Video games have been an essential part of senior Mark Hanlon’s high school experience.

This was Hanlon’s third year playing on Baldwin’s esports teams. Coach Nathan Elias said Hanlon has excelled in multiple games, including Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, and Valorant, throughout his years playing for Baldwin.

“He was one of our most talented players in terms of mechanical skill,” Elias said.

Elias said Hanlon’s biggest strengths in every game were his aim and mechanics.

Hanlon plays the hero damage role, also known as DPS, in Overwatch games. The DPS’s role is to eliminate players on the opposing team.

“Mark was always able to find great angles as our best DPS player and had the aim to back it up,” Elias said.

Hanlon had many good moments in competitions, Elias said.

“I have some vivid memories of him getting off great ultimates on his Star-Lord during our Marvel Rivals season,” Elias said.

Hanlon said he has been playing video games for a long time, since at least kindergarten.

“I can’t exactly say when my love for video games started; it’s kind of just always been there,” Hanlon said.

Hanlon recalls when he first started to play video games.

“I remember playing Ratchet and Clank on a ps2,” Hanlon said.

He joined the Baldwin esports team after meeting senior Zach Czapko.

“I got into Esports through Zach,” Hanlon said. “He was someone I met through one of my history classes in my sophomore year.”

Senior Xander Dirling said Hanlon stood out with his ability to strategize how to win.

“He somehow pulls through. He would say something, and it would sound like it wouldn’t work, but then whatever he did would work out perfectly,” Dirling said.

In one particular game, Hanlon managed to surprise both his own team and the opponent by sneaking onto an objective point and capturing it.

“Nobody knew it was happening,” Dirling said.

Dirling said Hanlon is good at creating advantages for the team and getting eliminations.

“It’s definitely something, I would say. It’s interesting to see him just run around and do his job,” Dirling said.

Hanlon enjoyed being a part of the Esports team.

“I think my biggest accomplishment was being able to be considered a core member of the team,” Hanlon said.

He also had a favorite memory from the competitions.

“Personally, my favorite would be when I pulled off a successful backcap against a particularly difficult team this season,” Hanlon said.

Outside of the esports teams, some of Hanlon’s favorite games to play are Overwatch, RimWorld, Minecraft, and Need for Speed Heat.

Hanlon’s plan after graduation will not include esports. He plans on becoming a hardware engineer and will be attending college at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown.

“But I will definitely still enjoy playing video games on the side,” Hanlon said.

He encouraged any student who enjoys video games to join a Baldwin esports team.

“People should join if they think they have any skill in the games we play,” Hanlon said.

Elias, meanwhile, said Hanlon has always been a great presence and was a pleasure to have on Baldwin esports teams for many years.

“I know he will find success beyond the halls of Baldwin High School,” Elias said.