Last year, Henderson launched an Esports program on somewhat of a trial basis. The goal, according to team advisor and Henderson teacher Jamie Wagner, was to “create opportunities for students that aren’t currently present in our school system.”
It seemed she was on to something. Last year’s trial quickly grew from a casual club to a sanctioned sport with roughly 50 students on the roster.
“This year there was a lot of interest in our esports program from the student body so I decided to join the PIEA (PA Interscholastic Esports Association) where there was a larger opportunity for games and student leadership,” said Jamie who co-leads the program with fellow Henderson teacher Dan Coley.
No longer relegated to the basement TV – esports are a growing, and increasingly lucrative, industry with pro gamers earning between $1000 and $5000 a month on average. Even on an amateur level, things are heating up. According to a Parents’ Esports Guide put out by the National Federation of State High School Associations, more than 200 colleges and universities have varsity esports teams with many of those offering scholarship dollars to top players.
At Henderson, the students competed for three to five spots on five teams. Each team specializes in a popular video game either Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bro’s Ultimate, Rocket League, or Valorant. All games played competitively at the high school level are either rated “T for Teen” or “E for Everyone.” Henderson fielded a team for each of the four PIEA-eligible titles and two for Valorant. According to PIEA, more than 150 Pennsylvania middle and high schools have competitive esports teams.
The esports calendar is divided into two regular seasons, fall and spring, with each having a playoff season. The Henderson gamers, only a season in, have already found early success.
“Every one of our five fall teams qualified for the playoffs,” said Jamie and two of those teams have already grabbed state attention.
Henderson’s Valorant A squad entered the playoffs ranked seventh in the state. Last week, they lost in a nail-biter in the final round of the quarterfinal. “After an intense match up they were defeated in the final round by only two points,” said Jamie. “This team has a lot of skill and I hope to see them back for the spring season.”
But Henderson’s not done yet.
“Our Rocket League team (ranked 4th in the state) won their quarterfinal match defeating 5th-ranked [Central Bucks South],” Jamie shared last week. The Rocket League team will now be traveling to Juniata College on January 14 to play in the PA state championship. In true gaming fashion – the competition will be live-streamed on the PIEA YouTube channel. In what should be an intense match, the Warriors take on #1 ranked South Fayette in round 1.
“These young athletes have showcased not only their gaming skills but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” said Jamie.
Henderson’s Valorant A squad entered the playoffs ranked seventh in the state. Last week, they lost in a nail-biter in the final round of the quarterfinal. “After an intense match up they were defeated in the final round by only two points,” said Jamie. “This team has a lot of skill and I hope to see them back for the spring season.”
The Rocket League Team did one better.
“Our Rocket League team (ranked 4th in the state) won their quarterfinal match defeating 5th-ranked [Central Bucks South],” shared Jamie. The win qualified for the PA State Championship is Juniata College on January 14. Unfortunately, the team was eliminated in a close semi-final match but don’t worry, they will be back.
“These young athletes have showcased not only their gaming skills but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” said Jamie. A member from each of the Rocket League and Valorant teams have been asked to participate in the upcoming All-Star game.
Originally published on Jan. 12, 2024
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