In March of 2020, as schools across the country shut down due to the pandemic, our students at Westside High School in Omaha, Neb., were sent home for the remainder of the semester.  

 

Administrators in the school district had previously considered starting an Esports program, and facing the uncertainty of what would happen the following year, leadership knew it was a perfect opportunity to launch the program. “Esports” (or Electronic Sports) is organized, competitive video gaming that operates similarly to other high school sports, with teams from other schools competing against one another. These sports are in an online format, allowing connectivity from basically anywhere.   

 

School officials believed that Esports would allow students to stay engaged in school activities, despite COVID-19 regulations that kept students off campus. The district, Westside Community Schools, put out a call for anyone interested in helping launch and coach the new program, and when I saw the alert, I immediately recognized this unique opportunity to help create a new avenue for students to learn and connect. Within the year, I stepped into the role of Westside High School’s first-ever Esports coach. 

 

After one year of planning, our WHS team began competing in the fall of 2021. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but we were blown away by the amount of student interest we received. Within 24 hours, we had more than 50 students responding to our interest form, and by the time we closed the registration period two weeks later, more than 70 students had responded. This was far more than we anticipated and more than our newly-opened Esports lab could accommodate. This high turnout translated into success. Within our first season, WHS won the state championship trophy for all three games we competed in. The following year, we found ourselves taking home both regional and national championship trophies.  

 

The success of our Esports program spans far beyond the tournaments we’ve won.  Our program has brought together students from varying backgrounds, interests and skill levels, including varsity athletes, Special Olympics athletes, as well as students in band, show choir and theater.  

Our teams have also been a home to a number of students who had never before participated in a school activity or sport. The program opened the door and provided a new way to develop teamwork and communication skills, and also to be a part of a tight-knit community on campus. 

 

One of those students is Robert “Bert” Rasgorshek, who found far more than just a pastime through Westside Esports. 

 

“Being a part of Westside High School's Esports team has been one of the biggest highlights of my high school experience,” Bert shared. “Whether I was grouping up to push with my teammates in Overwatch, lining up a clutch shot in Valorant, or going one-on-one in Smash, I realized how valuable new strategies, communication, and staying calm under pressure are. 

 

“My teammates and coaches accepted me for the person I was and encouraged me to grow as a player, a teammate, and a leader. It also gave me something to look forward to after each day at school— something that continues to motivate me to stay focused and improve so I can keep playing. I've become friends with people I might never have met, and formed supportive and long-lasting bonds through our shared love for the game and competition.

 

“Even when we lost together, we learned together, we supported each other, and we came back stronger. This team gave me confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging in a time when I didn’t know which extracurricular I wanted to pursue. These lessons and memories are the things that I want to carry with me long after I’ve graduated high school.”

Having a team sponsor like GFiber has been integral in keeping our program going. Computer and video game equipment can be quite costly, and the support from GFiber helps us maintain our equipment and supply students with the latest games. The sponsorship has also enabled us to travel to in-person tournaments where our players meet with college coaches— many of those same players have gone on to earn Esports scholarships to their respective colleges.  

 

I look forward to continued collaboration with GFiber and to the future success this generous support enables our students to experience, both in school and in competition.  

Posted by :

Head Coach, Westside High School Esports 

Robert “Bert” Rasgorshek 

Westside High School Esports Team Member