I didn't realize how much I actually missed this until we're out here actually shooting," APW Soccer Coach Chris Hogan said, while shooting basketballs in the school's gym.
As coaches of various sports at APW High School, both Hogan and Shaun Carter are used to seeing students fill this gym everyday, but through COVID-19, it's just been an empty space.
What You Need To Know
- After the cancelation of most all sports leagues, APW High School was looking for a way to get students involved in something extra
- Two sports coaches, who love video games, crafted a plan to start an eSports program at the school
- So far 60 students have shown interest
- eSports allows students without that knack for on-field sports, to take part.
"This is probably the first time I've been in this gym since the pandemic started this March. It's actually kind of nice," Hogan added.
It's possible students and coaches will be returning to gyms across the state very soon, as New York state begins to reintroduce sports back into schools. What that won't affect however, is a plan Hogan and Carter crafted to give students an activity during the pandemic.
The two are adding a new field and court to the mix — the computer lab.
"We're trying to get eSports up and running in our school and it is going to happen," Hogan said, as it was recently approved by the school board.
With the approval of the school board and Superintendent Lynn Rhone, and help from the IT team Rob Freund and Mike Cerone in creating the lab and making sure it meets safety standards, Hogan and Carter are bringing the — growing in popularity — eSport competitions to APW. They will play games like League of Legends, Rocket League, and more.
The school hopes to compete with not only schools here in New York state, but regionally as well.
"It's a great stress release, its socialization. We're able to get so many kids in here," said Carter.
So many, is actually 60. Before even knowing how it's all going to work, more students have shown interest in this than any other sport at the school.
It's also about inclusiveness. Students that may not have a knack for football or baseball, now have an option that truly is for everyone.
Kids can even play from home and learn the life lessons sports are meant to teach.
"Often more important than speaking, listening to what your teammates need is going to carry profession and every area you want," Carter said, adding the teamwork, leadership and other aspects.
The coaches are meeting with students on Zoom and hope to start practices in a couple weeks and will develop their roles before beginning competition.
The sport will have a spring and fall season.