Jessee Brake with some of the Chase Secondary students competing in esports (Image Credit: Kamloops-Thompson School District)

By James Peters

Esports

“All the same qualities as any extra-curricular activity”: Chase Secondary students ascending the esports ranks

Oct 12, 2022 | 1:58 PM

CHASE, B.C. — This fall, Chase Secondary has three teams competing in one of the fastest growing pursuits in the world — esports.

Playing the popular game Rocket League, the teams will take part in the B.C. School Sports fall season, which runs from October 3 to November 25. Playoffs for the top 32 teams in the league are held from November 25 to December 9.

While putting esports on the same level as traditional sports may raise eyebrows for some, Chase Secondary teacher Jessee Brake says they should be viewed the same way.

“This is a sanctioned high school sport that has all the same qualities as any extra-curricular activity,” said Brake in a news release. “Video games often get a bad rap but this esports league is run in a controlled and supervised environment, and we are held to the same standard as regular sport teams.”

There are three players on each team, winnowed down from an 18-student tryout process.

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“These students have a shot at winning scholarships, turning professional and making a career in esports,” said Brake. “It’s been exciting to watch their practice sessions and a lot of students have been coming to see them during practice matches where they were taking on teams from high schools in Florida, California and New Mexico.”

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