When Central High added an eSports club, many people shunned it and many thought it was a dumb idea. But to business teacher Jonathan Franta, the eSports head coach, it means a way to have kids have fun with their hobbies, even if they don’t line up with physical sports.
According to Franta, there are around 50 members in eSports, making up 12 to 13 teams, including teams for “Mario Kart,” “League of Legends,” “Valorant” and “Rocket League.” When asked to name a standout team or player, Franta said that all the teams and players count.
“I do this for the players, not for me. I don’t want the focus to be on me. Every student need something to do during and after high school, and if you love games, why not?” Franta said.
Sofia Luethge and Finn Paintin, students who participate in eSports, support the sentiment that every player is equally important. Luethge, who is part of the first Mario Kart team, said, “Every time we play, I’m impressed by how good they are.”
Paintin, who plays “League of Legends,” agreed, saying that eSports is a great place to meet other people, and according to him, a better place than most.
Luethge said that it’s important to remember that eSports is more than a club – it’s a team, and one that can provide scholarships. All three University of Nebraska campuses and Midland University offer varsity scholarships for eSports players.
Franta said that there’s no point fearing eSports. “Everyone’s a nerd in some way. It’s time to start just embracing what you love, [be it] DECA, football, games, whatever,” he said.
