Today marked a truly historic moment for Horizon’s Duck’E-Sports program—and one that deserves to be recognized for just how significant it was.
After a long and demanding season, one of our teams earned the opportunity to compete in the Middle School Grand Championship, held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Competing on a stage of that level is an achievement very few programs reach—especially in such a short amount of time.
Following an intense and hard-fought competition, our Ducks finished 2nd overall. While some may view second place as falling short, for us, this represents something far greater. In less 8 months, Horizon’s E-Sports program went from having nothing to competing on the main stage at the University of Utah. That kind of growth is not normal—it is the result of dedication, resilience, and a relentless commitment from our students.
As a coach, teacher, and mentor, I could not be more proud of these athletes. They have built something real. They have proven that this program is more than just a club—it is a place where students grow, compete, and succeed at a high level.
Beyond the competition, our students had the opportunity to learn from other top programs, connect with vendors, colleges, organizations, and sponsors, and see firsthand the real-world opportunities that exist within gaming and technology. A standout moment was meeting Doug Bowser, (“Doug Bowser served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo of America for seven years. As of 2026, he has joined the board of directors at Hasbro.Bowser. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Communications. During his time in college, he developed a passion for video games, spending countless hours playing Donkey Kong in arcades.”)
Congratulations to our Duck’E-Sports athletes for an incredible season and for building something that will leave a lasting legacy at Horizon. I am excited to see where this program goes—and even more excited to see where these students go next.
