.jpg "Image of Buchtel eSports Teams")
This is the first year APS has ever had a middle school team play eSports as part of Middle School eSports Ohio, a statewide organization that brings schools from across the state together to compete. Students at Buchtel MS eSports were able to choose which game they wanted to focus on for competition earlier in the spring. Competitive games include Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers, Mario Cart 8 Deluxe, Chess, Clash Royale, Pokemon Unite and Knockout City. At Buchtel, the middle school varsity team focused on just Super Smash Brothers and Rocket League this semester. With the support of the district's ESSER funds, the school was able to purchase the equipment and games needed to compete. Students practiced each chance they got after school Monday through Thursday or when they finished their assignments in class early. Countless hours have been poured into practice, and it showed as each week Buchtel continued to grow in the sport. Placing third in the state for Super Smash Brothers is an unheard-of success for rookie coaching staff and rookie students.
Thanks to the MS teachers who allowed the players to come to practice throughout the day and to the administrators who also supported the endeavor including Building Principal Ms. Beecher. We also want to thank Tamiko Hatcher, Megan Mannion and Jeff Caranna for seeing the vision and helping to make it happen for the students. Thanks also to Keith Liechty and Karen Moore for helping out with the ESSER funds to help finance the gaming needed for our growing club.
The coaching team includes J. Lingenhoel, W. Daulbaugh, M. Derksen, F. Forinash and D. Alaniz
"It is overwhelming to see the growth, confidence, purpose and friendships that this sport has given to our players this season. We will be back again in the fall, and anything can happen!" - Coach Alaniz
Smash Brothers Competitive Team:
Sowa Abdi
Alonz Brown
Alaric Brown
Desmond Inman
Jaden Jacobs
Janai Martin
Jayden Michaels
Peter Mitchem
Ja'Mier Walker
Raymiere Walker Reed
Xavier Wilson
Rocket League Competitive Team:
Terrell Freeman
Isaiah Jeffery
Damian Wilson
George Wood
Carrington Carter
Jaylen Ingram