Sports are a popular pastime, grounded in both mental and physical skills.
As we move into the digital age, sports have evolved, and new forms such as esports have emerged. First held at Stanford University, esports now offer greater inclusivity and highlight strategic and cognitive abilities.
Oklahoma is one state out of many that has integrated esports into education, and Poteau is proud to have a competing team of its own.
In November and December, two state finals competitions were held, during which our esports team qualified to compete. On Nov. 21, PHS’s Rocket League team traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, and played at the NPS Center for Arts and Learning, earning 2nd place.
“It’s fun going to these competitions and giving it your all. We may not have achieved what we’d been hoping for, but it was still a great experience, and it was good for our growth as a team.” Said Joshua Wiles, a junior starter for the team.
CJ Milligan, a senior, qualified for state finals in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and he had a few opinions of his own.
“I’ve seen that people are definitely more supportive of esports, of it being an actual hobby and means of competition. Of course, I believe there is still some stigma surrounding it, and I think that’s cause it’s relatively new and it hasn’t always been popular. But, I’ve always been confident saying I’m in esports, it’s just nice to see it getting more recognition.”
