Get Your Head in the Game with Esports

posted November 4, 2022

New to Cardinal High School this year is an esports program! Students in 9th through 12th grade with an interest in video games are encouraged to join. Cardinal’s esports team will compete against other districts just like our other sports teams.

“It’s new, and we’re excited for another outlet for kids to get involved and another way to be proud of being a Cardinal Comet,” Chris Becker, Cardinal activities director explained to GoSCCTV earlier this fall.

As of this year, Cardinal CSD and Centerville CSD are the only districts in the South Central Conference with an esports program. The team will be part of the Iowa High School Esports Association. Matches will take place on Tuesdays (varsity) and Thursdays (JV) and played online. The only time the team will have to travel for games is for the playoffs at the end of each season.

“We’re very excited to start the program this winter and to offer an activity that so many students today are passionate about,” Joel Pedersen, Cardinal superintendent says. “We want to ensure our activities lineup reflects a variety of student talents.”

Heather Smith, Cardinal food service director, will oversee the new program as their designated esports coordinator (D.E.C.).   

“I was interested in leading the club so I could have the chance to get to know the students on a different level,” Coach Smith says. “My nephew and son were also interested in participating so I wanted to make sure that someone stepped up to lead the club.”

Coach Smith’s favorite video games are “Super Mario Bros.,” “Bubble Bobble,” and “Mario Kart” so she comes prepared! “Mario Kart” will be the team’s focus in the spring season, while this winter they will play “Overwatch 2.”

“We’re going to be leaning a lot on the students, too, to give their feedback, to tell us what they like,” Coach Smith told GoSCCTV.

This feedback includes the games and platforms students would like to see used each season. Traditionally esports programs have three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. This year, since the Cardinal program is just starting, our team will begin competing this winter. Each season, the students will choose a new game to play. 

“The kids are really excited,” Coach Smith says. “This gives them the opportunity to be part of a team just in a different way.”

We encourage any students interested to reach out as there are many benefits to participating in the sport.

“Kids that are involved in esports have shown increased GPA and increased attendance,” Coach Smith says. “There are a lot of opportunities for scholarships to colleges with esports programs.”

If you are interested in joining the team or learning more about the program, please contact Coach Smith at heather.smith@cardinalcomet.com.