Super News
September 21st, 2023
SHS Overwatch Team Clinches 2A State Championship
Speedway High School Overwatch Team Clinches Indiana Esports Network 2A State Championship
Speedway, IN - April 29, 2024 - Speedway High School's Overwatch team emerged triumphant in the Indiana Esports Network (IEN) 2A Overwatch State Championship, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Fort Wayne South Side. Spectators of the championship match, held at Ball State University on Saturday, April 27, 2024, witnessed an intense showdown at 11:00 a.m. as Speedway High School showcased their prowess on the digital battlefield.
Under the guidance of Coach Dunfee, the team consisting of Ryan Andrews, Ean Figueiredo, Daniel Lopez, David Lopez, Nate Pipher, and Damon Russell exhibited exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork throughout the tournament. Coach Dunfee expressed immense pride in his team's dedication and hard work, stating, "We started the year with a goal of winning a state championship. The players put in countless hours preparing, studying matches, watching videos of their own play as well as the play of other teams to be ready for this opportunity."
The victory represents the culmination of a season marked by relentless determination and continuous improvement. Coach Dunfee highlighted the team's remarkable progress since the beginning of the year, noting, "The team has shown tremendous improvement since the beginning of the year, when they were still getting used to the idea of representing their school and community while playing Overwatch."
Despite facing formidable competition, Fort Wayne South Side demonstrated resilience and skill, making it to the finals as the #6 seed. Coach Dunfee acknowledged their strength, stating, "Fort Wayne South Side has a good team; they were able to make it through to the finals as a #6 seed, and they have definitely improved since the first time we played them."
Throughout the season, Speedway High School's Overwatch team maintained an impeccable record, boasting a perfect 20-0 against all other Overwatch teams from Indiana. Their dominance on the virtual battlefield is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and passion for esports.
As champions of the IEN 2A Overwatch State Championship, Speedway High School's Overwatch team has not only made their mark in the world of high school esports but has also brought honor and recognition to their school and community.
About Speedway High School: Speedway High School is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, athletic achievement, and extracurricular success. With a tradition of fostering talent and nurturing ambition, Speedway High School continues to empower students to reach their full potential in all endeavors.
About Indiana Esports Network (IEN): The Indiana Esports Network (IEN) is dedicated to promoting esports excellence and fostering a thriving esports community in Indiana. Through competitive tournaments, educational initiatives, and community engagement, IEN aims to elevate esports as a respected and celebrated aspect of Indiana's cultural landscape.
Jackson Hopkins recognized as an Indiana Academic All-Star
Now in its 38th year, forty high school seniors from throughout Indiana including
Speedway’s Jackson Hopkins, have been named 2024 Indiana Academic All-Stars, a
program of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). In addition, 50 other
students were recognized as Academic All-Star Regional Honorees. The students were
selected from a field of 281 outstanding nominees from the state’s private and public
accredited schools.
“I feel really honored that I was chosen as even just our school’s representative let
alone actually winning in a regional capacity,” said Hopkins. “I most certainly would
not have been anywhere near as qualified without the dedication of all of my teachers
I’ve had at Speedway High School over the years.”
Academic All-Star distinction recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom first
and foremost, but who also are actively involved in their schools and communities, and
take on leadership roles in those activities. The program is produced by the Indiana
Association of School Principals, and sponsored by Purdue University. Additional
support is provided by Inter-State Studio.
The IASP Indiana Academic All-Stars program salutes academic excellence in the
same manner that student athletes traditionally are honored. By providing a showcase
for academically talented seniors, the sponsoring organizations hope to accomplish the
following objectives:
▪ Give academic achievement the prestige it deserves;
▪ Motivate students to recognize the value of academic excellence;
▪ Provide students with an incentive for academic achievement, and
▪ Promote a positive image of Indiana’s young people.
“I think that this award is really an indicator that our educators go above and beyond and that it really shows in the successes and accomplishments of the students,” noted Hopkins. “I’m just glad that the hard work all of my teachers have put in to help me grow hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Celebrating a Year of Great Music at Speedway
Senior Presley Sears provides the singing while backed up by the West 25th Street Jazz Band.
Speedway Senior Recognized at Area 31 Competition
Last weekend, over fifty Area 31 students participated in the SkillsUSA State
Competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Speedway senior Braden Chaplin was
one of nine gold medalists qualifying him for the national competition this summer.
Chaplin earned top honors in the Job Interview competition.
Area 31 is a high school experience of direction, hands-on learning, and real-
world work experiences. Students from eleven high schools including Speedway have
juniors and seniors at Area 31. Overall, more than thirty Speedway students spend
mornings or afternoons participating in coursework at Area 31. Chaplin is a student in
the second year Digital Integrated Manufacturing program.
SkillsUSA’s National Leadership and Skills Conference takes place this summer
in Atlanta, Georgia June 24-28. This year’s event will include 6000 state champions
taking part in 115 competitions vying for national gold, silver, and bronze accolades.
A Star Performer
Jackson Hopkins, photographed with Student Services Director Trenton Borom, was recognized as an Indiana Academic All-Star by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP).
Speedway Musicians Take GOLD in Group 3 ISSMA Competition
On April 19th, Speedway’s concert band traveled to North Central High School to participate once again in the ISSMA State music competition. Directed by Amy Mohl, the group earned GOLD recognition in Group 3 and also earned GOLD honors for their efforts in the sight-reading portion of the competition.
For this competition, schools prepare to perform three music selections with one being from their Group playlist. Upon completing their performance, each performing group goes to another room where they are given music they have never seen before. With a minimal amount of time for comments on this ‘new’ music, each group performs this ‘sight-reading’ music in front of a second set of judges. “I am incredibly proud of our students and the way they represented themselves and Speedway,” said Mohl. “They were playing challenging music and excelled in their performance.”
SJHS Cheerleading Tryouts
2024-2025
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Practice: 6:00pm-7:15pm - JH gym
(Practice date has been changed due to a track schedule change)
Friday, May 10, 2024 - Tryouts: 5:30pm - JH gym
★ Please note: It is mandatory that you attend the practice date! You will not be able to try out if you do not.
★ You will need a current physical on file in order to participate in these three dates.
★ Please wear appropriate attire (t-shirt, shorts, tennis/cheer shoes) and have hair pulled back in a ponytail. No jewelry.
Thank you!
If you have any questions : please email Amber Holbrook Aholbrook@speedwayschools.net