Olathe, Kan. (KCTV) – The first-ever E-Sports KSHSAA Championships have been held Friday at Olathe’s Innovation Campus, marking a milestone for aggressive gaming in Kansas high schools.
More than 80 schools with E-Sports packages began the inaugural season with over 200 groups. The subject was narrowed to the highest 12 groups competing for the state championship in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and Rocket League in best-of-three units.
The competitors happened at what the Olathe Public School District referred to as a first-of-its-kind facility for the area.
“It’s definitely an upgrade from what I got at home at least,” mentioned Blue Valley Senior Eli Bowers. “I mean walking in here it’s very creative, very innovative.”
“This is crazy, I never thought we’d have something this big of scale,” mentioned teammate Anthony Seck, a junior.
From golf equipment to state competitors
For upperclassmen, their groups began as golf equipment earlier than gaining official recognition. The championship offers college students an opportunity to compete on the state stage much like conventional sports activities.
“It’s an opportunity to compete at the state level like other people do in other sports,” mentioned Olathe East Senior Evan Thompson. “Like Football or soccer.”
“I wasn’t expecting they would do it this year, and I think it’s so cool,” Seck mentioned. “I expect it to grow as more people find out about it.”
Strategy and teamwork required
Students mentioned the video games require extra technique than many individuals understand. Teams apply repeatedly to develop expertise and coordination.
“At practice we sit down for about an hour each time, and we really fight through the shortcuts on each track,” mentioned Olathe East Sophomore Colby Jarbis. “And working on how different items are used.”
“One of the biggest things about Mario Kart is the teamwork you need,” Seck mentioned. “Since it’s four of us racing together as a team you got to be careful not to hit each other, communicate, assign roles.”
Technology profession connections
The Olathe Public Schools Tech Department sees E-Sports as a pathway for college kids to pursue expertise careers.
“There is no doubt that it is a huge biproduct of what E-sports bring,” mentioned Josh Umphrey, Chief Technology Officer for Olathe Public Schools. “A ton of software skills, teaching kids how to problem solve, teaching kids the IT field.”
Students mentioned their gaming expertise has improved their work ethics and tutorial efficiency.
“Hard work pays off which you can apply to everything in school,” Jarbis mentioned. “I know if I work hard, I’m going to get good return from that.”
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