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School resource officer launches Newton High School esports; Rocket League team advances to state
Summary
Officer Lovan told the council he founded a sanctioned esports program at Newton High School; the Rocket League team qualified for state competition and finished fourth in its first year, and students said esports gives nontraditional athletes an opportunity to represent their school.
School Resource Officer Lovan described how he started an esports program at Newton High School as a way to build positive relationships with students. He said he raised funds and leveraged local business and grant support to create an "ESports Arena" from an existing computer room and to field teams in sanctioned play.
"So here's the team... we took 4th place, so that's pretty good for our 1st year," said Officer Lovan, recounting the Rocket League squad’s run to state. Student captain Levi Zabel said the season provided a social and competitive outlet: "I'm Levi Zabel, and I'm a senior at Newton High School, and I'm the captain of Rocket League." Another student, Zach Schwab, said he enjoyed playing Overwatch and appreciated the opportunity to participate in a school activity that fit his interests.
Council members praised the program as a new opportunity for students and noted that esports can lead to college scholarships. The council encouraged continued community support and recognized the adults and businesses that helped start the program.
