The esports team, Cybercats, began as a shared interest in gaming, and now has evolved into a competitive and award winning extra-curricular program. 

The Cybercats allows students from all grades to join in and have fun playing games they love with no prior experience needed. The Cybercats have taken home many wins throughout the years.

Over the years, the esports team has not only grown in technology but also has been growing among the students, becoming one of the most popular clubs. The club has an upgraded gaming lab and the school’s IT department has done routine upgrades to the lab. 

“From when I first joined, the Esports Club has grown tremendously over the past three years. The lab itself has been transformed into a more suitable and inviting gaming environment, with the addition of RGB lighting, game collectables, higher model gaming PCs, and mounted TVs along the back wall for the Nintendo Switches,” said Cybercats coach Anthony Capiral.

Not only is the club popular among students in our school, as it has reached other schools. Many other districts and universities have been interested in the Cybercats. 

“The club is gaining popularity outside of CHS; a few other school districts, such as Harborfields SD, and colleges have reached out to Commack regarding possible visits to our school to learn more about our Esports Club and give students information about their Esports Programs: Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and currently Five Towns College,” said Capiral.

The esports team gives students a place to relate and have fun with people who like to play games and are interested in similar topics.

“I was amazed when I found out that there was an esports team at CHS. I didn’t have a lot of people to connect with the topic of gaming so I joined and a couple years later, I became the secretary,” said junior Jackson K., secretary of Cybercats.

The team coaches also see a difference in students when they are in a school setting and when they are in the lab interacting with kids. They also believe that the members know how to compete respectfully and the club creates a safe space for all members. 

“There are so many students who in typical academic settings may be very quiet, but in the lab, they are much more outgoing[…]the leadership that you get to witness from the captains of each team, the respect that our teams show not only each other, but opposing teams, as well as the persistence to make every match truly showcases what some of these kids can really be capable of,” said Cybercats coach Edward Richard.

They play through PlayVS and have a wide variety of games like “Fortnite”, “Valorant”, “Super Smash Bros”, “Mario Kart 8”, “Rocket League”, “Madden”, “Marvel’s Rivals”, and more. 

“Students have the option of playing in any of the games that are offered competitively in the ‘PlayVS League’, as long as there are no scheduling conflicts. They can also play from home, while coordinating with those students playing in the gaming lab,” said Capiral.

The students get to experience gaming through many different types of consoles and also don’t have to wait for a turn since there are many available. If there are any technical difficulties not only do they have an IT team on hand, but also spare equipment for emergencies.  

“We have 4 rows of PCs, a whole back area for Nintendo Switches, a section for Xbox and Playstation players, and an area of spare equipment in the lab, so if something bugs out, breaks, or has a bad connection, we can lend you a spare controller, mouse, keyboard, for the day, unlike at home where you most likely don’t have a replacement. The environment also gives a ‘jumpy/hype’ theme when you walk in. Seriously, like jumping ahead a century,” said Jackson.

The teamwork among the students has shown to be successful in their competitive games, as they have won many championships across many leagues. They have also previously participated in other leagues like Vanta and HSEL, the High School Esports League. 

Cybercats has won many championships including the Rocket league State Champs for “Fortnite” from 2022 through 2024, Vanta 2024 and in 2024 for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” They have received a banner and trophies from the leagues, according to Capiral.

Among the many victories the team has collected there is always a memorable moment that sticks with the coaches and players. The close win that they experienced in the fall of 2024 was unforgettable because of all the hard work they have put in to win.

“To me, the Fall 2024 ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ semi-finals were the most memorable match. Our team was able to beat a really good opponent, with a score just a few points ahead. It was incredibly close,” said Richard.

As for the student it might be more personal, a moment where they felt special and excited. 

“Obviously, it’s whenever me or my team [win] matches and tournaments, but my favorite moments are whenever someone clutches or saves a match by either winning a 5v1 or something in that category. The best one goes to my freshman year, 2023, when I saved a round, a 4v1 of ‘Valorant’, winning us the match,” said Jackson.

In the future, both coaches desire to expand the esports team both competitively and also within the community. 

“I believe we have reached a point where we can showcase our championship wins, and acknowledge our talented students on the Commack website and other social sites. Colleges, and some of the other schools Commack competes against have their own Youtube and Twitch Channels. It would be great to someday have that established for the club,” said Capiral.

They want to build a stronger presence and showcase the talents of the members of the teams through social media. Both coaches want to put forth their best effort and support the players on their team.

“Your fellow teammates and I are welcome to give you tips and/or loadouts on what’s the best way to defuse a spike in ‘Valorant’ or triple edit in ‘Fortnite’. If you enjoy playing videogames, why not earn CSIP and join Esports,” said Jackson.

As of this year any student can join the Esports team at any time. The Cybercats meet in the gaming lab every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and play certain games on certain days.