A state berth, kids camp spur on Hiland esports
Once they learned the basics of what high school esports look like, the young campers enjoyed some time to work their skills into the actual games during the esports camp.
The new esports gaming program at Hiland High School took a big step forward recently when the Fortnite team advanced to the state tournament on March 16 at Ohio University in Athens.
The team took to the road the night prior to the event because of the 6 a.m. start time to the tournament.
In only the second year esports has been officially sanctioned as part of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Hiland program has made great strides, and reaching the state tournament level in year two showcases exactly how much dedication these teens apply to their craft.
“Last year we missed qualifying for regionals by one game in Super Smash Bros., so this was a big step for us because this was the first year we have had a Fortnite team, and to see the guys step up and deliver like they did was exciting,” said Carrie Jones, co-adviser along with Chad Hochstetler.
All three Fortnite team members also are members of the boys soccer team, including Zach Gingerich, Sam Anderson and Charlie Kellogg, with Alex Jones as the substitute.
In addition, Ethan Hershberger, who has already garnered a college scholarship to attend Malone University to continue his esports career, became the school’s first All-Ohioan, earning a spot on the first team for Super Smash Bros., and Ohlen Troyer made second team in Overwatch.
“For a young up and coming program, it was a real honor to see these individuals receiving the accolades they got for their effort,” Jones said.
The program is sponsored by several area businesses that provided funds to get the fledgling program off the ground, and it has really taken flight quickly.
Jones said seeing area businesses stepping up and sponsoring the program was nice to see because she said they see where this program fills a niche sports realm that can connect students into a competitive and enjoyable school program that elicits teamwork and dedication.
In addition, there are a growing number of college scholarship offers becoming available as esports develops into a larger competitive effort at the collegiate level. Jones said both Gingerich and Anderson have already received offers from Indiana Wesley University to join their esports program.
“It’s only going to get bigger and more exciting to watch as this develops, and I don’t know for certain what the umbrella looks like for the OHSAA and its growth, but it’s coming and gaining a lot of momentum,” Jones said.
Jones said since the program is in its infancy, there still isn’t a big ado about it, and she said there is a certain stigma that some students have to overcome as far as competing in something that until now has been viewed as something kids do for fun.
However, she said that stigma will slowly fade as the esports world gains momentum, and more and more students will continue to join.
That burst of enthusiasm may have gotten a jump-start this March when Hiland hosted its inaugural esports Youth Camp, which saw 45 youngsters come in to learn more about the intricacies of competing in esports.
“We actually had to cut it off there because we only have six computers and could only handle so many kids,” Jones said.
The camp saw them set up stations in the auditorium and in classrooms and included a physical fitness stage in the gymnasium. The kids cycled through each station, picking up pointers and learning lessons and even getting a chance to play one of the several featured games.
“It can be a grind mentally and physically, and we wanted to introduce the basics to the kids and try to create some excitement about possibly joining us,” Jones said. “We were really pleased with the turnout and the attention the kids gave us.”
The first half of camp was the learning stages, and the second half included a tournament that saw a champion crowned in each of the participating grades from second grade through sixth grade.
“There was so much enthusiasm,” Jones said.
One concern for the program is the possibility of many of these youngsters wanting to join the program, which would be great for the team, but with very limited room, it does cause the two advisers to take pause to consider what comes down the road when the program grows.
“There’s a lot of possibilities for a program that has brought a lot of joy to the kids,” Jones said. “Maybe we would start a middle school program when it grows. Maybe we have tryouts. We’re not sure what the future looks like, but it is going to look very different very soon.”
She said currently the Hiland program consists of three games, but other additions like Rocket League, League of Legends and even chess may be introduced to involve more students.
Jacob Gebers, president of esports Ohio, said of the state tournament qualifiers, “I am continuously impressed in the amount of time, commitment and hard work each and every student puts in throughout the season.”
While the Hiland team’s day didn’t end in a trip to the podium, it did become an important steppingstone in the program's growth.