North Syracuse students, coaches showcase growing Esports program and ask board for space and equipment

Catherine Leo, a biology teacher and Esports coach in the North Syracuse Central School District, outlined the district's North Stars Esports program and urged the board to support additional space and equipment so the program can grow.

The program, Leo said, began at the high school in fall 2022 and expanded to the junior high in fall 2023 after the district acquired more consoles. "Our goal is to foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and critical thinking skills through competitive gaming," Leo said. She told the board the program now has "approximately 30 active students, give or take," and runs teams in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League.

Nut Graf: Students and coaches said Esports provides many of the same social and academic benefits as traditional athletics for students who might not participate in physical sports. But they told the board the program has hit a growth ceiling because of limited space at the high school and insufficient gaming equipment for more demanding titles and larger leagues.

Students who play described personal benefits. "I was so grateful that eSports got to where it is because I struggled with trying to find, like, a sport to play because I have asthma," said Zach Strait, a student player, adding that Esports improved his problem-solving, focus and teamwork. Matthew, a team captain, said the program helped him gain confidence and leadership: "When I joined CNS Esports, I was a very quiet kid. ... I'm up here talking pretty confidently to a small audience." Nathan, a junior-high captain, noted the program has no tryouts and increases access: "There's no cuts at all. We don't have, like, tryouts. We like, anybody who shows up that wants to play is welcome to play."

Coaches said equipment and space are the program's immediate needs. Leo told the board the junior high uses a full computer lab, but the high school team operates from "this teeny tiny little room off the library" and is seeking a larger space. She also said more computers would let the district play titles other districts use in interscholastic competition. "If we wanna play Overwatch or Marvel Bridal up against Syracuse City, Central Square ... we need the equipment to do that," Leo said.

Leo described college-level pathways that are forming around Esports. She said community colleges and Syracuse University have programs that recruit high-school players and offer related academic programs in areas such as marketing and event management. "SU has a full, like bachelor's degree in varying realms of e sports," she said, and named Dr. Joey Grzyak as a point of contact who is "actively recruiting players from the surrounding districts."

Board members and administrators praised the program. Board President Michael Maurizio thanked coaches and students after the presentation; one board member called the presentation "an awesome, awesome presentation" and tied the program to resource and budget priorities.

The coaches invited board members to attend playoffs in April at the Elite Gaming Arena, and requested district consideration of a larger permanent space at the high school and additional hardware purchases to support expansion.

Ending: The board did not take an immediate funding vote during the meeting. Coaches said they will continue working with district administrators on space and equipment options and invited the public to the April playoffs.