HICKORY, N.C. — Catawba Valley Community College Esports program leader Cody Dalton was named the Scholastic Esports Awards national Two-Year Director of the Year this past weekend at a ceremony held at The Ohio State University.

Dalton, who helped start the program when it launched in 2019, has helped guide it to six championships, including back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAAE) national championships in Call of Duty last school year.

Dalton highlighted the program's accomplishments during his acceptance speech and gave credit to the 91 student he's had the opportunity to coach, including 53 of them who have been All-Academic with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

"They've put in a lot of work," he said. "I know this (award) says Director of the Year, but this is about them. They did that. I did my best to put them on the right path and help them. This is as much about them than it is me. I am just proud to carry the two-year banner."

Dr. Melita N. Moore, Vice President at Global Esports Federation, presented the Director of the Year awards, and she reflected on her own new perspective of what exactly an esports directors' job involves.

"I have a better understanding of the sacrifices that these directors have to make, of the diligence that you have to do, the sleepless nights, the resilience you have to have, but also the hope and joy that comes from that," she said.

The Red Hawk Esports program was nominated for two Scholastic Esports Awards, including Two-Year Program of the Year. Two current students and one alumni also represented the program during the event — Bradley Jamison, Omar Rueda-Vazquez and Evan Petty.

Dalton and the Red Hawk Esports program would like to thank all of those involved in helping support the program, including CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw and administration, Jennifer Jones and her CVCC Foundation staff, Luke Walling with Corporate Armor, Adrian and James Abernathy with Mr. Game & Lounge and Spenser Clark with Red Fox Gaming.