Starting at the beginning of the week on Monday, March third, a new extracurricular activity was initiated within North Polk High School: Electronic (E) sports.
From the idea beginning in 2019 with information technology (IT) Director Scott Growdon and IT Assistant Jacob Griffin, the program has been in production for over five years.
Griffin, now Coach and Coordinator for the team explained he was immediately on board with the idea, as he “loved sports when I was in high school and was very involved. I loved the skills and mindset that team sports instill in an individual.” He explained that those wanting this sportsmanship may want alternate motives in seeking this, whether it be due to not wanting to or not being able to compete athletically.
Moreover, he explained that the investment of adults in these underserved students may make a greater difference than others may believe.
“[I]f a student has just one adult investing in them, the likelihood of dropping out of school falls astronomically…coming from a rough background myself, I was at a greater risk of being one of these statistics. But I had that one teacher (actually two) who invested in me. I attribute most of my successes to them,” Griffin stated.
When looking to get the Esports team started with the aftershock of COVID-19 in 2020, Griffin explained that progress began after Matt Eichhorn, Athletic Director, was hired at North Polk. Coming from a district with a successful Esports team, Griffin explained that he was “onboard immediately.”
When the program was approved by both the athletic department and the school board, the program was officially launched at North Polk with its beginning Spring season with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Griffin explained that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was chosen from the regulations of the Iowa High School Esports Association (IAHSEA), where teams can compete, as well as from a survey sent to the North Polk Community on what title should be played for its starter season.
He moreover noted that for students wanting to join all equipment will be provided, with the school having three Nintendo Switches available and backup switches will be available if necessary by Griffin and fellow coach Dalton Dodge.
The program has the option to be available year round due to it being divided into three seasons within the IAHSEA, encouraging the option for students who may be busy during one season to join the team during another season.
The team will undoubtedly bring a sense of companionship and camaraderie among both the students and their coordinators, promoting the sportsmanship nature of Esports.
“Because of [the teachers’] investment in me and their belief in me, I was able to believe in myself. Because of these two teachers, I was the first in my family to go to college. I want to be that for students and this is a good opportunity to do that,” Griffin ended.
If you are interested in joining the Esports team, and/or looking for the schedule, reach out to either [email protected] and/or [email protected].
