A program that deals with gaming has become very popular with high schools and includes Perry.

Perry High School Esports Coach Ryan Burger says that Esports  has really taken off in Iowa and just a couple of years ago there were only 30 schools with the program and now there are about 80. Burger says that there are three seasons within the school year that feature different games. 

“We are participating in the ones related to the Nintendo Switch, which are Super Smash Brothers, which is kind of a fighting game. One called Rocket League, which is the one that we play over the winter season, which is essentially soccer with remote controlled cars. And Mario Kart, which is a kart racing game, kind of a fantasy thing.”

Burger explains that Esports is another activity for students to learn teamwork while also keeping them engaged in their school material to be able to be a part of the program. 

“It puts motivation behind the kids to really do something and kick it up a little bit. Then the camaraderie that comes from these kids working together, cheering each other on the games is just a blast. It’s just fun to watch them get excited.”

He states that the next step for the Esports program is to get the district to let them play first person shooter games like Tom Clancy Rainbow Siege and League of Legends. Burger says they have a group of 25 kids with Esports. Burger also notes that colleges are now starting to give out scholarships for Esports.