First E-Sports Team Announced at Providence Public School
GoLocalProv News Team
First E-Sports Team Announced at Providence Public School
E-sports is short for Electronic Sports, a form of organized competition using multiplayer video games. It differs from traditional video gaming because it is organized into teams, has a season structure like other high school sports, and is overseen by a governing body, says PPSD.
E-sports is the fastest-growing high school competition in the United States, and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) recently began sanctioning teams. E-sports leverages several 21st century skills including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Funding for Central High School’s program was made possible through several sources including a STEM Mini-Grant from the Rhode Island Department of Education, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, and legislative grants through the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“This exciting opportunity for our students at Central High School is a shining example of Rhode Island’s dedication to innovative and engaging STEAM education,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “By thinking outside of the box, we are providing students opportunities to learn, grow and thrive in rapidly growing career fields. We look forward to watching the program’s success and working in partnership to develop more unique STEAM opportunities in Providence Public Schools and beyond.”
“I’m beyond happy to contribute toward the excitement of an opportunity for our Urban community students to take part in such needed critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creative 21st century skills program at Central High School,” added State Representative Anastasia P. Williams of District 9 in Providence. “I’m confident to say this is just the beginning of an excellent idea in our schools and I’m looking forward to celebrate the success of this program with all the participating students and their teachers.”
Representative Williams helped secure a $10,000 legislative grant for the E-sports program along with Representative John Lombardi of District 8 in Providence, Representative Raymond Hull of District 6 in Providence and North Providence, Representative William O’Brien of District 54 in North Providence, and Representative Scott Slater of District 10 in Providence.
About Program
The new E-sports program at Central High School will be led by Math Teacher Dan Lyttle, who was inspired by a visit to the New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich. Lyttle then compiled a list of the technology and equipment needed, and worked with Central administrators Scott Sutherland, Bobby DiMuccio, Renee Walker, and Oscar Paz to establish the program and secure funding.
“We are so excited at Central to start this program,” said Coach Dan Lyttle. “We are hoping that E-Sports will be a way for more students, especially those that do not have another outlet, to get more involved in school activities. Central has had a strong history when it comes to sports and we want to keep that going and be number one in the state. As the program is still growing I issue a challenge to other schools and districts to form their own teams and join this innovative wave.”
Joining Lyttle on the coaching staff are Central teachers Jason Gomez, Megan Levy, and Alex Lee. The fall season starts in late September, with a spring season later in the school year. Approximately 14 students have already expressed interest in joining the program, and several more are expected to sign up through recruiting efforts.
Last year there were 20 E-Sports programs in schools across Rhode Island, according to the RIIL. Teams also compete with schools in other states. All games chosen for interscholastic competition must be rated “E for Everyone” or “E-10,” meaning the content is appropriate for players age 10 and up. The team at Central will compete in the games League of Legends, Rocket League, Mario Cart Deluxe, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.