New Mexico Athletics Association Recognizes eSports Activity And LAHS Has Inaugural Team At The Table

LAHS eSports champions and coaches from left, Coach Jason Rutledge, Ben Ortiz, Aaron Lauritzen, Captain Joe Ortiz, Jaryn Newman, Evan Shipley, Jeremiah Palmer Scott and Associate Director Dusty Young of the New Mexico Activities Association. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
 
Coach Jason Rutledge observes the team as they prepare for a medal winning round for the state finals match of the inaugural eSports season. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen
 
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos

The Los Alamos High School Class of 2019 just might be remembered as the class of technology. This is the first season of the newest activity recognized by the New Mexico Athletics Association (NMAA) with eSports and LAHS has an inaugural team at the table, or  computer as the case may be.

This week the 15-member team takes on several competitions divided across three platforms including:

  • League of Legends;
  • Rocket League; and
  • SMITE.

LAPS teacher Jason Rutledge said he saw great change he could help create for youth that didn’t have a venue and stepped up to the controller. Rutledge is a student of SMITE, Overwatch and Apex Legends, which connects with youth in a new way, he said.

“I think the kids are not nervous to play against me,” Rutledge said. “Most of the time we play on the same side anyhow – but if they were against me, I think they would relish the attempt to win out over me.”

Rutledge said the program couldn’t be possible without the help of LAPS district tech staff members Pierce Jones and Scott Newman. He also thanked the leadership of Athletic Director Ann Stewart for helping to give the team the platform needed and parents for allowing their students to be involved, saying their support of their kids means the world to them.

Seniors Joe and Ben Ortiz are members of the team and the twin duo said they are glad to be a part of the first year of competition. Ben has a general feeling about the new program that may echo the feelings of the Toppers, “I am extremely ecstatic! Having a team for Overwatch and Smite sounded amazing, and it is,” he said. “I love having a team of friends to play and communicate with.”

This first season has found the team and their coach jumping in with both feet, as finding a location, required equipment and establishing a club were all at hand.

The feedback has been mixed on both sides, but even Rutledge said he knows that he has breathed life into an area for many students to strive for success. This is an arena where some students have their first social or team outlet and he jumped at the chance to make it happen.

“We have a long way to go in pushing for eSports to be recognized,” Rutledge said. “Just this past year the International Olympic Committee had discussion on eSports inclusion to the Olympics, which is an ultimate goal. However, eSports is projected to be a $1.1 billion industry in 2019 – so I would say things are going well.”

Senior Evan Shipley was invited to join the club by Joe Ortiz and said he enjoys the unique perspective and competitive play of the team effort.

“I am looking forward to seeing how other teams decide their strategies in competitive play, and what methods we can think of to counter them,” Shipley said. “I am very happy that NMAA acknowledged gamers and eSports, because it gives a platform for me to learn about other gamers near me.”

While play is underway, fundraising is around the corner. The team hopes to raise funds to purchase protective eyewear, headsets and other needs discovered along the way. Those wishing to sponsor the new club can contact Rutledge at j.rutledge@laschools.net.

Review the eSport statewide initiative from the NMAA at https://www.nmact.org/2019/02/inaugural-nmaa-esports-season-underway/, and learn more about the group helping to bring dreams to fruition through the efforts of PlayVS at https://www.playvs.com/.

The team as they play April 27 in the state finals. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

The view for the individual player. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

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