The Keokuk High School ESports team punched a ticket to state in only their second year of play. The team will compete on Friday, Nov. 22.
“We are already having a ton of success, which is one hundred percent due to the students’ determination and self-control,” Scott Gooding, KHS ESports Head Coach, said. “The students have improved mentally from last year and approach each match like professionals.”
Keokuk had one loss this season to Linn Mar, who is currently ranked #1 in the division, and Coach Gooding said “those were some close matches.” The first match at state for Keokuk will be against Ames in Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU). Ames went 7-0 in the regular season.
“This is such a big deal for us as a school and a team, as Esports has become the fastest-growing sport in high schools across the nation … [especially because] these leagues are very inclusive for all students,” Gooding said. “While many people dismiss video games as frivolous and just for entertainment, the skills to compete at a level like this can only be achieved by those who work hard and it has helped the students to become more confident in themselves.”
In the team’s inaugural season, they were defeated in the first round of playoffs, but the matches were close and they only lost by a single stock, which Gooding explained is “like losing by a free-throw in overtime in basketball.” This year’s send off to State is especially exciting for the young team.
“The biggest difference between this year and last is that the team plays consistently well,” Gooding explained. “The students play smart and don’t take risks that they don’t need to, which translates to fewer stocks lost and more stocks taken.”
Students can join as a club or as a team, and many come just to support their friends and play games in a social environment.
“Going to state in our second year garners attention from the increasing support at the college level as schools begin offering financial aid packages for Esports,” Gooding said. Southeastern Community College recently started an ESports team, and schools like Grand View University, Iowa State University, and Drake University all offer assistance to students and Gooding continued to explain that “this type of success will draw attention to our deserving players and some of our players are looking forward to engaging with recruiters.”
To watch the live streamed action, go to the IAHSEA YouTube channel at youtube.com/@iahsea.
