Esports has grown far beyond kids playing video games in the basement. Today, high school students compete on organized teams, travel to tournaments, earn college scholarships, and develop skills in communication, teamwork and strategic thinking.

On this week’s edition of Fridays with Larry, I talk with Keaton Squires, mathematics teacher and esports coach at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Keaton explains how competitive esports works at the high school level, the games students play, why participation continues to grow, and how esports is opening new opportunities for students who may not have found their place in traditional athletics.

We also discuss the club’s fundraising efforts to expand its gaming lab, the increasing number of college scholarship opportunities, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence classroom instruction.

Following the interview, I offer commentary on the surge in new business startups across America and what that trend could mean for communities like Fishers. The podcast concludes with an unusual news story involving two BASE jumpers who parachuted from Seattle’s iconic Space Needle.

Fridays With Larry is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

If you would like to learn more about or support the Hamilton Southeastern High School esports program, you may contact:

Keaton Squires: ksquires@hse.k12.in.us
Craig McCaffrey, Principal, Hamilton Southeastern High School: cmccaffrey@hse.k12.in.us

You can use these links to watch or listen or use the links below.