Newton High School E-Sports Team Heads to State Competition

Rocket League squad to compete in inaugural Iowa High School E-Sports Association tournament

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Newton High School's Rocket League E-Sports team has qualified for the Iowa High School E-Sport Association's Class 2A State Competition, which will be held on Friday at the Orpheum Theater in Marshalltown. This is the first season for E-Sports at Newton High School, with the program started by the school's resource officer, Kyle Lovan, who had initial interest from over 50 students.

Why it matters

The rise of E-Sports has led many high schools across the country to establish competitive gaming programs, providing new opportunities for students to participate in team-based activities and represent their schools. Newton High School's qualification for the state tournament in its inaugural season highlights the growing popularity and legitimacy of high school E-Sports.

The details

The Newton Rocket League team, consisting of Brandon Holmes, Jeremiah Killmer, David Wickett, and Levi Zaabel, will take on Waterloo East in the first round of the state tournament on Friday morning. The school's resource officer, Kyle Lovan, started the E-Sports program and was able to secure equipment and funding support from local businesses and grants.

  • The Iowa High School E-Sport Association's Class 2A State Competition will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • Newton High School's Rocket League team will compete in their first-round match against Waterloo East at 9:15 AM on Friday.

The players

Kyle Lovan

The resource officer at Newton High School who started the school's E-Sports program.

Brandon Holmes, Jeremiah Killmer, David Wickett, Levi Zaabel

Members of the Newton High School Rocket League E-Sports team that qualified for the state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It's amazing and I am so excited. Several businesses here in town helped by donating money, and some of the money came through some grants.”

— Kyle Lovan, Resource Officer, Newton High School (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Newton vs. Waterloo East match will advance to the semifinals of the Iowa High School E-Sport Association's Class 2A State Competition.

The takeaway

Newton High School's qualification for the inaugural Iowa high school E-Sports state tournament demonstrates the growing popularity and legitimacy of competitive gaming at the high school level, providing new opportunities for students to represent their schools and communities.