Leyden esports Rocket League team wins state

On Saturday, November 23, Leyden High School’s Rocket League team won the Illinois High School Esports Association (IHSEA) state championship. The team, consisting of West seniors Rodrigo Diaz and Jonathan Rosas, East junior Isaac Merino, and East freshman Ian Giron, competed in the online tournament against more than 100 schools throughout Illinois. They went into the competition ranked 2nd, going into the double elimination round in the 3A division. 

“This was an amazing accomplishment in and of itself, yet the circumstances surrounding this win are exceptional, and demonstrated incredible sportsmanship and perseverance of our students,” said Coach Eric McFadden.

McFadden went on to share the challenging journey the students had in front of them, as they lost their first match to the top ranked team. In order to comeback, they not only had to work their way back up through the loser bracket, but they had to play the top-ranked team again - and beat them…twice!  And, they did.

“I can't describe how proud I am of how hard they worked this season, how much time and effort they put in practicing and mentoring our freshman gamers,” said McFadden. “Furthermore, it is so rare for young student athletes, and really, any athlete, to experience such a defeating and frustrating initial game, to then battle their way all that way back to the top - it’s just incredible!”

In addition to winning the state championship, the team has been chosen to represent the IHSEA at the Midwestern Regional Tournament this spring, against other state champion schools.

Esports is coached by McFadden and Mr. Patrick Winstead.