Canton, NY – As the fall 2024 SUNY Canton Esports season starts there have been multiple teams competing in both ECAC and SUNY league action. The SUNY Canton esports teams have combined for nearly 60 wins in the first month of the fall semester. So far three teams remain unbeaten in ECAC play including League of Legends B team (5-0), Overwatch II B team (5-0) and Rocket League (4-0). 

Since its release in 2009 this game has transformed from a regular team-based strategy game into a globally popular esports game. With its strategic depth, dynamic gameplay, and a dedicated community, the game I'm talking about is League of Legends and it hasn't only captivated millions of players, but it has also managed to create a thriving competitive scene.
 
The SUNY Canton League of Legends B team has won their first five matches of the season in ECAC league action, (four at the time of below interview) and we know it's never easy to keep a winning streak for that long. That's why we decided to interview the team captain, Tyler Furgason, and the rest of the team to find out how they've been able to accomplish this achievement.
 
Captain Interview – Tyler Furgason
Q: Tell us a little about your season so far and what you think are some of the keys that have led to a successful start to the season for the League of Legends B team? 
There's definitely a lot of communication and mental from the team. We have a good team chemistry going on right now where we all know what we have to do.

Q: Do you review your matches after every game to go over how to improve or what needs changing? 
Yes, some of them with the closer ones because sometimes we have games where there isn't much to improve on because we can't really find much of that, but sometimes the closer ones we can review them and find small mistakes and improve off of them.

Q: How do you make sure the team uses effective communication during a match? 
We have a hierarchy of who talks and who calls to listen to in order to make sure it's all effective and everyone knows what they're doing.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season, both for yourself and the team? 
Well, we're hoping to win and mostly to improve both individual and as a team and increase the team chemistry more.
 


Player Interviews
Q: Tell us a little about your season so far and what you think are some of the keys that have led to a successful start to the season for the League of Legends B team? 
Tyshawn Haynes: We do a lot of deep dive research, so we know what we're going to play against a day or two before.
Tyler Furgason: Teamwork, communication, and scouting the other teams.
Shawn Latour: Prep work is half the game.

Q: What made you play League of Legends, and why did you join the esports team here at SUNY Canton? 
Nicholas Embry: I joined the team because I just wanted something extra to do at the school and get more involved. My buddies wanted me to play this new game they found, and I was like sure why not.
Tyshawn Haynes: I was forced to play League of Legends and then I kind of just enjoyed the game from there.
Tyler Furgason: I like playing it competitively and I find it fun.
Shawn Latour: A few years back I got into League of Legends and I ended up playing for my high school esports team. That made me realize, I like playing at a competitive level, so that's why I play here.

Q: How would you handle pressure during a highly intense match? 
Tyshawn Haynes: Through a lot of our matches, we're very vocal, so when our shot caller is talking, we trust him.
Tyler Furgason: A lot of it is just keeping it a good mental and keeping calm, so we don't make mistakes.

Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to join the team? 
Tyshawn Haynes: Mental is key especially with League of Legends because you have to have the ability when losing to fight through it, stay strong, and look for ways back into the game.
Tyler Furgason: Work on teamwork and communication.

Q: What is your favorite champion to play, and why do you feel a connection to them? 
Nicholas Embry: I play Mordekaiser because I like how his mechanics work and it's better for my playstyle than any of the other champs.
Tyshawn Haynes: I love Syndra because of the feeling of being a dominant force in the game is really enticing. Playing someone who can be really important and strong mid to late game is my type of character.
Tyler Furgason: I play Briar because I like her design, kit, and playstyle.
Shawn Latour: I perform best on Nautilus or Leona because I just find the engaged playstyle to be very rewarding.

Q: How do you maintain focus during a long match? 
Nicholas Embry: Slow it down if you need to, take your time, and make the right decisions.
Tyshawn Haynes: Keeping your eyes on the prize.
Tyler Furgason: We know what to do next and keep saying what we're going to do next.
Shawn Latour: Take a deep breath, play it bit by bit, change it as it goes along.
 


Fall 2024 Schedule Update
This semester the Roos have teams competing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Street Fighter 6, Rocket League, Overwatch II, Valorant and Guilty Gear Strive in SUNY league action. Meanwhile, SUNY Canton has teams competing in Valorant, League of Legends, Overwatch II, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege in ECAC play.
 
As the season continues to play out, we hope to see the League of Legends B team continue to win and reach playoffs this year. The League of Legends B team isn't the only team off to a strong start this season. Other top-performing teams in ECAC are the Overwatch II B team (5-0) and Rocket League (4-0), who are both also unbeaten.  Leading the way in SUNY league for the Roos is Overwatch II A (3-1).
   

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 23 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.