Esports lab is top shelf

If the old adage of “it takes a village to raise a child” is true,  the same could be said for Purcell getting into esports, an OSSAA sanctioned sport.

School officials reported at the unveiling ceremony last week there are two state tournaments for the sport, one in the fall and one in the spring.

A collaborative effort by many has put together a first-class esports lab at the high school that can be a model for other schools to follow.

High school principal Jason Sanders got the ball rolling by seeking a grant from the Purcell Public School Foundation, which gave the school a $6,000 grant.

“The foundation went above and beyond with their generous donation,” Sanders said. “Jeff and Char Page expressed an interest in supporting the program and we met to plan the project.

“They are committed supporters of the school and have made numerous donations and contributions in many ways. We shared a common vision of creating a state-of-the art facility that would cater to a different group of kids.  That was at the heart of our efforts,” Sanders continued.

Athletic Director Ricky Hammer proposed the brilliant idea of converting the out-dated high school computer lab into the esports lab.

“We began work on demolition and prep work in early July, the principal explained. “Jerry Swayze and Dr. Sheli McAdoo provided us with the resources and manpower to begin the conversion.

“Our maintenance crew, including Terry Howell and Tony Hailey, did the demolition work, including removing shelves and an extensive island. Tony was responsible for electrical work including wiring.

“Jeff Page and Scott Walker from Heartland Customs designed and painted the walls and ceiling. Jeff and Char Page also made a sizable monetary contribution which, along with the grant from the foundation, allowed us to purchase state-of-the art equipment,” Sanders said.

The district provided the school with abundant support and purchased furniture and other necessary equipment.

“Dragon alum Amanda Jones Centeno and Gucci Wraps donated and installed the amazing wall wrap. These community partners and alums gave of their time and money to help make this a reality. I cannot thank them enough for their efforts,” Sanders said.

“David Hilger provided extensive technical support in purchasing the appropriate equipment and coordinating the overall technical aspects of the project. David played a substantial role in the set-up of the room, along with Jeff Page, and the hardware and software aspects of the operation. David works to provide technical support to the program,” Sanders said.

Hammer and new esports coach Kelton Clary worked to assemble furniture and equipment and assist in the overall set-up of the room. Kassi Buchanan, high school registrar, coordinated purchasing and receipt of the equipment.

“To summarize,” Sanders said, “this was only possible in the amount of time it was achieved through the collaborative efforts of all of these individuals. I'm grateful for what they did for our kids.”

There is currently one section comprised of 15 students but there are plans to open up additional sections and expand the sport to the junior high and intermediate schools.