Genesis (senior) and Knight Perez (junior) are as competitive as any athlete on the field, track, pool or court. Their sport is less common and not always well understood; it is competitive video gaming. Esports has gained popularity at the college level, with some universities offering programs. There are also scholarship opportunities for students who participate at the high school level.  

The Perez brothers are part of the Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) Esports Club. Students in the club compete with other high school students around the country on the PlayVS platform. It is not currently part of the athletics program, so they are responsible for funding. Like any other team, they have a coach and practice. 

Currently, the club has 10 students divided into three teams based on the game in which they compete. They all agree that esports requires teamwork, strategy and communication skills. When the teams play, you can see their connection in action. They exchange directions, strategies and cheers or advice at a rapid speed. Problem-solving and decision-making are happening in real-time. 

Scott Bryan, the CATA esports coach, is a Career and Technical Education computer applications teacher at the school. Some of Bryan's duties as a coach include directing the squad, organizing practices and games, developing strategies, reviewing game stats and handling equipment acquisition.

"I started the club because I have personally experienced the benefits of competitive gaming in college. With the rise of esports in our culture, I saw an opportunity to extend that experience to my students. Like in any athletic event, adversity allows you to reflect on how you can improve and refine your skills," said Bryan.

The students see the club as a new avenue for inclusivity. 

"In the past year, I'd gotten less into gaming and more into building and modifying electronics. I joined to get back into it," said Gavin Cusumano, the only ninth grader in the club. "Most kids our age are moving on to sports or other activities. I've met people who share my interests who I might not have met otherwise."

For Genesis and Knight, it's another way to bond. 

"We play against each other at home, too. It was a combination of our father and Genesis who taught me how to play games. A lot of the games we play, I'm the number two," said Knight. "When we play against each other, it's a way to learn how each other think. We've come across a lot of situations where we finish each other's thoughts. In whatever we are playing, we guess what the other is going to do. That's great, especially in the collaborative games."

Due to his father's work, Robert Rigsbee, a 10th grader, has always been drawn to and around technology. He's been playing video games for a long time and sees its benefits.

"You need to have good communication with your teammates. You develop your hand-eye coordination, leadership skills, time management and concentration," said Robert. "As the captain of my team, I have to give feedback. I'm not the best at the game but I'm good at keeping everyone focused."  

The CATA team did very well in the regular season. Bryan said the school has been supportive by announcing their wins over the intercom. The team recently also received their team jerseys. They have qualified for the playoffs and are competing to advance to the semifinals. If they make it to the finals, they will compete in the championship during the week of Dec. 19. 

"My students recently stood toe-to-toe with the only undefeated team this season in Splatoon 3. I know we have a strong shot at winning the Spring season and perhaps even the national competition next summer," said Bryan. "Whether we do or don't, learning how to have the self-discipline, attitude, class and focus that will lead to success is the greatest gift my students will take away from this incredible experience."

Each CATA team is listed below.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team 

The players are Genesis Perez, Knight Perez, Jake Mahaffey, Robby Rigsbee, Charles Magee and Alex Nein.

Splatoon 3 team 

The players are Robby Rigsbee, Dale Parliman, Jordan Torrence, Jake Mahaffey and JD Tiller.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe team 

The players are Gavin Cusumano, Knight Perez, Dale Parliman and Genesis Perez.

Donate to the CATA Esports Club.

12/14/2022