Written by Sara Hinds
For the second time, Doane University will host the Nebraska Schools Esports Association (NSEA) High School Spring Championships April 17-18. When Doane first hosted the event last year, more than 240 students from 34 schools across Nebraska attended.
Among them, was Espn (pronounced “s-pin”) Marez, who is now a first-year student on the Doane esports team. You might know him by his gamer tag, ExtraBologna, and his Rocket League’s team third-place finish in the conference in fall 2025.
But a year ago, he was a senior at Gering High School, who wanted to study at Doane. His older brother, Eli, already went there and he liked the campus. After competing at the NSEA Championships and winning his Rocket League division, he solidified his decision on Doane, and wanted to continue his esports success into college.
Marez said the atmosphere and setup in Haddix Gymnasium for NSEA showed how much Doane cares about esports, and how much he wanted to be part of that community.
“The way they ran it was so smooth, and it was such a cool environment to be in,” Marez said. “And I know a lot of people, especially in esports, they haven't been in an environment like that. So it's definitely just something new and something cool. And I really liked it.”
Last year’s event setup included a 10-gigabit fiber internet connection, 20 Lenovo Legion gaming desktops, blackout curtains and 200-amp service. Technology team members were onsite to immediately solve any issues.
Also onsite to watch, volunteer and shoutcast were members of Doane esports team, including Marez’s Rocket League teammates Nathan Shupe and Todd Martin. Marez hopes to attend this year’s NSEA event to support his alma mater, and to help create an electric atmosphere for high schoolers eyeing a competitive collegiate esports experience.
“I think if people are nervous about taking it to college level, they really shouldn't be,” Marez said. “It's almost a more exciting version of the high school [experience].”
