While Boise High football and basketball have struggled for a state title for years, one team has taken the spotlight on another frontier of sports. The Boise High Esports season is ramping up, and players are looking forward to another successful season after coming off two state titles in Overwatch and Super Smash Bros. After talking to Coach Perotto, I was able to gain some insight into the world of esports and how the upcoming season is going to look.
Coach Perotto first started Esports three years ago, at first as the faculty coach, and now as official head coach. In those three years, he’s seen lots of changes, victories, and challenges. Tryouts started January 20th, but the season actually kicks off February 10th with the first games. “It’s still not too late to get kids to come down if they want to,” Coach Perotto emphasized to me.
This year, a highly anticipated new game was added to the lineup: Fortnite. “Fortnite got added because of its popularity… I think it’s a matter of time before other games like Marvel Rivals might be added,” Coach Perotto says. As Esports gains popularity, there will likely be an opportunity to play almost any game competitively.
“We are eagerly anticipating our first games,” Coach Perotto shares. The competitions are hosted through the Idaho Esports platform LeagueOS. “We go to this website and we plug our rosters in. Each school has their own computer lab… we jump on LeagueOS, communicate, and then the match starts,” he explains.
With competitions around once a week for each different game, the practice schedule for Esports is similar to traditional sports. However, some limitations on equipment present unique challenges. Coach Perotto explains, “It’s tough when you only have six computers and you have Overwatch and Valorant needing to practice.” However, he remains optimistic, saying that more kids can practice on their own devices, like those playing Super Smash Bros.
Esports’ growing popularity also presents potential opportunities for Boise High students. “It’s blowing up… I never would have thought that you guys could play video games and get a college scholarship,” Coach Perotto noted. As the program grows, more players may have the chance to pursue scholarships and continue their passion for gaming at the college level. Coach Perotto is excited for the future, “I think it’s going to be sanctioned soon… I think in a couple years, you’re going to be able to get a varsity letter in Esports.”
Looking ahead, Coach Perotto sees Esports expanding even further, possibly branching out to junior high schools. “I want to go down to North and Hillside and try to get kids playing.” With kids feeding into high school with prior Esports experience, the sport is sure to grow even bigger. “I think the sky’s the limit, they’re going to add more games… I think it’s going to do nothing but blow up.”
Esports at Boise High is clearly growing and evolving, and it’s exciting to think about where the program will go next. With talented players, new games, and live streams ready, Boise High Esports would love your support.
