever class of recruits is a true step forward for our program in multiple game titles. With raw talent alone, they will immediately elevate our regional and national esports rankings as a university.”

Other nationally acclaimed recruits joining the program include Stephen Meagher (top .5% player ranked nationally in League of Legends), Kyle Grieg (top 1% player ranked nationally in Rocket League), Alexander Sandberg (top .5% player ranked nationally in Valorant), and Luke Miller (top 1.5% player ranked nationally in Overwatch 2).

Looking ahead, Lewis feels honored to work with his upcoming students. “It's impossible to describe how much potential our program has with them involved. This is an exciting new measure of EMU excellence.”

For more information on Eastern Esports, visit their website.

About Eastern Michigan University:

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It serves more than 13,000 students pursuing various degrees across its Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more.

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