Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Esports topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Aberdeen students and coaches honored after state eSports results
Summary
The Aberdeen Unified eSports team and Special Olympics-linked teams were recognized by the school board after finishing atop several divisions at the state competition; students and coaches described the event and board asked about continuing support.
The Aberdeen School District 06-1 board recognized students and coaches Feb. 24 after Holgate High School’s unified eSports teams placed at the state competition and the district hosted the first sanctioned state tournament in February.
Josh Jensen, the district’s director of technology, and eSports coach Aaron introduced team members Joey Pierce and Connor Austin and recounted tournament results. Coach Aaron said Aberdeen placed third overall out of 54 schools, with individual team results including second place for Rocket League and Minecraft, and first place for a Mario Kart team that had been formed at the last minute for the Special Olympics division.
Student Connor Austin described meeting other competitors as a highlight, and teammate Joey Pierce traced the program’s growth from a club of roughly 10 students to a sanctioned team that qualified numerous players for state. Jensen and board members thanked coaches and tech staff for hosting and running the tournament locally.
Board members asked whether the teams have the equipment and resources they need; students and coaches said school-provided headsets, keyboards and other peripherals have generally been supplied when requested and that the district had supported travel and equipment. One board member said he hopes middle schools will be recruited to build a feeder program.
The board offered formal recognition and congratulated the students and coaches for “a great first year” hosting and competing in the state event, and discussed continuing district support so the program can expand.
