(Left) Caden Timmons (front) and Mason McCune take part in the esports program at Westgate Middle School. (Right) Esport Advisor Brian Kerr watches over students as they play in the new esport arena/lab. (Submitted Photos)

EAST LIVERPOOL — The technology team for East Liverpool schools has transformed one of the old computer training labs at Westgate Middle School into an esports arena.

The cost for the arena/lab, which includes specialized computers, Xbox controllers, headphones, chairs and monitors, was $20,000, funded with grant money.

Esports Advisor Brian Kerr said that approximately 12 students are involved in the program now as it gets underway, but he anticipates more than 30 students involved next year as they look to start competing in tournaments.

Kerr said the main benefit of esports for the students is the scholarships and that there are a lot of scholarships available. This helps open the doors to more opportunities for college for kids who don’t do football, baseball, band or other activities like that. He also noted it is a great way to develop communication and team building skills.

“This isn’t just video games. There is more to it than that. It’s fostering skills like content creation, streaming, and communication, and let’s not forget the importance of teamwork and friendly competition,” Kerr said. “Just like any other sports team, students will be expected to maintain good attendance and grades, because we believe in nurturing both their academic and gaming prowess. But here’s where it gets really exciting — we’re aiming to help our students secure scholarships to college recruiters.”

Kerr named off a few universities and colleges around the state that have an esports program which award scholarships, such as The Ohio State University, Kent State University, Case Western University and more.

Chris Cardelein, program coordinator, said many of the colleges have multi-million dollar facilities for esports.

Mason McCune, student, said he joined esports because he knew it would be a lot of fun and wanted to experience what it was like to play on a keyboard and other games. He said he was surprised when the school got esports and would go to college for esports if he received a scholarship.

“I think it’s going to help me build up social stuff like how to work together with other people, and this would help with teamwork as well,” McCune said.

Isaih Williamson, student, said, “I think it’s good; it builds communication skills and stuff like that and it’s fun to play games after school.”

Williamson also said he was having fun and like McCune, he is interested in the colleges that offer it, and after talking with his friends he decided it would be a good idea to join.

Esports, according to Cardelein, can lead to careers in content creation, communications and more. He also noted that due to the development of hand-eye coordination while taking part, there are companies looking for people with that type of skill to fly drones.

Tyrese Gibson, a student, said he thinks the new arena is really cool and a huge upgrade because the computers are 10 times better, and they are not lagging.

Tyrese, who also plays soccer, said he feels esports gives him the option to explore other things. He joined esports to play more games outside of sports. He noted that his parents are excited that he is doing esports.

Jaydence Rogers, student, said he has always been into gaming and now he is able to use his gaming or different kinds of stuff other than being lazy. Jaydence said he feels esports is going to help him with a lot of publicity and talking to other people more.

If anyone would like more information on the setup or a firsthand tour of the esports arena, contact Cardelein at ccardelein@elpotters.school.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com