Every Monday after school, the gaming room sprouts to life once more as it opens for students to play video games and chill after a long start to the week.
For the past few years, World Cultures teacher Chad Hastings has been running a Gaming Club after school on Mondays, providing students with a free space to relax and play games.
“There are no requirements to join the Gaming Club; anyone can show up!” Hastings said. “There are some basic behavior expectations: treat everyone, the equipment, and the space with respect.”
The Gaming Club has a few repeat attendees, such as Junior Michael Cammann, who often comes to play on the different devices the gaming room has to offer. Although at times, attendance can be low.
“It’s kinda sparse,” Cammann said. “Like, sometimes we will [have people], sometimes we won’t. I think we have around 5 to 7 people.”
However, the Gaming Club is not only for people who play competitive games, or even only computer games. In fact, they offer a multitude of games such as Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Roblox, Fortnite, and more.
“Most of the time we are playing [Super] Smash Bros,” Cammann said. “Recently we have been playing Mario Party, but I’m more into the Smash Bros part.”
However, The Gaming Club is not the only thing happening in the gaming room this year. Later, in the spring, Hastings plans to host the Esports team.
“I am hoping to get enough students to compete in 2 of the 4 spring games [Smash, Marvel Rivals, Rocket League, Mario Kart],” Hastings said. “Last year, we struggled to get enough students to consistently show up, so we were only able to compete in one game [Smash].”
Even with last year’s less-than-stellar player count, Mr. Hastings holds out hope for this next season.
“There is an end-of-year tournament for the Spring Games, usually held somewhere in central Missouri, with teams from around the state,” Hastings said. “We would need to win enough games in the regular season to qualify, but it would be a lot of fun!”
With that said, Esports still stands as a fun, enjoyable space to relax after school by gaming, although now with a goal.
“It’s [Esports] really chill,” Cammann said. “It’s just an easy place to be. Calms your brain.”
With that, there are no try-outs for the Esports team nor the Gaming Club either, so anyone can participate.
“Come out to the Gaming Club on Mondays and bring a friend!’ Hastings said.
