East Rockingham High School (ERHS) is taking a bold step into the future of competitive sports with the launch of its new Esports program, bringing organized competitive gaming to its students. The initiative represents a growing trend in education where video games are no longer just entertainment but a pathway to collaboration, skill development, and potential college opportunities.
ERHS Esports Coach Eric Rauschenberg shares his philosophy for the program: "Esports brings players from all backgrounds together to focus on the same goal which is excelling at what you do. I'm a firm believer in what I always say when I game with others and that is 'if you're not having fun you're not really playing.'"
The program's impact is already evident in student experiences. Senior Grayson Workman observes, "Great leaders inspire greatness in others," while ERHS teacher Christopher Michael adds, "There is power in potential but practice is essential."
Esports, short for electronic sports, represents a transformative approach to competitive gaming that aligns perfectly with ERHS's educational mission. Unlike casual gaming, this structured competitive environment demands teamwork, strategic thinking, and split-second decision-making – skills that mirror traditional athletics. Students compete across various game genres, from strategy to first-person shooters and sports simulations, participating in organized leagues and tournaments.
The program emphasizes six key components:
Competitive skill-based gaming
Organized tournament structure
Collaborative learning between players and coaches
Online competition capabilities
Growing global phenomenon
Accessible extracurricular activity
The program's educational value extends beyond gaming itself. As schools and universities increasingly recognize esports as a legitimate extracurricular activity, ERHS students gain access to potential scholarship opportunities while developing career-relevant skills. Through structured coaching, organized competitions, and a supportive community environment, participants cultivate essential abilities in leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
The esports program at East Rockingham High School represents a perfect fusion of competitive spirit and technological advancement. As Coach Rauschenberg observes, watching students compete and have fun together creates a win-win situation regardless of match outcomes. This innovative program continues to grow, providing students with valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and digital literacy – skills that are increasingly important in today's technology-driven world.
The program has received significant community support, including a $5,000 matching grant from the Joe and Debbie Showker Foundation. The connection runs deep, as Debbie was an elementary educator in RCPS for 30 years, and Joe was an educator and coach in Rockingham County Public Schools, serving as an Information Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT) for 9 years and coaching for an impressive 27 years.
"We need to help in unique ways to bring competitive sports and emerging technology together for students," Showker says, describing the decision to support the program as a "no-brainer." His commitment to education and technology integration continues through his service on the Board of Directors for the Virginia High School League Foundation and the families significant financial support in Rockingham County Public Schools. In recognition of his contributions, next week, Showker will be inducted into the 2024 Spotswood High School Hall of Fame as a contributor and coach, while his daughter will be inducted as an athlete, reflecting the family's deep commitment to local public schools.
While the program is off to a strong start, there are still needs to be addressed. Showker has noted that the students are currently using legacy computers, and he hopes to contribute to upgrading this technology in the future. Community members interested in supporting the program can contribute through the Rockingham Educational Foundation, Inc. , writing a check to REFI with "ERHS ESPORTS" in the memo line or by calling 540-564-3218.
To learn more about East Rockingham Esports, visit https://erhs.rockingham.k12.va.us/page/erhs-esports
