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Garfield High’s new esports team reaches state finals; coach asks board for space, equipment and parity with other sports
Summary
Garfield High School’s inaugural esports program reached the Garden State Esports Division 3 state finals this fall. Coach Zach Durr and students described academic, social and college-career benefits and asked the board for infrastructure (a dedicated room), two more gaming stations and equitable recognition and stipends.
Garfield High School’s newly launched esports program made a state-level showing in its first competitive season, coach Mister Durr told the Garfield Public School District Board of Education, and now he is asking the board for investment to sustain and grow the effort.
“We came back from Georgian Court University on Saturday, after participating in the semifinals and the finals of the Garden State Esports Division 3 league,” Durr said, noting the team’s first-year success and the program’s broader benefits. Durr said the program currently has roughly 70 students interested overall and nearly 30 active players in the season, but the team could field more rosters if the district had more hardware — only 10 of 12 computers are set up in the current space.
The superintendent, Doctor Tomko, and several board members praised the students’ achievement. Senior player Jose Ampi described what the program meant to participants: “Through esports, we were given that place. It gave us a team where we could show up, feel safe, and feel like we actually belong.”
Durr framed esports as both inclusive and career-oriented. He said the activity follows sports-like structures (seasons, playoffs, championships), offers scholarship opportunities and builds teamwork, accountability and communication. He cited scholarship ranges and college recruitment in esports, saying smaller awards often range from $1,000 to $6,000 a year while some programs offer substantially larger aid.
The coach requested several concrete supports: a dedicated esports room or renovated technology space so all 12 stations could be maintained, formal uniforms/jerseys, equitable coaching stipends comparable to other varsity activities and the ability to stream matches so community members and family could watch. He also described plans to include students from MD/ACES/GAP programs through the Unified League and a Valkyrie League for girls and underrepresented students.
Board members and community speakers applauded the team’s on-court and off-court gains, and the superintendent said the district is exploring grant and financing options for facilities and technology. The board did not take a formal vote on esports-specific funding during the meeting; Durr said he would continue work with administration on financing and space solutions.
The district plans to follow up on next steps, including potential facility modifications, formal recognition/lettering policies and any stipend or budget requests the coach submits to the finance committee.
