Principal Chad Mickle, pictured in the senior high school office, is among those working to introduce an Esports program to Mount Union.
By DELANEY RONK | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — In a push to improve school attendance and student retention, the Mount Union Area School District is launching a new Esports program in hopes that students will represent the school in competitive leagues and that the program can eventually be added to the curriculum.
Electronic sports, commonly known as Esports, refers to a group of people who work together and play video games competitively. Similar to traditional sports, Esports features professional leagues, skilled athletes, and large fan bases. The industry is continuing to grow globally, which allows fans to watch live streams on various entertainment platforms.
As part of Mount Union’s Comprehensive Plan for 2025-2028, the district submitted a goal for “School Climate and Culture.” The goal was to “explore and initiate 1-2 changes to current programs/efforts to increase student enrollment and attendance.” The idea for an Esports program came as a way to help bring students back from online learning while also promoting better engagement and discipline. In an interview with senior high school principal Chad Mickle, he commented, “There are kids who don’t want to be involved in traditional sports but love the game. Esports gives them the ability to be actively involved. It is also a chance for them to come to school, be present, and take responsibility, similarly to students who participate in traditional sports.”
Unlike video games at home, Esports is structured like a traditional sports team. Teams of five will compete against other schools locally, across counties, and potentially across states. Teams also have backup players ready to step in if needed. This competitive environment teaches students teamwork and strategic thinking, but also encourages responsibility, discipline, and school spirit. Mr. Mickle emphasized, “Kids in sports often try harder in class because they want to ensure they are eligible, and Esports can have the same effect.”
What is starting out as a club could quickly evolve into more. The plan is to use the students’ interest and later determine if it should be integrated into the curriculum and even become an elective course. With the growing popularity of Esports, some colleges offer students scholarships and degrees in gaming, game design, and digital media. Mr. Mickle stated, “If it takes off the way we think it might, we could see this turning into something really meaningful academically.”
The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit has agreed to provide students with the equipment required to get the program started. The school district hopes to purchase their own equipment in the future, starting with systems like Nintendo Switch. They plan to play the most popular games like Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League. Another game that is under consideration is Minecraft, which features an upcoming tournament this November. The competition follows a project-based format, where students are given a task to complete and allotted a certain amount of time to complete the task.
The Esports team is currently open to junior and senior high school students. Mount Union’s Assistant Technology Director, Cody Sieber, is a volunteer coach for the 2025-2026 Esports season. The program aspires to have paid coaching positions in the future. A coaches’ meeting took place on September 30 to discuss final details. In the short term, the school is working to ensure tech support and stable internet access. In the long term, Mr. Mickle’s hopes are for the team to compete in tournaments, become part of an elective class, and possibly even have team uniforms.
Schools are seeking ways to be creative and engage students. Esports offers more than just video games. It is a gateway to increase academic interest and improve behavior. Coach Cody Sieber elaborated, “Esports inspires students to think critically, communicate clearly, and work as a team. These are skills that carry far beyond the game.”
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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