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Student-founded esports club at Barnsby draws district praise and tournament participation
Summary
The Crook County School District recognized Parker Smolich and the school's new esports club, which now fields students in OSAA and PlayVS tournaments and attracts 20–30 students at lunch.
The Crook County School District on Wednesday recognized a student-led esports club that the district said has grown from two students into a daily lunchroom activity drawing 20 to 30 students and placing 12 competitors in organized tournaments this school year.
Why it matters: District officials highlighted extracurricular participation as linked to improved attendance and academic outcomes. The esports program gives students opportunities to compete in OSAA-sanctioned play and in broader tournaments hosted through PlayVS, and some students pursuing esports can qualify for college scholarships, district staff said.
The club’s origin and growth were described by district leaders and the student organizer, Parker Smolich. "Around 3 years ago, I heard over the intercom that there was an esports club and I didn't have any friends at that point because I just joined the school. So I was like, sure I'll try it out," Parker said, describing how he helped grow the club.
Natalie Eberhard, the club advisor, said the program now runs weekly competitive schedules. "We normally play in about four a week, depending on the sport... there’s a fall term and a spring league. So it's about 2½ months of weekly tournaments, twice a year," she said, explaining how contests are scheduled by game and platform.
The district noted that some games the club fields include Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart and Madden, and that OSAA supports the club for the two listed games. The club also uses PlayVS, which matches students from across the Pacific Northwest for regional competitions, Eberhard said.
Kim Meltzer, a community volunteer introduced at the meeting, was thanked by district staff for helping to organize larger tournaments and support the club’s growth.
District officials framed the recognition as part of a broader effort to expand extracurricular options. Superintendent Joel Hoff said four years ago the district intentionally boosted club offerings after reviewing student data that linked participation to better attendance and higher grades.
The board presented a certificate of recognition and invited the student and supporters for a group photo following the remarks. The program’s organizers said they plan to continue growing tournament participation.
