East Rockingham's new Esports team wins $5,000 matching grant and expands program

East Rockingham High School introduced its new varsity Esports program and acknowledged a $5,000 matching grant from the Joe and Debbie Shoker Foundation at the Rockingham County Public Schools board meeting on July 27.

Eric Renberg, who presented the program, said Esports began officially in spring 2024 with eight students and grew to about 25 this fall. He described Esports as skill-based, team and single-player competition played on school PCs and consoles, and noted local colleges now offer Esports scholarships.

Renberg credited volunteer coaches, student engagement and local partners for rapid growth. He described program facilities upgrades nd displayed team merchandise, decals and painted “HQ” space. "We started with one Nintendo Switch and six very outdated PCs," he said, noting recent donations and equipment purchases have improved the setup.

The board recognized the Joe and Debbie Shoker Foundation for a $5,000 matching grant that Renberg said funded much of the furniture and other infrastructure. The school presented the Shoker Foundation with a plaque and small tokens produced by Esports students.

Renberg and a fellow volunteer coach, Christopher Michael, said the program reaches students who might not participate in other extracurriculars and can support careers in streaming, production and competitive play. Board members thanked the coaches and encouraged expansion when volunteer capacity and funding allow.

The presentation preceded the board's public-comment period and routine business; no formal vote was required on the donation itself.