Wolves esports team earns state runner-up finish at AAA championships

The Lake Hamilton Wolves esports team competed at the Arkansas Activities Association eSports Spring Championships held at the Arkansas School of Math, Sciences, and the Arts. The championships featured competitions in Madden, Rocket League, and Mario Kart, with a dozen schools participating. Justin Gamez-Sanchez, a member of the Wolves football team, reached the finals of the Madden competition but lost to Newport, earning a state runner-up finish. Lake Hamilton athletic director Kylie Hill restarted the Wolves' dormant esports program as part of an initiative to engage students from all backgrounds. The program grew from five students in the fall to 25 team members in the spring. Arkansas Activities Association Assistant Executive Director Bobby Swafford noted that esports provides a sense of belonging for students who may not be involved in other activities.