Longview ISD’s esports program, known across the district as Lobo Gaming, capped its most successful season yet with multiple Region 7 championships, a state title, an all-state honoree, strong academic recognition, and a milestone college signing.
Senior Isaiah Haynes signed a full-ride esports scholarship to Trinity Valley Community College during a ceremony at the Longview ISD Education Support Center. The signing marked a major achievement for Haynes, Lobo Gaming, and the growth of scholastic esports in East Texas.
Haynes, who finished sixth overall in the state at the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation State Tournament, was also honored with the program’s MVP Legacy Award during the Longview ISD Esports Awards Ceremony, presented by Esports Director Jeremy Stout.
“This season represents the very best of what our students can accomplish when passion meets purpose,” Stout said. “From Region 7 titles to a state championship to Isaiah earning a full-ride scholarship, our students proved that esports is a genuine pathway to college and career. I could not be prouder of every player, coach, and campus that made this year unforgettable.”
Lobo Gaming competed and placed across the region throughout the year, posting standout results at every level. Longview ISD teams earned first place in Super Smash Bros. at both the high school and middle school levels during the Region 7 Esports Tournament. The district repeated that success at Brownsboro’s “Battle of the Boro,” where high school and middle school players again captured first-place Super Smash Bros. titles.
At the Hillsboro Esports Tournament, Longview ISD won first place in Splatoon and earned second place in individual Super Smash Bros. out of 160 competitors. The program also placed fifth in Super Smash Bros. out of 120 competitors at the UT Tyler tournament.
In PlayVS online competition, Joseph Kaan won the chess state championship. Longview ISD also earned five automatic bids to the state championship, held at Baylor University.
At the TexSEF State Tournament, Haynes finished sixth overall in the state, the Splatoon team placed fifth, and Longview ISD’s Overwatch and Super Smash Bros. teams posted strong showings against some of the top scholastic esports programs in Texas.
The program’s success extended beyond competition. Academic performance, strong attendance, and positive student behavior remained central to Lobo Gaming throughout the season. The program operates as a co-curricular initiative in which students learn to run an organization, much like a business, while developing leadership, teamwork, accountability, communication, and career-ready digital skills.
The Esports Awards Ceremony recognized the program’s top students, coaches, teams, and campuses.
Haynes received the MVP Legacy Award. Bryn Priddy was named Undisputed All-State. Cohen Hardison was recognized as Breakthrough Player of the Year. Kaan was honored as the PlayVS chess state champion, and Zach Rodgers received the Sportsmanship Award.
Johnny Brown was named Coach of the Year. Dem Boys was recognized as Team of the Year; Longview High School earned Broadcast Team of the Year; Foster Middle School was named Campus of the Year; and Forest Park Middle School received the Rise Up/School of the Year award. The program also recognized Academic All-Stars for outstanding classroom performance.
Lobo Gaming is preparing for continued growth. Plans include expanding the district’s esports arena to host more players, events, and community gatherings, as well as new programs and workshops to build students' skills, attract talent, and further establish Longview ISD as a leader in esports education.
These efforts support the district’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program initiatives and Longview ISD’s commitment to preparing future-ready learners through innovative, career-connected opportunities.
“This is more than gaming,” Stout said. “This is about giving students a place to belong, a reason to lead, and a pathway to what comes next.”