DECATUR, Ill. (AP) – More than two dozen Illinois schools have started esports teams as the Illinois High School Association has recognized video gaming as an emerging high school sport.
Eisenhower High School in Decatur is one of those schools. The Herald & Review reports that more than 30 Eisenhower students have expressed interest in the school’s e-sports team.
The season will run October through January, with practices starting in August. Teams compete in multiplayer games over the internet, but play in person for the state level competition.
Matt Gremos is an English teacher and a coach for Eisenhower’s team. He says participating students learn sportsmanship, teamwork and responsibility.
LeAnna Mutchler is an administrative assistant with the Illinois High School Association. She says the group hasn’t officially sanctioned e-sports, but is gauging its popularity.
