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Damion Santiago
Lebanon senior Damion Santiago has taken his competitive drive to a different kind of arena — and it’s paying off. During the PIEA Fall Brawl LAN of Steel Tournament at Robert Morris University, Santiago led the Cedars to a dramatic comeback victory that secured an undefeated season. For his performance, Santiago has been named the LebCoSports.com Athlete of the Week.
In the championship match, Lebanon trailed Penn Manor 3–1 when Santiago entered play. Under pressure, he eliminated three opponents and earned eight points, giving the Cedars a lead they would not relinquish. His clutch showing highlighted both his skill and his composure while competing in Super Smash Bros.
“It was very scary but at the same time calming,” said Santiago. “My heart was pounding, but I was still doing well.”
Lebanon ESports Coach Dan Figueroa praised Santiago’s ability to thrive in high-pressure moments. “Damion is a great teammate and player,” said Figueroa. “He works hard to improve and has had some excellent success this season. His work was put on full display at the Fall Brawl Championships when he finished off three Penn Manor players to set us up for the win. Each player on our team has a job to do, and in the Championship, Damion needed to take more than one player out. Taking out three guaranteed that we were in control and were able to come out ahead.”
Santiago, known in the gaming world as ‘demondoy,’ said his focus and teamwork have played a big role in his success. “I’ve fit into my team’s goals very well, and we all work well together,” he said. “I want to continue doing well and not make dumb mistakes.”
Figueroa added that Santiago brings both talent and energy to the program. “His humor in the room is infectious, and he’s constantly putting in work with the team and with Coach and Super Smash Bros. guru Mr. Paul Lipinski to keep getting better,” he said. “He and team captain Josuel Mercado formed quite a formidable duo as our top two players leading us to an undefeated Fall Brawl season. He’s incredibly fun to coach, and we’re lucky to have him on the team.”
Santiago (left) practicing with teammate Josuel Mercado
Santiago also expressed gratitude for those who have helped him along the way. “I want to thank my teacher, Mr. L, for teaching me how to play Smash, and my parents for encouraging me to keep going,” he said.
His recent performance adds to an already strong résumé — last year, he reached the state finals, finishing 5th out of 55 competitors. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication that make Esports athletes every bit as disciplined as competitors in traditional sports.
When he’s not competing, Damion enjoys spending time with friends and family or cooking — something he says helps him relax outside of competition. Looking ahead, he hopes to earn a college scholarship through ESports and continue his education.
“I love hanging out with people I like and traveling hours away to go to different tournaments,” Santiago said. “The experience is what makes it so much fun.”
Congratulations to Damion, along with all of his teammates – champions whose focus, leadership, and competitive fire continue to raise the bar for Lebanon Esports.
Photos provided by Lebaon E-Sports
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Makenzie Wamsher
Past Male LebCo Athletes of the Week
Jevan Marquette (Week ending 10/12)
Travis Furmanski (Week ending 10/5)
Gavin Yeiser (Week ending 9/28)
Benjamin Allwein (Week ending 9/21)
Landyn Kline (Week ending 9/14)
Owen Fisher (Week ending 9/7)
Bryce Yocum (Week ending 8/31)
Devon Englehart (Week ending 8/24)
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