Esports: ThunderRidge Captures First State Title in Mario Kart

LAKEWOOD – For the first time in school history, ThunderRidge High School are the newest CHSAA Esports State Champions.

ThunderRidge players – Gennady Brown, Phillip Schuch, Oliver Ricks, and Kyler Marlow – completed a fulfilling undefeated Mario Kart record with a final score of 121-113 in the championship to win, 2-0.

Earning themselves some new hardware after taking down No. 1 seed Legend High School, the Grizzlies made school history and took two wins in the final game to do it.

ThunderRidge head coach Nick Bidinger said, “I’m just super proud of my kids. They’ve spent many, many hours working together. They’ve made a great team chemistry, great bond, and they’ve just worked really, really hard. I’m super proud of them.”

Legend High School players – Sebastian Reinartz, Taeo Gaskins, Aidan Northcutt, and Avianna Boccio – participated in their first-ever CHSAA esports finals match.

Key player and mentor to Grizzly teammates, Gennady Brown, spoke highly of the next-man-up mentality the team held all season long.

“We’re all capable of front running in our own right,” Brown said. “Even if I get knocked back, I’m capable and confident that one of my own members can hold their own.

“This is the first time I’ve ever played on a stage and it feels really awesome to be here. I’m really honored to have gotten this opportunity.”

ThunderRidge High School earned their gold, as they were crowned with their first ever CHSAA State Championship trophy.