ASHLAND — In a close matchup Monday afternoon, Ashland High School’s Varsity Fortnite Esports team defeated Barberton High School in the Esports Ohio state finals.
Ashland’s Esports team overcame their opponent in two of the three matches and lost the third in overtime, bringing home the state championship with a score of 2-1.
“This win means a lot to the players. For them to take their skills and be appreciated for it is awesome,” said coach Joe Moss. “Out of so many teams, they were the champions and that speaks volumes and will be something that they never forget.”
The teams compete by playing three matches of Fortnite, online video game developed by Epic Games. Students compete in teams of two, where whichever team has the most “kills” is the winner of a match.
Ashland’s first duo, comprised of Tyler Ogle and Jackson Brockway, won their match with just one more kill than the other team.
The second duo, Brianna Oeken and Samuel Krupar, had tied with Barberton at the end of their match.
“After every kill they would get way more excited than usual. I have never heard them that enthusiastic after something good happening to them,” Moss said. “One moment comes to mind is when Brianna Oeken screamed in excitement when the other team went down and they had a lead.”
Unfortunately, in the overtime game, the other team edged out three more kills than Oeken and Krupar.
The last duo, Carl Respuesto and Tony Mancha, did not know how the other matches were going.
“I tried to keep it a secret between duo teams about who was winning and losing. I wanted them to focus on their game, and their game only,” Moss said.
But Respuesto and Mancha dominated their game. They brought home the victory for Ashland.
“Once I broke the news over discord, the players went nuts and were so excited. Carl Resupesto’s scream of realizing that we won state is still resonating with me,” Moss said.
Following the win, more than one hundred of flyers were printed and distributed around AHS. Later, the students will be honored with a banquet.
“For the district, I believe it means something new. E-Sports is still a new concept but to see it be so successful might turn some heads,” Moss said. “Doing this remotely was not easy, but we came together and did it, which should speak volumes.
He hopes one day that students can compete in a “Mini Esports Arena” at the high school.
Ashland’s Esports Fortnite team entered the playoffs as the fifth seed. Players defeated the first seed team to make it the finals. Their competitor, Barberton High School, was the sixth seed and had defeated the second seed team.
“Teamwork helped the team win this. I am so proud of this team. There was never any fights and bitterness towards one another,” Moss said. “Most importantly, this team did not let the view of E-Sports take them down. The comments towards video games and esports from their peers was probably not always positive ,but they persevered through. I think all of those things will benefit them in life later on.”
Reserve players, who helped reach the finals, included Graham Schaefer and Vito Asaro.
All the players will be able to return next year. Moss intends to continue the Fortnite team, if the game remains popular next fall, but believes the players could also harness their skills to compete in games like Call of Duty, Valorant or Halo.
