Esports is one of the fastest-growing co-curricular activities in the country and has now arrived at Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary School with great excitement. The BBHES Esports Club officially launched in November 2023 with nearly seventy students attending tryouts. Led by advisor and BBHES STEAM teacher, Mr. Bihari, the new student club features thirty team members comprised of fourth and fifth graders who are required to maintain good grades and set a positive example in their behavior. The students held their first practice on December 5th and regularly meet twice per week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the STEAM room just outside the Media Center. After dedicating the first six weeks to practicing, the students were organized into teams featuring three to four members who compete against each other in the Mario Kart Deluxe 8 game each week. Students play on eight Nintendo Switches and Pro Controllers that were generously donated by the BBHES PSO.
To help ensure a successful launch, Mr. Bihari visited Cleveland State University in June 2023 to watch the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s middle school Esports program in action at a summer Esports camp. Through conversations with the program director and CSU representatives, Mr. Bihari gained valuable information on how to start the program at BBHES including games to offer, and best formats for tryouts and practices.
The response to the Esports Club has been extremely positive as team members look forward with anticipation to competing and improving their gaming skills each week, with many also practicing at home to beat their competition times. Students from all grade levels can be seen checking the team standings which are posted on the outside of the glass wall of the classroom. The after-school club is a wonderful co-curricular opportunity for students to engage in, make new friends, and experience being a part of a team in a competitive and safe environment. The Esports Club also provides opportunities for students to explore potential career paths in the technology and gaming industries, such as Shoutcasting which is like sports broadcasting and involves delivering running commentary for viewers during gaming competitions.
Upon return from Spring Break, each team will look forward with anticipation to competing to claim the title in the final tournament taking place in May. A special thank you to the BBHES PSO, Principal Toth, and Mr. Bihari for their support of the Esports Club at BBHES!