From left to right: Southeastern students Matthew Butcher, Jordan DosSantos, Curtis Price and Miguel Guerrero ranked 3rd in the Splatoon National Tournament. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)
Superintendent Holly McClanan and Southeastern High School Principal Leslie Weckesser are proud to share that the Southeastern eSports Team finished as the third overall high school Splatoon 3 team in the country after a four-day tournament last week.
"On behalf of the Southeastern community, I want to wish our students the biggest congratulations for their historic win," said Superintendent McClanan. "Their hard work all year paid off and they should be incredibly proud."
Splatoon 3, a third-person shooter game developed by Nintendo, features battles between Inklings, who use weaponized ink to cover territory and "splat" opponents.
In a team of four, Southeastern eSports players Matthew Butcher, Jordan DosSantos, Curtis Price and Miguel Guerrero battled rival schools across the country in both the fall and spring seasons, eventually making their way up to the top eight out of 60 school teams and securing a spot in the national tournament.
In a four-day final, from May 30 to June 2, the Southeastern eSports Team played against Caddo Magnet High School in Louisiana, Devon Preparatory School in Pennsylvania, Florida Virtual School, Hoke High School in North Carolina, Notre Dame High School in New Jersey and Vernon Hills High in Illinois to compete for the title of the best Splatoon 3 team in the United States.
While the players played at home for this virtual event, teamwork remained strong as the group won third place overall with a score of 3 wins and two losses. Each of the four players received a $250 scholarship, along with a plaque, medals and other assorted prizes.
While students enjoyed their wins all season, their favorite part of being a member of the eSports club has been the connections the players have made with each other over their favorite game and the thrill of being among the best at a popular game.
"It was this club that allowed me to break out of my shell, and made me who I am today," said sophomore Jordan DosSantos, captain of the Splatoon team. "I'm very glad that it exists for people like me who are good at this game and want to take it to the next level."
"I've been able to meet a few seniors this year, and other students that aren't in my grade through this club," added junior Matthew Butcher. "The eSports team at Southeastern showed me how I can be good at sports, even if not physical."
Hannah Sammut, John Guilfoil Public Relations