From left are Teacher Alayne Baggaley, Grade 11 student Ejhisen Tabilisma, Grade 12 student Colten Kilpatrick and Teacher Dan Mills.

The Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School Esports Club is making waves, with its students climbing the global ranks of Rocket League – one of the world’s most competitive video games.

Colten Kilpatrick, a Grade 12 student, Ejhisen Tabilisma and Ethan Kuhn, both Grade 11 students, are proving that gaming isn’t just for fun – it’s a battleground for skills, strategy and success.

“I’m currently in the top 500 in Canada and the top 3,000 in the world,” said Colten, adding that Rocket League currently has approximately 90 million active players.

Rocket League, a high-octane fusion of soccer and rocket-powered cars, demands precision, teamwork, and split-second decision-making in which players control flying, boosting, and flipping vehicles to score goals in gravity-defying fashion. More than just a game, it fosters critical skills like strategic thinking, teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and resilience – qualities that extend far beyond the virtual field.

The Lindsay Thurber Esports Club, coached by Teachers Dan Mills and Alayne Baggaley, competes through Generation Esports, an international organization that runs competitive leagues and tournaments for schools that have students competing against other teams/students from across North America. To date, the teams have competed against players all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. The club not only provides a platform for competition, but also strives to foster and develop leadership, teamwork and STEM skills. Students in the club are also actively encouraged to maintain a balanced approach to their school work and classes with an emphasis on successfully completing their classes and course work.

Their achievements have drawn comparisons to elite athletes. “What these students are accomplishing is the equivalent of playing on an NHL team while still attending high school,” said Dan, adding the team has competed in nine international tournaments this year and have claimed first place in eight of them.

For Ejhisen, joining the Esports Club was a natural expression of his passion for gaming. Colten, on the other hand, was hooked from the moment he started playing. His dedication has landed him a spot on Nat 5, a professional esports team in Canada. “We recently played in the North American qualifier with 1,100 teams – and we placed 100th,” he said. The North American Qualifier sends the top 64 teams to compete for a position at the RLCS World finals which awards a prize pool of more than $1.1 million annually.

Colten’s esports success has also opened doors for his future. This fall, he will head to Spring Arbor University in Michigan on a scholarship, where he’ll compete on a collegiate Rocket League team while studying graphic design. Ejhisen has big plans, too – after graduating in 2026, he will pursue a career in medicine.

With their talent, drive, dedication and ambition, these Lindsay Thurber esports students are proving that gaming is more than just a pastime – it’s a pathway to a successful future.

Local community builder inducted into LTCHS Hall of Fame

A dynamic Red Deerian who has touched the lives of many across the community over the years has been inducted into the Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School Hall of Fame.

As part of the Class of 1976, Val Jensen made her mark at the school as an influential student leader, serving on the Student Council and also as the Graduation President during her graduating year.

An induction ceremony and luncheon was held on Oct. 15 to celebrate Val’s significant contributions not only to the school, but to the community as well. The Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School Hall of Fame recognizes alumni who have made a difference in their community, while being role models for future graduates.

“Being inducted into the Lindsay Thurber Hall of Fame is truly an honour,” said Val. “This community has always been close to my heart, and to be recognized among such inspiring individuals is incredibly humbling. It reminds me of the amazing people who have shaped this school and our community over the years.”

Val’s dedication to physical activity and wellness is evident in her impressive athletic achievements, including competing in Alpine Skiing at the Alberta Winter Games and representing Canada as a member of the duathlon and triathlon teams. Val has also completed numerous marathons and Ironman races worldwide, including the prestigious Ironman Hawaii.

In 1987 Val founded Dance Magic Studio, offering children of all ages and abilities, a chance to explore the joy of dance. Val has served as the Race Director for Woody’s Triathlon many times and was the chairperson for the Alberta Winter Games opening ceremonies in 2006. She also played a vital role during the Canada Winter Games 2019 bid as co-chair of the community engagement and was the founder of the PCN Fun Run, serving as its Race Director for a decade. Additionally, she coordinates the Aloha School Run, which sees participation from 10,000 students across Central Alberta each year. Her extensive volunteer work has empowered countless Red Deerians to train and compete in a way that connects people through activity.

“Physical activity and healthy living have always been a cornerstone of my life and my work in the community,” said Val. “I believe that staying active not only strengthens the body, but also builds resilience, confidence, and connection with others. It’s about creating habits that empower people to live their best lives.”

Val’s unwavering commitment to community service and her tireless work ethic have garnered well-deserved recognition. In 2012, the Red Deer & District Community Foundation honoured her as a Woman of Excellence, and in 2014 she received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Red Deer Sport Council. Val’s contributions have also been recognized with the Golden Dove Award from the Mustard Seed in 2012, the Mayor’s Special Award in 2022, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II – Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.

Principal of Lindsay Thurber, Chris Good, said it’s always exciting to see where the future takes the school’s students after they graduate.

“At Lindsay Thurber, our school staff works hard to foster a love of learning and a desire to reach and attain your goals,” he said. “Val has remained an integral part of our community, and has gotten behind many different causes and organizations – all for the better of Red Deer. Val’s passion for wellness and her dedication to fostering community spirit continue to inspire us all, and we were thrilled to honour her.”