In recent times esports has become more widely accepted as a form of sport. And it seems that schools have also begun to accept it as both an activity and learning opportunity. Recently KSHSAA, Kansas State High School Activities Association, has accepted esports into its lineup for the 2026-2027 school year. Now SMS is planning on introducing the esports class to their choices of classes.
“It’s part of an initiative for us to just provide more opportunity for our kids to explore different interests that they have,” associate principal Jake Bauer said.
The esports club was introduced this year to success with students. While South has had a gaming club for many years now, the esports club has replaced the previous club with a more competitive atmosphere. Latin teacher Chris Wilkins has been tapped to teach the new class, having already sponsored the game iterations. He is excited about the prospect of another way for kids to connect to the school.
“I would have loved the opportunity to play video games together with my friends in a school setting, and be able to bond together with them over this mutual interest of ours,” Wilkins said.
The class is made to put an emphasis on teamwork, communication, computer and online safety skills. Using the teamwork and communication required in games to help students more effectively communicate, learning about the more technical side of games to help better understand fundamentals of computers, and general online safety when it comes to playing with other people online. The current roster of games is Rocket League, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros with a potential to add more to the curriculum.
Recently the first inaugural esports state championship was hosted at the Olathe Innovation Campus. Olathe West, Blue Valley, and Olathe Northwest participated in the championship playing both Rocket League and Mario Kart.
It’s clear that esports is here to stay with the continuing rise in popularity, whether that be for the competitive thrill found in other sports or the content being played. And now with schools implementing them into their system, it’s bound to bring more people and traction to it.
“It’s about connecting what they’ve learned in the class to the video game,” Bauer said.
