ABERDEEN, S.D. – Aberdeen Central’s Esports Team performed well at its first state tournament, taking home a championship in the chess division.
CHS student Grey Hauge won the chess championship for the Golden Eagles at the state tournament, which was held March 22-23 at SDSU in Brookings.
Central’s League of Legends team made it to the semi-finals, and the Rocket League team was only a few goals away from making it to the semi-finals, said CHS Esports Team General Manager Andre Cobbs.
“This year’s esports team worked very hard at their craft, and it showed,” Cobbs said. “Each player statistically got better at their sport, and each team made it to the state tournament and performed well. Our chess player won the state tournament, and we were a few plays away from having two other teams play on the main stage. We will have a very strong returning cast next year and I can’t wait for them to get back onto the mainstage.”
Central’s League of Legends team members included: Captains Joseph Pierce, Jacob Kohlhaas and Ethan Goetz, as well as Mykah Hjermstad, Joshua Leslie and Dagan Padilla (sub).
Team members for Rocket League team one, Aberdeen Eagles Rocketeers, were Brayden O’Connell (captain), Jonathan Littlehead and Josiah Grandpre. Rocket League team two, Aberdeen Eagle Rockets, included Toni Franco (captain), Giovani Franco and Dax Chapman.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.