In an unexpected twist for the Deer Lakes Middle School esports team, a group of young gamers has claimed the title of state champions in their very first year of competition. The team, which formed in April 2024, traveled to Harrisburg University on December 17 to face off against 23 other middle school teams statewide, ultimately emerging victorious in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” middle school championship.
The team is composed of four players: seventh grader Jaden Mickail, 12, and eighth graders Daniel Abate, 14, Dylan Crow, 14, and Dominic Huggins, 14. Huggins, who initially joined the team by accident when his mother signed him up, expressed surprise at his newfound competitive spirit. “I didn’t know I could compete,” he said. “I got into it by accident.”
Under the leadership of Alex Gigler, a STEM and math intervention teacher, the esports program has quickly gained traction. Gigler, who dreamed of establishing an esports program, has been instrumental in its growth, starting with just a few TVs and evolving into a full-fledged team comprising about 35 students. Gigler now coaches both the Gold Team and Green Team, emphasizing that his focus is on logistics rather than gameplay specifics. “Any of these guys could kick my butt in this game, and they have,” he admitted.
The team’s choice of “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” for competition was strategic, as it aligns with the league’s age restrictions and is accessible for the equipment available to them. Gigler noted that while high school teams can play games like “Rocket League,” the middle school team is limited to titles suitable for younger players. “If you don’t play the game frequently, you’ll forget how things work,” Crow said, highlighting the necessity for practice and engagement.
The Lancers, as the team is known, faced off in a bracket that included ten other teams during the state championships. Their impressive victory included a match against Lionville Middle School, the two-time defending state champion. Mickail shared that he dedicated five hours a day to practice leading up to the tournament, finding motivation in the competitive environment that enhanced his enjoyment of the game. “Instead of just playing another game, I’ll go into this game,” he said, acknowledging the endless variety of challenges and opponents available in “Super Smash Bros.”
Abate, who had previously enjoyed casual matches with family, found a new level of intensity in competition. “Normally, I have to go 100% or I lose,” he said, emphasizing that competing has made his family games more enjoyable. Gigler’s coaching methods also focus on fundamental skills like sportsmanship and teamwork, reinforcing the importance of patience and trust among the players. “(Coaching has taught me) how to put my faith in other people and how to trust these guys,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Gigler is already discussing plans with district leadership to expand the program to include a high school team, illustrating the potential for growth in this burgeoning esports initiative. “It would be great to see this program extend beyond middle school,” he stated, underscoring a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a deeper community around esports.
The success of the Deer Lakes Middle School esports team serves as a testament to the increasing acceptance and recognition of competitive gaming among young students. As interest in esports continues to rise, the impact of programs like this will likely resonate far beyond the confines of the gaming community, influencing educational institutions and youth engagement in new and exciting ways.
