-Introducing new Esports coaches Mr. and Mrs. Diamond
-Mr. Diamond explains how Esports competition works
-Team currently focuses on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU).
By Chloe Dixon
We recently had the chance to speak with our Esports coaches, Ian Diamond and Mrs. Diamond. “Mrs. Diamond helps keep my head straight on competition days. We also receive support from graduated seniors, community members, and Brandon from tech, who troubleshoots any strange issues we run into,” said Coach Diamond.
The majority of last year’s players are returning, with the exception of the freshmen. Senior players Justin Harris and Bennett Walls, as well as juniors Ryder Keyser and Connor Hardin, have moved up to varsity after competing last year. On the JV team, our only returning player is Ethan Kettinger.
Rather than going directly to state, Esports teams compete for eight weeks to earn a standing in their region. From there, teams advance to regionals, where seeding is based on performance during the regular season. The top four or so teams from regionals then move on to the state tournament.
While Esports offers a wide range of games to compete in, our team currently focuses on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU). “Some of the kids think that practice is just ‘playing video games,’ but that’s only part of it,” Coach Diamond explained. “Effective competitors also research professional players, learn the fundamentals that apply across all characters, and study matchups between different characters.”
In the fall, the team competes in SSBU Solos, while in the spring, they switch to SSBU Squads (Team). Both Varsity and JV teams participate in each season. Practices are usually held in Mr. Diamond’s room or the downstairs RWT, though the team hopes to eventually secure a dedicated space. Setting up and taking down the Switch consoles and TVs can be quite a hassle.
“I’ve been into gaming my whole life,” said Coach Diamond. “My parents bonded over The Legend of Zelda on the NES and Dungeons and Dragons, so I was destined to be a gamer. I’ve been playing Smash Bros. specifically for over 20 years now.” With this new program in place, it offers other students who are interested in other types of competitive competition that doesn’t necessarily require physical conditioning, but mental. Hand to eye coordination still plays into it, but on a totally different scale. Best of luck to our new Esports team this year!
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