Editor's note: The following information was provided by Alex Wieland, who serves at the coach for the Wayne High eSports program.
Wayne High School’s eSports program continues to make waves in Nebraska, with both the Chess and League of Legends teams delivering outstanding performances at the NSESA State Championships. Demonstrating skill, perseverance, and teamwork, the teams brought home second and third place honors, cementing their status as some of the best in the state.
Chess Team battles
to runner-up finish
The Wayne eSports Chess team, consisting of Alvaro Archundia, Jacob Barner, and Braden Wheat, with Gavin Redden stepping in as a substitute, showcased their strategic prowess throughout the season. Competing in Division 2, they faced eight teams and finished as the second-most successful squad, losing only to Mount Michael—an undefeated powerhouse.
Their journey to the state finals was nothing short of spectacular. After a commanding victory over Nebraska City in the state semi-finals, the team went head-to-head with Mount Michael in a thrilling championship match. Despite their best efforts and impressive plays, Mount Michael once again edged out Wayne to claim the title by defeating them 6 to 3. However, the Wayne Chess team’s second-place finish is a testament to their dedication and skill, marking them as a formidable presence in Division 2. The Chess Team was coached this year by Parker Bolte.
League of Legends Team
takes third place
Meanwhile, the Wayne League of Legends team showcased their adaptability and resilience in a highly competitive season that included matches against both Division 1 and Division 2 opponents.
The team—composed of Aidan Bohnert, Jonah Davis, Alec Schaffer, Carlyle Young, and Dean Young—fought their way through five regular season matches, with only a single loss to Omaha Central.
In the State Tournament, Wayne faced Omaha Central once again in the semi-finals. Though they fell short against the dominant Division 1 team, they regrouped and brought their A-game for the third-place match against Platteview. In a rematch of last year’s State Championship, Wayne and Platteview traded victories in a nail-biting series. Ultimately, Wayne emerged victorious, securing the third-place trophy and solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the state.
Scouts take notice of
Wayne talent
Adding to the excitement, a collegiate scout was in attendance at the NSESA State eSports Tournament and took special interest in one of Wayne’s League of Legends players. This recognition highlights the high level of talent present in the team and opens up exciting opportunities for future development.
“It’s incredible to see colleges recognizing the skills and potential of our players,” said coach Wieland. “This could be the beginning of something great for our students.”
A Legacy of Excellence
The success of both teams underscores the growing strength of Wayne High School’s eSports program. “These students have worked tirelessly to hone their skills, and their achievements at State are a reflection of their hard work and teamwork,” said Coach Alex Wieland.
As the season concludes,
