By Kassandra Sailsbury
This is Elwood Public Schools’ third year doing Esports. Darin Exstrom is the Elwood Public Schools Esports coach.
Each season there are different competition games for students to choose from.
Exstrom stated, “This season there are many games to play, but our players were more involved with the game called Smash Ultimate. The other options were Overwatch 2, League of Legends, and Chess.”
Although the first season is finished, there are many other games they might be playing this year.
“We might have players that will play Mario Kart again. We may have interests in playing Fortnite. The next season starts at the end of January,” explained Exstrom.
Esports takes a lot of practicing if students want to be successful with it, but Exstrom said that is a challenge right now.
“We have students that are enthusiastic about esports, and they enjoy playing games. We don’t have a lot of students right now who have the time or put in the time to practice at a competitive level,” said Exstrom.
Esports teaches students many skills they can take with them outside of school.
“I believe it teaches students how to show more teamwork and respect with their video games. It also teaches them that most parts of life require dedication in order to excel at it. It also teaches them the difference between competitive and casual gaming,” Exstrom commented.
Even though esports games are mostly played online, there are a few in person contests.
Exstrom stated, “Every year we go to a tournament in Nebraska where they compete face to face. We have been to Grand island and York for in person tournaments. We also went to the State Competition in Hastings with a past student.”
The amount of seasons can vary from year to year.
“Last year there were three seasons, but this year they cut it down to two seasons," said Exstrom.