Esports is becoming a fast-growing form of competition, many schools have implemented programs allowing students to participate in organized gaming competitions. School districts surrounding Westerville with an established Esports club team include the Olentangy and Dublin school districts.
Unfortunately, Westerville City Schools have put a hold on the introduction of Esports at the district level.
A proposal for Esports was introduced at the beginning of the 24-25 school year with the hopes of bringing a competitive team to South. However, Esports was approved as a club sport only, and it will not move forward as a competitive team this school year.
Currently, as a club offering, it is yet to be started since a teacher at Westerville South must initiate the process. Once the club is formed and approved, practices could take place at school with competitions potentially being held at Otterbein’s Esport facility against the two high schools in the district, according to Principal Micheal Hinze.
Eventually, the club could potentially join the Esports league in the near future, according to Hinze.
According to Esports Club Advisor at Dublin Scioto, Jason Saiter, their team is a club with a more competitive edge to it. They meet three or four times a week and compete against other schools who have an Esports team.
Scioto has about 25 regulars that participate in their three more popular games being Overwatch, Super Smash Bros and Valorant that are all approved by the Esports league.
Saiter has had much success with Esports having won two state championships with Scioto and with kids receiving college scholarships each year.
Unfortunately, his team this year was only able to make it to the regional qualifiers, cutting their season short.
With much success at other school districts, South will hopefully be able to take advantage of what Esports has to offer. Some of these benefits are scholarships for students.
Aside from that, Satire said, “Esports is a place for students who are not involved in athletics…can find a place to be part of the wider school community.”
