OVERWATCH OUTLOOK

Esports, short for electronic sports, translates to the excitement of competition and the sting of defeat. Once exclusive to traditional athletics, now in the digital realm. Esports is played competitively by professional gamers or by clubs, usually run in schools. It includes organized video game competitions in which professional players, either solo or as part of a team, play for financial rewards, sponsorship opportunities, industry recognition, and most of all, for fun. 

THE ESPORTS TEAM FOCUSED ON THEIR GAME; PHOTO BY JACOB SAMS-SANCHEZ

Clear Creek Amana High School has an esports team coached by English teacher and high school yearbook advisor David Zorn.  Zorn has been coaching esports since the fall of 2022, making this his fourth year leading teams in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Overwatch 2 and Rocket League. When asked what games he would like to coach in the future, he mentioned one would be the game Valorant. His explanation behind this was  that he grew up playing Counter-Strike and enjoys helping others improve in similar tactical shooters. Esports didn’t exist as a high-school activity when he was younger, and he said he would have joined in a heartbeat if it had been available. One of the biggest lessons he has learned as a coach is that a team can’t be good without removing toxicity and building a positive environment. Lastly Zorn was asked if he were to pass on advice to future coaches what advice he would give them. Zorn responded that he’d tell them to think big picture, teamwork, maturity, and discipline matter far more than a single week’s game. His goals for this season focus on improvement, growth, and competing in the state tournament.

Clear Creek Amana High School is competing in two games this year: Overwatch 2 and Rocket league. Rocket league has been played at our school for 4 years and Overwatch 2 is going into its second year. Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play, team-based hero shooter that puts two teams of five players against each other in fast-paced, objective-driven battles. Players select from a wide-ranging lineup of heroes, each equipped with unique abilities and playstyles. With that, players work together and secure victory across a variety of vibrant, futuristic maps. Overwatch 2 continually evolves with regular updates, introducing new heroes, maps, and seasonal content. 

Next, Clear Creek Amana High School student Josh Gaeta (Sophomore), a member on the Overwatch 2 roster was interviewed. Gaeta was firstly asked about the biggest lesson he’s learned in esports. His response highlighted the importance of communication, coordinating plays effectively and trusting his team. This season, his goals include making it to state, reaching platinum, and earning a college offer. Looking further ahead, Gaeta hopes to continue his career in places like Marshalltown. If not that than with an organization such as Team Liquid, eventually retiring into content creation. He values teammates who can communicate both strategically and emotionally, knowing when to be serious and when to keep things light. To avoid burnout, Gaeta steps away from the game when needed and returns once he’s cooled off and refreshed. 

The second game, Rocket League, is also a free-to-play, fast-paced game that combines the excitement of soccer with rocket-powered cars. Players work with their team to advance the ball down the field, and score goals in their opponents' net. It allows students to compete in a fun, team-based environment while representing their schools. Through gameplay, students develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, and mastering in-game mechanics. They also learn sportsmanship, leadership, and how to stay focused under pressure. This can go for both of the games played in Esports Club this year. Members on the Rocket league team were interviewed. Kamden Dowling a 10th grader says “My goals for Rocket League as an esport is to make it to the state tournament.” To achieve his goals Dowling states “The way I stay motivated is by taking breaks and telling myself that I must carry my team”. Next interviewee is a 10th grader Kody Banks. Banks states that “Rocket League is for sure one of the harder games to get good at, and harder to compete.” Banks goes on to say “My teammate should be someone reliable, I should be able to trust them when my back is turned.” He says this because “My goal is to win, and if we don't win, fail and try again.” Lastly there was 10th grader Jacob Sams-Sanchez. Sams-Sanchez claims “ My goal is to win. And if I fall short, I’ll regroup, improve, and try again until I do.” He continues to go on and say “I want teammates who genuinely believe in me, people who see my potential even on the days I struggle. I also want to be around people who challenge me, push me, and help me grow so we can lift each other up and become stronger together.” Overall, Rocket League and Overwatch 2 provides an exciting and meaningful way for students to grow, connect, and succeed both in and out of the game. Join us on both December 2nd and 4th as Esport Club’s Rocket League and Overwatch teams compete. We hope to see you there!