Game On! eSports Coming To PHS

eSports are legit at Perkins High.

The Perkins Local School Board of Education on Wednesday, November 8, approved the creation of an electronic video gaming (eSports) club at Perkins High School. The club will compete with other high school eSports clubs at in-person and online matches.

The new program will be rolled out in two phases, the first beginning in January will be for a varsity-level team and ready to compete in January with six gaming stations. 

Next spring, the program will be evaluated and, if successful, another six gaming stations will be added and compete on varsity and junior varsity levels.

Overall costs for the team are estimated at $55,000 to $65,000 over five years to keep the team in-house at Perkins High School, and buy and maintain its own computer and electronic equipment. 

PHS high school teacher Tim Obergefell, who has been advocating for the program, told Board members that an option to have the team at Cedar Point’s Sports Force complex was also considered. That option was estimated to cost $80,000 to $85,000 over five years, and the equipment would be rented. There also would be limited access to the facilities for practice and matches, whereas PHS students would have much greater access to computers and gear if it was owned by the district.

The Perkins Athletic Boosters have said they would contribute $5,000 to help offset startup costs of the club, Mr. Obergefell said.