Written by: Owen Craig
Introduction:
Hello! I’m Owen Craig, Director of Technology and Esports Club Advisor at the Nooksack Valley High School, as well as President of the Board of Advisors for the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA). While my journey in establishing a high school esports program is unique, the insights I’ve gathered along the way are valuable for anyone interested in this field. For more information and resources, you can join our discussions with other club advisors, industry representatives, and college program directors on our Discord or visit the WSSEA website at wssea.games.
What is Esports?
Esports involves competitive video gaming across various genres— from real-time strategy games like StarCraft II and Age of Empires 4, to fighting games such as Street Fighter 6 and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, and more. It’s a dynamic field that not only offers fun and engagement for all ages but also opens up numerous career opportunities in game design, broadcasting, marketing, production, team management, and beyond— and not all require playing the games themselves.
Why Start an Esports Program?
With a plethora of career paths and learning opportunities, initiating an esports program at Nooksack Valley High School seemed a natural progression. Our small school of just over 500 students proved that size does not matter; nearly every student plays video games in some form. My goal was to leverage this universal interest to expose students to the broader technology landscape and the possibilities beyond our small town.
The Beginning:
My journey began nearly three years ago with a simple idea that struck me early one morning: start a technology club. After getting the necessary approvals, I held our first meeting, which started with dismantling laptops but quickly shifted towards gaming when a student asked if the laptops could run Fortnite.
This pivot was crucial— video games became the gateway to engaging students more deeply with technology. They started asking insightful questions about network restrictions, hardware capabilities, and more, providing natural teaching moments of my role and responsibilities.
Joining WSSEA and Expanding:
Within a month, I connected with WSSEA, and we entered our first competitions in Super Smash Brothers and Valorant. Our inaugural trip to the state championship in Vancouver, Washington was funded by another club, and while we did not win any trophies, the experience was invaluable.
The positive feedback from this event helped gain further administrative support, though funding was still tight. I converted half of my office into our esports room, creating a dedicated space for our team. We began livestreaming our matches using basic equipment and student volunteers, gradually improving our setup with donated gear.
Growth and Development:
Our club grew, attracting students not only interested in gaming but also in the operational aspects like livestreaming and video production. With a new coach who brought expertise in competitive play, our performance improved dramatically. We secured a dedicated classroom, upgraded our equipment, and started receiving grants for our video production efforts.
Achievements and Legacy:
By our third year, we won our first state championship in Street Fighter 6 and continued to compete successfully in other games. Our video production team even took on projects outside esports, including livestreaming our school’s graduation ceremony— a testament to the skills and confidence they gained.
Conclusion:
Today, Nooksack Productions, born from the club, handles photography and videography for school events, capturing memories for our community. Our journey from a simple tech club to a thriving hub of esports and media production shows the incredible impact of giving students a platform to explore their passions.
Final Thoughts:
Looking back, I am overwhelmed with pride for what our students have achieved. It is a powerful reminder that providing a space for students to belong and pursue their interests can transform lives. Whether it’s esports, video production, Dungeons and Dragons, knitting, or any other passion, what is essential is the opportunity to engage deeply and meaningfully.
Don’t miss Owen’s sessions at NCCE 25
Owen Craig
Director of Technology
Nooksack SD
Owen Craig is a technology leader is Nooksack, Washington, where he serves as the Director of Technology for the Nooksack Valley School District. In this role, Owen has significantly contributed to the integration of technology in education and spearheading initiatives that help prepare students for careers in tech. His personal favorite achievement is founding an Esports and Technology club at the High School that includes over 30 students, highlighting his ability to inspire and mobilize youth into technology-related endeavors.