Monroe-Woodbury's ESports team is the culmination of more than three years of discussion, planning and organization. The final step was creating a team headquarters, complete with seven gaming computers, to house practices and competitions. There's no astroturf needed for this playing field, just some good quality video monitors and an internet connection! Coach John Gartiser credits district administration, which was pivotal in seeing this project through, from the dream of the high school Gaming Club to its first season of competition. M-W competes against other high school teams, both local and nationally, in a game called Rocket League, which is described as "basically soccer played by cars." You have only to watch a Rocket League match to realize the skills and concentration required to win.
Asked about the future of ESports at Monroe-Woodbury, Coach Gartiser describes a two season sport, with different games offered in the spring and fall. Each season would culminate in local and regional winners, playoffs and state championships. His goal is "to bridge the gap between ESports and athletics, to give kids as many opportunities to compete behind a video screen as they have on the field."
In its first season, Monroe-Woodbury posted a 10-2 record. Jamison Detty was the team's leading goal scorer followed by James McCormick, who also finished the season with the most assists. Congratulations on a great first season, M-W ESports! See you in the fall!