Hancock adds esports: Bulldogs excited to compete in video games
Bulldogs excited to compete in video games
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HANCOCK -- Hancock Public Schools recently added esports to their athletic department for high school and middle school students. The Bulldogs partner with the Finlandia University esports program and use FU's high-tech gaming room facility located in the former Hancock Middle School building.
"We have learned that industry recruiters of college graduates value the skills developed from participation in esports," said Hancock Superintendent Dr. Steve Patchin. "Bulldogs students now have the opportunity to develop these unique skills."
Finlandia's esports head coach Thomas Goodman helped with the start of Hancock's program, suggesting to Athletics Director Chris Salani that recent Hancock graduate, and current Finlandia player, John Holladay head up the program as Hancock's first coach.
Holladay said that interest in esports has risen significantly do to COVID-19 both nationally and locally. Hancock has about 12 high school students and 15 middle school students currently signed up, but Holladay thinks those numbers will only grow.
"I do expect more Bulldogs to get involved next year. I have seen an increase in students during this season as kids encourage others to at least give esports a try," said Holladay. "I also believe that many students will be more inclined to join due to the different games being offered next fall semester."
Holladay, who has been playing team-orientated games for six years and competitively for a year, said that esports appeal to those kids who play conventional sports and those who do not. For students who have not been part of athletic teams, esports can fill that social and teamwork void.
Goodman said that the rapid growth of the sport at the college varsity level is causing a high demand for high school esports players to recruit. Many universities, including Finlandia, are offering scholarships for esports athletes.
Holladay likes the bonus of the Hancock-Finlandia partnership with the esports programs.
"I think Hancock students have an advantage over many other high schools because of their access to FU's beautiful facility and gaming equipment," he said. "It's a great 'home court' for the kids to build their skills."
Coach Holladay will be assisted at Hancock by his Finlandia teammate, Nick Illescas.