Esports: National Championship Rings Presented

Esports: National Championship Rings Presented
February 12, 2025

Central Community College athletics held a team national championship ring ceremony for the first time in its history.

On Feb. 7, during halftime of the North Platte Community College-CCC men's basketball game, four members of the 2024-25 esports team and head coach Lucas Lumbra received rings for winning national titles in Call of Duty: 4x4 and Call of Duty: MWIII Gunfight 2x2. Call of Duty: 4x4 members were Ethan Bryant of Grand Island, Jackson Peabody of Columbus, Caleb Smith of Creighton and Ayden Veik of Humphrey. Peabody and Veik comprised the Call of Duty: MWIII Gunfight 2x2 team.

"The ring ceremony was a phenomenal event and it was great to see our amazing students highlighted in such a manner," said Lumbra. "These events serve as further encouragement for continued growth and success within our program and we look forward to many more."

The head of each ring prominently features the Raiders logo with the words "National Champions." Each team member's game ID is on one side of the ring while on the other, the game they won the title in is inscribed.

"I am very grateful for the support of the Raider Booster Club, whose generosity made it possible to provide these incredible rings to honor the milestone of our national champions," said Mary Young, CCC athletics director. "Seeing the look on our team members' faces as they received their championship rings was a truly unforgettable moment. This achievement is not just a milestone for our esports team, but for Central Community College as it highlights the hard work, talent and commitment of our student-athletes."

The national championship rings were presented by CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall and CCC-Columbus President Dr. Kathy Fuchser. Also joining in the festivities was CCC-Hastings President Dr. Chris Waddle.


Pictured left to right: CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall, CCC esports head coach Lucas Lumbra, Ayden Veik, Caleb Smith, Jackson Peabody, Ethan Bryant, CCC-Columbus President Dr. Kathy Fuchser and CCC athletics director Mary Young.