Putnam City schools launches largest esports program in the state

Putnam City junior Jackie Nash, 16, foreground, and senior Colin Weber, 17, play Rocket League on Saturday during Oklahoma City University's River Rumble, an eSports tournament. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman]

Students at Putnam City high schools can now enter darkened rooms, switch on a gaming console and make their sports dreams come alive.

The launch of esports at all three Putnam City high schools creates oen of the largest district-wide esports program in Oklahoma K-12 schools.

Students are gearing up for the OCU Esports River Rumble in downtown Oklahoma City this weekend.

The students are practicing at their new state-of-the-art facilities at each site, and they will play live this weekend in an unprecedented event.

Esports offers a team sport experience for students who might not be physically able to participate in other sports. Students who participate individually at home can use those skills in a team setting, building social bonds, community, and school spirit.

“We are excited about the possibilities for this new realm of competition and the scholarship opportunities it holds,” said Cory Boggs, Executive Director, Information Technologies at Putnam City Schools.

Along with Putnam City, 26 other Oklahoma high schools plan to compete against each other this year.

Students will play six available games such as Super Smash Bros., League of Legends, Overwatch and Clash Royale.