ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen Central High School Golden Eagles are going into the state tournament with two undefeated teams—and they’re once again playing on their home turf.
Central is hosting the South Dakota State Esports Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14, in Golden Eagles Arena. An opening ceremony will kick off the event at 10 a.m. Friday.
An estimated 400 students will compete in the tournament from schools around the state—almost double the number of students as last year, said CHS Coach Aaron Galeana.
Central will compete in the following events:
· Marvel Rivals: Spencer Twiggs, Xatu Knapp, Camden Engleking, Remy LeBeau, Landon Oldenkamp, Jace Poirier
· Rocket League: Joshia Grandpre, Dane Huber, Giovani Franco, Jaxon Kaiser - Sub
· Super Smash Bros: Dax Chipman, Spencer Twiggs, Wyatt Severson
· Chess: Grey Hauge
Central’s Marvel Rivals and Rocket League teams are both number one in the state after undefeated seasons, Galeana said.
Spencer Twiggs is part of the number one Marvel Rivals Team, and he’s also going into the tournament as sixth out of 170 students in the state for Super Smash Bros.
A junior at CHS, Twiggs is in his second year on the team.
“I’ve always played video games. I like video games,” he said. “And I’m really competitive.”
Central’s Esports Team has a good sense of camaraderie, he said. To anyone considering joining the team, he offered advice.
“Just put yourself out there,” he said, “but don’t put others down.”
CHS senior Dax Chipman, who is eighth in the state for Super Smash Bros, has been part of the Esports Team since his sophomore year—before it became an official sanctioned sport.
“I like getting in a group of people and playing games together,” he said. “That’s what’s exciting.”
To any students considering trying esports, he also shared some advice.
“Don’t be afraid to try all of the games,” he said, “because I started off playing Rocket League, and now I’m on Smash Bros.”
Now as a senior, Chipman said he hopes the program keeps growing at Central.
“That’s what I’m hoping for the future,” he said, “for it to expand.”
Cheer on the Golden Eagles
Chipman, Twiggs and Coach Galeana encouraged people to come out and cheer on the Golden Eagles at the tournament.
“It goes a long way for the kids, especially for the esports kids,” Galeana said. “A little cheering goes a long way for them. They eat it up. If people come down and show their support, they’ll give the team the drive they need to get to the finals.”
For fans wanting to attend the tournament, cost will be $10 per day for adults and $5 per day for students.
The tournament will be streamed by Fenworks, which officiates the state Esports League. For more information about the state tournament, including a schedule, visit the S.D. State Esports Tournament Website.
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.