Esports Club Started at KMC
In America, professional sports reign supreme. Millions of Americans tune in to watch their favorite teams compete. However, there is a new form of competition that is growing in popularity: esports. This year, math teacher Anthony Hampton capitalized on the popularity by starting an esports club at Kapaun Mt. Carmel for several reasons.
“I wanted to start esports at Kapaun because there are a lot of students who succeed in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, etc. and I wanted to give the students who don't play these sports a chance to compete and succeed,” Hampton said “Esports is something that has become more popular in society, but I still believe that the main goal should be to have fun and do your best.”
The club consists of competitions playing “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.” Junior member Raegen West explained competitions.
“Competitions are every Wednesday and Thursday after school starting at four,” West said. “We compete against other teams from high schools in the midwestern states.”
West appreciates the opportunity to increase her skills and have fun.
“I enjoy playing with my classmates and being able to have fun and support other people while competing,” West said. “My goal is to get even better at playing and to connect with the other people to learn other tricks and ways to grow in the sport.”
Freshman Evan Le mentioned the benefits students gain by competing in esports.
“I feel like it will help a lot of people feel better about themselves, competing against other people,” Le said. “It’s definitely going to help some people learn to compete against others.”
West also values the competition of esports.
“I feel excited by the rise of esports because it's a great way for people of all ages to have some fun and for people who don't want to do athletic sports to express their interests in another competitive way,” West said.
Hampton hopes esports will thrive and positively impact the students who take part in the club.
“My goals for my esports team is to give students who excel at these games a chance to compete to the best of their ability, show good sportsmanship when representing Kapaun, and get even more students interested and involved for next semester,” Hampton said.