Knightly News

Clubs. Classes. Camaraderie. It’s often said that there’s something for everyone at Episcopal. The recent success of the Knights Gaming Club offers a great example. Earlier this year, the club was established to provide students interested in gaming an opportunity to play with classmates in the school’s new computer lab. Initially, club organizers Steve Latuso and Mark Engstrom weren’t sure if the group would compete outside Episcopal. Now, just a few short months later, the Middle School squad celebrated a tremendous season that took them to the second round of the playoffs and the Upper School competitors finished the regular season with a 9 and 2 record and begin the playoff tournament next week.

Something Special in Middle School

Going into competition season, Latuso, Engstrom and even students and families weren’t sure what to expect. However, it quickly became apparent that there was something special about the Middle School esports team of Brady Foret, Ben Gautreaux, Mason Castille and Bryton Butler. “We started the season agreeing that we would have fun in a healthy and competitive atmosphere and we were able to do just that,” says Middle School Division Head Mark Engstrom. “We had a great inaugural season and found out that we were quite competitive nationally. It was great to watch the team come together and improve over the course of the season.” The team was undefeated through four games and ended the season with a 7 and 3 win/loss record in the regular and postseason. 

The Middle School quartet was passionate about their performances and prioritized availability. When needed, the students competed during the Mardi Gras and Easter breaks, even while on vacation with family. “Geography doesn’t matter,” says Latuso of the team’s ability to play remotely. The unique nature of esports, which allows for remote play, also allows Episcopal competitors to face off against schools across the country, including faraway locations like New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Kansas and Chicago.

The team’s success generated enthusiasm among families, friends and members of the Upper School team, who often stopped by to cheer on their younger classmates. Already a positive culture around esports has been created, and Latuso is ecstatic to see the rapid evolution. “This increases connection to the school community,” he says proudly.

Teamwork Really Does Make the Dream Work

The experience also boosts the students’ connections with each other. “The best part about the esports we do at school is being able to work as a team and getting to know other people,” says eighth grader Brady Foret. As the Middle School gamers kick, pass and block the ball in Rocket League, they work as a team to score points and deny the opposing squad. Similar to other sports, that teamwork is a key component of success, and the students appreciate it. “To me the best part of being on the Episcopal esports team is having good teammates,” says sixth grader Mason Castille. Sixth grade teammate Bryton Butler says the experience has also taught him the importance of working as a team.

These young competitors have been playing video games since they were in Lower School. When asked what they like about playing, the answers were simple. “I like video games because it’s a fun thing to do in your free time and you can play with friends and talk to people,” says Brady. “I like playing video games because although I love practicing outdoor sports year round, I also enjoy challenging video games,” says Mason. “It is the best way to do something you can’t do in real life,” says Bryton.

The team has much to celebrate as far as real success during their first season of esports competition. More importantly, they have created a new community at Episcopal that welcomes those with a passion for gaming and offers them the same sense of friendship, leadership and pride experienced in other communities or sports. “It is not just about playing with friends,” says Latuso. “It is about finding a place to call home.”

“One of the great aspects of a school like Episcopal is that we are big enough to offer amazing experiences like these and also small enough that it's accessible to everyone,” says Engstrom. “We had a strong showing in season one and we hope to have even more teams… and therefore more teammates and collaboration in the years to come!” 

Congratulations to the Middle School team on a great first year and best of luck to the Upper School competitors as they enter the playoffs next week!

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