(Glenwood) — Glenwood high school students are among the growing number of individuals partaking in competitive online gaming.
Over the past seven years, over 8,000 high schools have added Esports as an extracurricular activity, with the Iowa High School Esports Association holding its first season of competition in 2021. Among the over 50 schools joining the ranks is the Glenwood Community High School, adding Esports as a varsity activity. High School Math Teacher Bruce Landstrom is one of the team’s coaches. Speaking on KMA’s “Morning Show” recently, Landstrom says the Esports program provides an alternative for those who aren’t involved in a traditional after-school activity and partake in one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide.
“In our Esports program, we help students develop skills, teamwork, discipline, and a group mindset in a structured setting and we practice every day after school for about an hour and a half,” said Landstrom. “Not only do we focus on competition, but we focus on helping students build skills like confidence, develop social connections, and compete in a safe and therapeutic environment.”
The current winter season game they are coming in is “Rocket League,” with events organized in private matches typically with other area schools in a “best of five” format. Landstrom says starting an Esports program had been a goal for himself, fellow Coach Charles Heilman, and Glenwood Activities Director Jeff Bissen for the last few years.
“We knew this was something that all of our students really wanted and benefited from, so we brought that full circle and were able to get a grant from the Department of Education to help fund this a little bit,” Landstrom explained. “We also partner with the Iowa High School Esports Association, which is growing. I believe they had around 50 teams in the league last year and now this year they’re up closer to 80 (teams).”
While students don’t receive a varsity letter yet, Landstrom says they treat the program like any other sport, with varsity regular season matches held on Thursdays after school and junior varsity matches on Tuesdays in a dedicated classroom just off the media center. With a win over Gilbert last week, Landstrom says Glenwood’s “Rocket League” team is undefeated and has clinched a spot in the postseason.
“Last week, we clinched a spot to state in Marshalltown,” he said. “So, the last regular season week is next week, then there’s a make up week, and then the playoffs start after that and it culminates in Marshalltown at the end of February for state.”
Other games organized by the state association throughout the year include “Mario Kart 8,” “Overwatch 2,” “Rainbow Six Siege,” and “Super Smash Brothers,” among others. The school also has a YouTube channel that livestreams the Thursday matches, featuring what Landstrom says are “shoutcasters,” or the Esports version of commentators.
“They jump into the games actually and spectate it, they can control the cameras if they want, and basically they add a whole nother level to our game,” said Landstrom. “When you think about it, lots of people watch YouTubers and stuff like that when they’re doing their livestreaming and we’re trying to do the same thing with bringing that broadcasting into these different game titles that we have.”
You can learn more about the Iowa High School Esports Association by visiting iahsea.org. You can hear the full interview with Bruce Landstrom below:
