Photos by Mack Williams
Coach Conner Krug, standing, observes a play by Radford High School eSports team member Owen Saunders during a recent match.
RADFORD – There’s a new game in town.
While most sports in the state don’t get going until December, Radford High School is playing sports now – eSports that is.
Under the direction of coaches Mack Williams, Connor Krug and Nick Sutton, Radford High School is participating in its second year with VHSL eSports for the 2020-2021 season. Several students are competing with other Virginia schools through PayVS and Epic online gaming.
Rocket League, a vehicular soccer video game developed and published by Psyonix, is the name of the game for Radford High. eSports has become an officially sanctioned high school sport through VHSL, with game titles such as Rocket League, OverWatch and League of Legends being offered for competition.
It all started for Radford High School when Owen Saunders, a junior at RHS, asked the administration if the school could start an eSports program. Participants say the support of the administration has been wonderful. The team also has been blessed to have very experienced coaches help develop the program.The newest coach recruit is Connor Krug, who is the head of the growing eSports program at Radford University and is an avid Rocket League player.
Last year the Radford High School “Roaches” Rocket League team, captained by Owen Saunders, made it to the 2019 playoffs. The team has just completed the third week of the 2020 Fall season and is looking forward to being successful as the season progresses.
eSports are growing fast in the Virginia High School League and otherwise. eSports officially stands for electronic sports, not to be confused with video games. eSports takes video gaming to another level with organized competitive gameplay between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines. The difference is comparable to a pick-up basketball game at a park versus a varsity high school basketball game. eSports requires teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship, and leadership — much like traditional sports.
eSports has become an officially sanctioned high school sport, with game titles such as Rocket League, OverWatch and League of Legends being offered for competition. Players across the country are changing what it means to be a student-athlete.
For more information visit https://www.vhsl.org/esports/
– Mack Williams
Radford High School teacher and coach
