“To compare esports to a traditional sport, it compares well to track and field where tournaments could have several different types of competitions or games in our case,” explained Vaughan. Teams of varying sizes compete in games such as Super Smash Brothers, Rocket League, Overwatch, League of Legends, Madden and Clash Royale. Tournaments and school programs vary based on interest. Bishop said his program at PC West is comprised of newcomers and life-long gamers, and both boys and girls play together on the same teams. “We are sort of reversing social norms,” said Bishop. Corey Boggs, the executive director of information technology for the Putnam City School District, sees value in the opportunity to reach students for whom traditional athletics aren’t a fit. “Esports opens up a world of inclusion to so many different students who may never be competition athletes, to those who may have physical restrictions, or maybe they just have a strong personal interest,” said Boggs. “It is so exciting to see the diverse group of students esports attracts. This is a great opportunity to reach an entirely different group of students and to make them part of something bigger. Esports is one of the fastest growing markets out there.” A place to belong and excel Getting kids excited about going to school is not usually an easy task, especially as time stretches past the wide-eyed early years of elementary school. By the time high school comes, school is more of a have-to than a get-to. So when one of Bishop’s students returned to school after a break remarking “it was good to be home,” Bishop knew the program was paying off. “The district went full tilt and has given our program a lot of equipment especially built for esports,” said Bishop. “Our chairs, computers and systems are our sports equipment, and if [it were] not for the school’s support, the kids would not be able to play the games like they do.” Even though games are played on a screen, students still have to practice, train and watch film just as other competitive sports participants do to improve their game play. Bishop said his students have elected captains, assigned duties and even worked with younger students to ensure the legacy
of the program continues beyond their time at the school. “It’s just as much of a sport as any other,” said Bishop. “The level of buy-in is really cool. These kids are creating a legacy, a multi-tier approach to hopefully make PC West a powerhouse.” To be eligible to play, students must be in good academic standing, attend practices and adhere to the standards set by the OESL. “I tell my students if you want to represent your school, you have to do it in a well- rounded manner,” said Bishop. Opportunity Abounds While the esports industry is booming, the industry itself is still relatively young and with that youth comes opportunity. “Esports is about more than just playing games; there are job opportunities,” explained Vaughan. “It’s a young industry and needs everything other sports industries need: coaches, journalists, broadcasters, agents, analysts.” In fact, OCU launched Oklahoma’s first esports degree program, an Esports Management degree. The bachelor of arts degree program includes courses in sports science, broadcasting, sport psychology, advertising, health, media relations and communications. Bishop sees yet another opportunity for his students. He teaches video game design and animation and assures his students that the skills they learn through esports can apply to other areas of the industry. “I use esports to get kids to take my tech classes,” said Bishop. “The reason I can justify writing grants and investing in equipment is it’s a big industry with big opportunity. Esports is wonderful in that it markets other career options that don’t fall on the mindset of a young person. Designers and builders have longer career opportunities. They could compose music for games or create apps like Words for Friends and Farmville. The industry hasn’t fully expanded out into a mature industry yet.” He pointed to applications that cross into other industries, citing an example of game simulations where doctors could practice difficult or experimental surgeries. Esports is also opening up new scholarship opportunities. “Esports is being adopted in colleges and universities across the country, and there are scholarship opportunities available for good high school players,” confirmed Boggs.
2021... It’s TIME! Time to learn! It’s time to move forward with hope and jump into 2021 with both feet, inspired by the possibilities a new year brings. Time to watch the ripples of progress that are made when we lift kids up and encourage them to make waves!
• SMALL CLASS SIZES • FLEXIBLE CLASS TIMES • FREE MAKE-UP LESSONS • SHIVER-FREE, 90° POOL
Call TODAY for a FREE trial lesson! Exp. 1/31
EDMOND | 405.696.7500 10 NW 146th | Edmond, OK 73013 goldfishswimschool.com |
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 11
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting