Esports is a relatively new curriculum at Penn-Trafford High School. Mr. John Carlisle pioneered the program in 2020 and now in his 4th year of teaching the subject is pleased with the many opportunities it has brought to his students.
Esports is a type of competition that revolves around video games, particularly the type with multiple players battling their opponents and reliant upon strategy. Mr. Carlisle teaches game strategy and tactics across the different esports throughout his 3 classes of around 70 students.
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Penn-Trafford Esports teams competed at Saint Francis University (Loretto, PA) in the High School Championships to wrap up the fall season which began in September. The event was sponsored by The Esport Company, and drew about a dozen of the top-ranking teams in Pennsylvania. Saint Francis has a Division 1 Collegiate Esports team, and all of the high school students were excited to compete at the state-of-the-art facility.
The Warrior Esports program brought home their 6th championship in school history and the first championship in the “Overwatch’ game title. Penn Trafford is now the first and only school to win a championship in each game title in the TEC High School League which includes Rocket League, Valorant, and Overwatch. The Overwatch team which consists of Quintin Doberneck, Nicolina Ferraro, Anthony Matvia, Dom Nicotero, Cooper Pellman, Logan Pleins, and Brielle Snyder defeated West Branch High School 2-0 in a best of 3. Each student was awarded a scholarship that they can use toward college tuition. The scholarship value increases based on their in-game ranks which would allow students a significant discount throughout their college career. The Warriors will now look to defend the championship when the spring competition season kicks off in February.
“Esports is no longer the future - it’s here and now,” said teacher/coach Mr. Carlisle. “Esports is thriving throughout our country and colleges are more than happy to welcome students with scholarships now because they see the value that it brings to their student-athletes. I am so proud of where we have come in a short few years, but even more excited to push ahead.
Brielle Snyder, Cooper Pellman, Anthony Matvia, Quintin Doberneck, Dominic Nicotero