Huntingdon Athletics has announced the addition of esports and named Justin Ellis Director of Esports. The esports program will be located in a highly visible and functional setting for both practices and competitions to thrive in and plans to begin competition in the Fall of 2023.
Ellis founded the esports club at Quinnipiac University and later served as esports club Advisor, Coach, and Player, where he reviewed game film to help advise players, hosted fundraising events, including a 24-hour live stream, and organized tournaments for competitive growth.
Ellis was named the 2021 Quinnipiac Club Sports Leader of the Year and was a part of the 2021-2022 and 2020-2021 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Champions team for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He has over 9 years of competitive experience as well as over 5 years of coaching experience.
"I am ecstatic to be a part of bringing esports to Huntingdon College," Ellis said. "I believe that the program will provide unique opportunities to a large number of current and prospective students to get involved in a rapidly growing field, so I am excited to get started and work with students, staff, and faculty to see what esports can do for the community. I am extremely thankful for how welcoming and supportive President West, Senior Vice President Dorman, Athletic Director Levanda, and everyone else has been thus far. Everyone is really thrilled about this opportunity, and I know we are in a good spot to create something special."
Ellis graduated from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, with a Bachelor of Arts with an English major and Sports Studies, Journalism, minor. He obtained his Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Quinnipiac University in May of 2022.
"We are pleased to add esports as our newest team within the athletic department at Huntingdon," Athletic Director Eric Levanda said. "We plan to sponsor a varsity team that competes on a national level, as well as provide club opportunities for students who want to experience competitive esports firsthand. Esports is one of those rare programs that can bring students from every walk of life and every corner of campus, together in one setting to further integrate at Huntingdon. I think the addition of esports will benefit the campus as a whole, and knowing Justin Ellis will be the person to help build and lead our program is more than exciting. He has a passion for the sport, a competitive streak, and overall knowledge of the esports landscape. We are excited to welcome Justin, our esports program, and future esports players to Huntingdon College."
"Justin Ellis brings exactly the background we were seeking in a coach and director for the College's new esports team," President West said. "He has a deep understanding of the sport; a successful coaching record; an energetic spirit; and the wisdom gained from an education in the liberal arts. We look forward to what this new sport will bring to the College and to supporting Coach Ellis as he builds the program."
Stay tuned for more information about the esports program at Huntingdon College.
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