Speedway High School honored for state and national e-sports championships

The School Town of Speedway Board of Trustees paused its June 9 meeting to recognize Speedway High School’s state and national e-sports champions and the staff who organized the program. Principal Mr. Clayborn introduced the students and praised the coach’s efforts.

Mr. Clayborn, principal of Speedway High School, said the program exists because staff members seek out opportunities for students and invest time beyond school hours. He told the board that the extracurricular effort ‘‘can’t be overstated’’ in its value to students.

Mr. Dunphy, who organized the team, told trustees the program had ‘‘10 championship opportunities’’ this season and ‘‘we won seven.’’ He described the games the team plays (including Overwatch and Marvel Rivals), the hours of practice students commit, and how matches at state and national levels brought competition from teams in California, Texas, Florida and New York.

Mr. Dunphy introduced students by name and noted recruiting interest for some players: he said Lucas was selected as a top recruit in Overwatch and had an opportunity to attend a recruiting clinic, and Grant has received college recruiting attention. He also described how different games field different team sizes and formats (for example, Marvel Rivals can be six-on-six, Overwatch is five-on-five).

The board and community members applauded the students and organizers. Trustees noted that the program gives students teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that translate beyond the classroom. After remarks and photographs, the board resumed its consent agenda.

The recognition was purely ceremonial; no formal board action was required or taken on the team’s behalf during the meeting.