By Corin Mackay
The Forest Lake State High School (FLSHS) Lions won their second Farming Simulator championship on June 21 to secure their throne as the reigning champions.
The team competed in the XP Esports High School League (HSL) against schools from around Queensland, including the Lockyer District State High School (DHS) Teal and Somerset Spartans.
FLSHS Lions players Zach, Zander, Alex and Jack won their semi-final match against Lockyer DHS Teal 2-0, qualifying them for the grand finals match, where they faced off against Somerset.
Unfortunately for Somerset, the team was left with only half a team after two players were unable to participate. In an act of true sportsmanship, FLSHS Lions student leaders Zach and Alex made the executive decision to handicap themselves and play a 2v2 which they won again with a score of 2-0.
FLSHS head of department of digital technology MJ Raatz praised the students for their performance and virtue.
“[It was] amazing sportsmanship, and everything I would expect of leaders of our Esports program,” he said.
“I am more proud of this decision than the win – but appreciate the latter too.
“Congratulations on being such outstanding citizens.”
MJ said the Esports students had a great team of teachers standing behind them and encouraging them to be the best players they can be.
“The training program has taught us how to win, lose and keep on battling till the very end,” he said.
“Valor has really helped with the mindset of our e-athletes.”
The team’s next big adventure kicks off at the Ekka in August where they will be competing in the Farmers Cup and Rocket League.
After that , watch out for some wonderful ERacing competitions at the FLSHS Lions Den, which will involve students, teachers, parents and community members, all taking on Mark from Bridgestone Select l Forest Lake, who is one the Esport department’s sponsors.
