MU hosts more than 270 students for Spartan Showdown
North Manchester, IN (11/26/2024) — Manchester University hosted 277 high school students, representing 56 schools from five states, for the annual Spartan Showdown tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, making it the largest-ever event of its kind in Indiana.
Spartan Showdown is a one-day, free-entry high school Super Smash Bros. Ultimate event organized by Manchester's esports program. This is the University's fifth time hosting the event.
"Our goal is to make esports commonplace in high schools, and Spartan Showdown is our premier way to show school administrations that esports is real," said Garrett Schieferstein, director and head coach of esports at MU. "There are kids in every school district who would love to play for their school team if given a chance to do so."
The top three players received a $6,000 esports scholarship to Manchester University, and the players who placed fourth through eighth received a $3,000 scholarship. The student who placed first also earned a championship trophy.
Henry, age 14, was a first-time participant. He said: "The event had lots of people cheering on the games and the room was filled with excitement at every moment. Being there with lots of other people who had the same interests as me made me feel like I belonged and encouraged me to be part of the esports team when I attend Manchester University."
Learn more about esports at Manchester University at www.manchester.edu/student-life/esports-home.
For the media
Contact Garrett Schieferstein, director and head coach of esports, at gdschieferstein@manchester.edu.
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
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