(VIDEO) Wizards Esports team continues to shine following ESSEF State Championship victory

The Washingtonville High School Wizards Esports Team closed out another successful season at the Empire State Scholastics Esports Federation (ESSEF) State Championships in December at Syracuse University, where the team qualified across multiple titles, competing with the top 15 schools out of more than 100 statewide. 

By the end of the day, the results included securing the state champion title in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Solos for the second season in a row, strong postseason runs in Smash Trios and Mario Kart, and impressive showings from several first year competitors. 

Yet, as Esports Coach Kevin Calderin and players point out, the scoreboard only tells part of the story. The results are built through steady, intentional preparation that strengthens focus, decision-making and communication under pressure. 

And on competition day, that preparation was tested almost immediately. 

“We were running late, so when we got there, we immediately had to start playing,” senior Edwin Charriez explained. “Everyone else had time to get oriented, but we had to roll in and figure it out. We didn’t really get a chance to warm up.”

As the day unfolded, teams adapted to shifting matchups and unexpected changes. The Marvel Rivals team, which enjoyed a successful inaugural season and advanced to the playoffs, seized a surprise opportunity when a semifinalist team dropped out. They faced off against West Genesee for fifth place bragging rights – and came out on top!

Despite being in what the team described as a “rebuilding year” following the graduation of many key senior team members last year, the Mario Kart team also delivered a strong performance, eventually falling to the state champions with a third place finish. 

For Freshman Mario Kart competitor Ethan Henry, simply being there was more than enough. 

“The esports room is unbelievable,” Ethan said. “It’s a bunch of cool lighting, a bunch of cool equipment; there’s a large welcome desk then two areas full of computers and racing equipment.” 

Ethan and his fellow team members were happy to report that the food court, where they spent most of their time between matches, did not disappoint, either. 

And while the day provided many firsts for new players, it also delivered a familiar – yet no less emotional – moment for returning champion Edwin “Tabpol” Charriez. 

After a long day of competition, hearing his name announced as the State Champion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Solos – for the second season in a row – left Edwin both proud and overwhelmed. 

“It’s always that feeling – like, you did it,” he said. “It’s such a big moment. It means a lot, and I can’t help but feel a little nervous.”

Despite Edwin’s formidable reputation, this victory was anything but guaranteed. He found himself down 2–1 in the match. One more loss would have ended his title hopes. 

Instead, he rallied, winning the final two games to secure the championship title! 

Edwin finished the season undefeated in Solos, with a 99% win rate across all matches. According to Coach Calderin, achievements like this reflect years of dedicated effort, logging thousands of hours inside the game, which doesn’t include time spent during practice.

The Wizards practice after school three days a week, and during that time, players don’t just play: they analyze footage, take notes and strategize.

“One day might be a skill-building day,” Edwin explained. “You focus on something new, something you haven’t learned yet, and practice that skill until it becomes natural.”

An example of one such skill is mastering “combos,” or precise sequences of movements designed to maximize damage. Executing them requires players to react within fractions of a second.

“They’re making decisions where multiple choices have to be made almost instantly,” Coach Calderin said. “Spacing, timing and knowing what move counters another; all of that determines whether you keep control or lose it.”

In team-based games like Mario Kart, communication becomes just as critical as technical skill. With many new players joining the roster this season, the Wizards focused heavily on developing effective communication strategies, including calling out items and coordinating tactics in real time.

“When you play Mario Kart by yourself, sometimes it feels like luck,” Coach Calderin explained. “But the way we play it, teamwork reduces that randomness and allows the best teams to win consistently.”

Players study dozens of tracks, memorizing layouts, shortcuts and optimal racing lines. They even compete in internal time trials to sharpen their collective knowledge. Beyond strategy and technical skill, however, the mental side of esports plays an equally important role.

“A lot of esports isn’t visible the way other sports are,” Edwin said. “But it’s very mental. Between games, you’re left alone with your thoughts. Keeping a clear head is one of the most valuable skills — not just as a player, but as a person.”

Coach Calderin echoed that sentiment, explaining that the team emphasizes metacognition, the act of thinking about one’s thinking, to avoid playing on autopilot.

“In fighting games, there’s a term called ‘mashing,’ where someone just presses buttons without thinking,” he said. “We work to be intentional, aware and in control mentally and emotionally.”

That mindset extends beyond the screen. Nutrition, physical health and emotional regulation are all part of the program’s approach to mastery, not just of the game, but of themselves. One example is the team’s pre-competition huddle, when players pause together in silence to clear their minds and get centered before a match.

The Wizards’ all encompassing approach doesn’t just level up game play, it inspires growth in all areas of life. Since joining the team earlier this year, Ethan has noticed himself stepping up in unexpected ways: encouraging teammates, keeping spirits high and helping everyone stay focused. 

“I’ve kind of taken on the role of an encourager,” he said. “I try to help people keep going and stay positive in the moment. I’m really happy about that. And I’ve noticed how we’ve bonded more, not just as teammates, but as friends.”

Ethan’s leadership was on full display during States. Throughout a long and stressful day of competing, he helped make sure spirits stayed high. Coach Calderin described it as one of his proudest moments from that day.

“As a coach, to see a freshman come in and work with seniors and juniors — and find a way to give a rousing speech to get them focused and motivated — is such a cool thing to see,” he said.

The program also emphasizes camaraderie as an essential part of success. Players lean on humor and friendship in high-pressure situations, easing nerves and reminding each other that they’re in it together.

“We’ll crack jokes even in serious situations, it helps lighten the mood,” Ethan said. 

For Edwin, that support has made all the difference. With a perfect record in Solos, he admits the expectation to win can come with a lot of pressure, but his teammates help him stay grounded. 

“First, I remind myself it’s just a game,” Edwin said. “I have a lot more going for me than winning first at everything. And even if I don’t place first, nobody’s really going to care. They might clown on me a little, but at the end of the day, these guys are still my friends … With this community, it makes it easier to not be so hard on yourself.”

With another successful season behind them, the Wizards Esports Team doesn’t plan on slowing down. They’re eager to keep building on the culture of steady growth and disciplined preparation that has carried them this far, especially as they look ahead to the spring competition season.

“We have this mantra we repeat every day: just get 1% better,” Edwin explained. “Whether it’s in the game, editing video or just life in general, whatever you’re doing, try to improve by that 1%.”

Check out the Esports 2025 Hype Reel below, put together by Coach Calderin with the help of students from the Video Games and Esports Production class!