KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) – A successful first year for Kearney High School students competing in esports (electronic sports) after joining the Nebraska Schools Esports Association (NSEA).
The Kearney team took 1st in State during the winter season playing Mario Kart 8. Success continued into the 2022 Spring season.
Kearney competed in the following three titles during the spring season: SMITE, StarCraft II, and Smash Bros Ultimate. The regular season ended mid-March. The playoffs for each title was very competitive and Kearney High Esports was able to place their SMITE team in the top 4 and two individual players in the top 4 under the StarCraft II title.
Kearney had 7 students qualify for the State Championship. The event was held on April 30 at York College.
SMITE
Coach: Nate Garringer
SMITE Team: Cole Stauss, Caleb Stauss, Lucky Potter, Anthony Kratzer, and Dean Schulte
Regular Season: 5 Wins 1 Loss (Platteview)
Playoffs: Final Four
State Championship: 1st Place, defeated Beatrice in round 1 and Lincoln High in the final round
StarCraft II
(Note: Both players learned this game this season)
Coach: David Gifford
Player: Samuel Oleson
Regular Season: Undefeated
Playoffs: Final Four
State Championship: 1st Place, defeated Lexington in round 1 and Gretna in the final round
Player: Garret Turman
Regular Season: Undefeated
Playoffs: Final Four
State Championship: 3rd Place, defeated by Gretna in round 1 and defeated Lexington in round 2
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