The popularity of video games has not slowed down and continues to be one of the go-to activities for a generation of players who started playing as soon as they could hold a controller. The same can be said for Piedmont High School’s Drew Hurd.
“I’ve been playing Madden with my dad ever since I could hold the controller,” said Hurd.
Now a junior in high school, Hurd is a member of the eSports team at Piedmont, competing in Madden ’25. While Hurd has played the game for years, this year marks his first venture into competing for the high school.
“This 2024-2025 season is my first year in Piedmont eSports,” Hurd said. “My strength is my offense and I have improved throughout the season at keeping my cool throughout the game.”
As anyone who plays video games understands, keeping your cool is important. Controlling your own emotions while competing is something every competitor must do. Hurd said the team at PHS continues to work hard to reach their goals and several teammates are pushing themselves to become great players.
“The team at PHS needs to put in the time and effort if they want to be great,” Hurd said. “This season one teammate I am impressed with is Korbin Poole and how much he has improved from last year to this year. A former teammate that left an impression and built the Madden ‘25 team is Bryce Roop.”
Hurd said his teammates keep things interesting during and away from competition.
“The most serious teammate and funniest is Korbin Poole. He can flick a switch from serious to funny quickly.”
To become a great player takes time and effort. Hurd said there are many people who have helped him over the years.
“The people who helped me get to where I’m at is Hunter Hisey, Diron Carter, Jackson Scott, AJ Flores, Deacon Gingerich, Braxton Mullins, Kenny Smith, Korbin Poole, Hayes White, Coach Melendorf, my dad, and the rest of my family for supporting me throughout the season. Big shoutout to Rhett Jones for putting me onto using the Ravens,” said Hurd.
His philosophy going into a competition is simple and effective.
“I don’t overthink, I just go in and beat them,” said Hurd.
Away from school you can usually find Hurd attending eSports events and watching others compete.
