A New School esports Team Is Ready to Make Its Mark at Woodland Regional High School. For the first time ever, Woodland is stepping into the world of competitive gaming with the launch of its very own esports team. But what exactly is an esports team, and why is it making waves in schools across the country?
An esports team is not just a group of students playing video games—it’s a powerhouse of strategy, skill, and teamwork. Just like any traditional sports team here offered at Woodland, these players train, practice, and strategize to compete at the highest level, but instead of hitting the field or court, they’re battling it out in virtual arenas unlike anything Woodland has seen. From mastering intricate strategies to making split-second decisions, the competition is fierce, and every move counts. In esports, it is not just about individual talent; it is about working together as a team to outsmart, outplay, and outlast the competition, just like any other sport.
The two primary creators of this extraordinary group, James Amato and Paul Geary, are both dedicated teachers here at Woodland. Their passion for gaming—ranging from video games to card games—has been a long-standing bond between them. Over the years, they’ve shared experiences across various gaming consoles, even trading them with one another. When Amato received an email from the CIAC announcing the introduction of esports in Connecticut, he was thrilled by the opportunity to create something special for Woodland. Not only would it benefit the students, but it also offered a chance for both him and Geary to immerse themselves in something they both love.
Here at Woodland this new sport is breaking headlines; the purpose behind this group was recently explained by Amato who is one of the creators of Woodland’s esports.
“Well, I think there’s a different segment of a population at Woodland that’s into gaming and doesn’t really have an outlet that allows them to be on the competitive level. And this is one of those niche areas that allows them to take what they do at home and work in a club or athletic activity where they can compete on behalf of the school,” said Amato.
The number one priority for this group is to reach different groups of people at Woodland who may feel like they might not have something for them that matches there personality and activities. This is for people that might not be great at the standard sports at Woodland but want to be included in a school activity that they can bond with people and support their school.
If you, or anyone you know, is thinking about joining the esports club, now’s the perfect time to get involved! Singing up? Not around here. You can easily just show up on a Wednesday after school in room 225 and immediately be included in a game that might range from Super Smash Bros to Mario Kart.
