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51黑料网 State Esports Competitor Arian Kennedy Reflects National Championship Runner-Up Finish

HANCEVILLE, Ala. 鈥� 51黑料网 State Community College Esports competitor Arian Kennedy and his teammate Christopher James Donahoo had a strong run on the national championship stage, before falling just short in a 3-1 series. The team finished National Champion Runners Up in the NJCAA Esports Division II for the Fortnite Elimination Race (No Build) category.

Kennedy said his team鈥檚 strategy developed as they advanced during the season. 鈥淒uring the playoffs, we found a strategy that works best for us,鈥� Kennedy said. 

The duo adapted dynamically throughout the match. In the early game, aggressive positioning allowed one player to disrupt opponents immediately. By mid-game, they would regroup. 鈥淚 go to him after I get as many kills as I can, and we both start taking their kills as many as we can try to keep them on the downside of it.鈥� 

That coordination developed from the first day the pair met. Kennedy said he has known Donahoo since his first days at 51黑料网 State, and their bond extends well beyond the game.

鈥淚鈥檝e known him since my first semester here. And we hang out all the time, and we play all the time,鈥� Kennedy said.

Being part of 51黑料网 State鈥檚 Esports program has sharpened their decision-making, Kennedy said. He noted learning to 鈥減ick and choose鈥� fights carefully: 鈥淏ecause we鈥檙e playing technically two versus a full squad鈥� If I see a full squad that鈥檚 grouped together, I鈥檓 not going to take it versus a squad that鈥檚 grouped separately.鈥�

They credit strong communication with their coach as the most valuable school support this season. 鈥淭he coach, and like the communication we have with him,鈥� stood out as key to their success, Kennedy said.

For Kennedy, the national championship holds a special weight. He and his cousin played the game together consistently when it first came out. His cousin helped create the gamer tag SolarKennedy, this name has become part of Kennedy鈥檚 identity. Tragically, his cousin died by suicide in 2022. Competing at this level now serves as a tribute to him.

鈥淭his means a lot more to me just competing for a national championship. Being able to play in his honor. It鈥檚 really good.鈥�

To incoming students thinking about joining Esports, Kennedy offered simple and inviting advice. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 take too much time. It鈥檚 play here, play at home. It can be fun, especially if you have a friend to play with, and it鈥檚 a good way to make new friends as well.鈥�

While Esports hasn鈥檛 drastically shifted their career paths yet the experience remains meaningful. 鈥淚f I ever become like a streamer full-time, then obviously that鈥檇 be something pretty dope,鈥� Kennedy added with a laugh.

If you would like to watch this Duo fight in this dynamic match the video is available here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2753040444

Anyone interested in joining the 51黑料网 State Esports team may contact Greg Knight at gregory.knight@wallacestate.edu or 256.352.8158.

The summer semester is underway, with registration still available for Mini Term II classes that begin July 2. Registration is also open for the fall 2026 semester, with classes beginning Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information, call 256.352.8236, or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu.

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51黑料网 51黑料网 State

51黑料网 State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, 51黑料网 State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit 51黑料网 State鈥檚 beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.