Twin Falls High School made history Monday when senior Kyler Auth became the first esports athlete from the school to sign a scholarship with the College of Southern Idaho. The ceremony took place in the S Building at TFHS, marking a milestone for the school’s competitive gaming program.
Auth, who plays Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, will join CSI’s inaugural esports team under coach Sebastian Talamantes. The scholarship represents a significant step forward for esports in the Magic Valley, demonstrating the growing legitimacy of competitive gaming as a collegiate athletic pursuit.
From Pandemic Startup to State Champions
The Twin Falls High School esports team launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after the school received a grant to purchase necessary hardware and software. Within one year, Twin Falls won the high school state championship, validating the program’s success and establishing the foundation for competitive gaming in the area.
Auth has been a four-year member of the esports team, an unusually long tenure that many high school students do not have the opportunity to achieve. His experience and skill caught the attention of Talamantes, who said he wanted to bring the best players to start the new program at CSI.
Building Programs at Both Levels
Auth, who primarily plays as the character Falco but is capable with all 89 fighters available in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, said being a Bruin often has good connections in the community. He noted that esports is a relatively new offering, especially at CSI, and expressed pride in helping establish the program at the college level.
Beyond his own collegiate career, Auth said he hopes to help develop the program at Twin Falls High School that enabled him to reach this point. Many of his teammates on the Bruins esports team are not seniors, meaning his leadership and experience can continue benefiting the high school program even after graduation.
Auth said he plans to pursue his Associate’s degree at CSI while building the esports program further and hopes to continue helping Twin Falls High School’s team in the coming year.
Practice and Team Support
Auth’s performances at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments around the country earned recognition from Talamantes and helped secure his scholarship opportunity. Having the ability to play all available characters in the game requires extensive practice, much of which Auth completes with his teammates on the Twin Falls High School esports squad.
Those teammates attended Monday’s signing ceremony, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the program and the significance of Auth’s achievement for the entire team.
What Comes Next
Auth’s scholarship to CSI represents the first of what Twin Falls High School administrators hope will be many esports opportunities for students in the Magic Valley. As competitive gaming continues expanding at the collegiate level, programs like the one at Twin Falls High School provide pathways for students to continue their education while pursuing their passion for competitive gaming. Auth will begin at CSI as part of the college’s first esports roster, helping establish standards and expectations for future recruits to the program.