Local Business Becomes Sponsor of SIC Esports Team
Kade’s Street streetwear in Eldorado has become an official sponsor of the Southeastern Illinois College varsity esports team and has donated six reclining gaming chairs to the team to be used in the spectator area of the on-campus arena. Josh Smith, owner of Kade’s Street and a 2023 graduate of SIC, was an obvious choice to ask to sponsor the team according to head coach Jason Fitzgerald. Coach Fitzgerald said “Josh was a member of the inaugural team and was an invaluable team member during his two years at SIC. After he graduated, he continued to help the team by providing color commentary for the match streams and promoting the team on his own social platforms. He even donated some footwear and T-shirts to each member of the team a couple of years ago. He has always been one of the team’s biggest fans, and I am thankful to have him as a team sponsor.” In a show of appreciation for his donation, the spectator area of the arena has been named the “Kade’s Street Lounge.” When asked why he decided to become a team sponsor, Smith replied “I wanted to give back to the organization that supported me and gave me the confidence that helped me to become the success that I am today.”
The SIC varsity esports team, known as the Falcons Faction of Gamers, was first formed in 2021 and is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). The team currently competes each semester in Call of Duty, but can compete in a variety of titles, including Super Smash Brothers, hosted by NACE and ECAC with enough student interest. SIC offers a limited number of scholarships to qualified esports team members. Interested individuals can receive more information by emailing esports@sic.edu or by visiting the team webpage at www.sic.edu/esports. Anyone in the market for some hard to find stylish streetwear can hit up Kade’s Street at 1120 State Street in Eldorado.
Photo Caption: SIC esports coaches and Kade’s Street owners enjoy the seats provided to the team by Kade’s Street streetwear. (L-R) Jason Fitzgerald- SIC esports head coach, Josh Smith- owner of Kade’s Street, Summer Sanders- owner of Kade’s Street, Brandon Holloman- SIC esports assistant coach.