HARTFORD, Conn. — Most schools are equipped with a science lab or computer lab. Now one local middle school has a lab dedicated to gaming.
The new e-sports team at the Annie Fisher Magnet School is kicking off the first season in the new e-sports lab, the goal is to introduce students to a future in technology.
You don't need cleats or a helmet on this sports team, but you do need a controller and master sitting in an official gaming chair.
"It’s truly so innovative and at leads a future for innovation here at STEM," said Principal Erin Wilson-Ruff.
Thanks to a grant from the Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office, the e-sports lab looks like a scene from every gamer's dream.
It’s built with state of the art monitors, gaming systems, and televisions, all for the school's first e-sports team.
A group of middle school students will compete locally and even nationally in popular video games like Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart and NBA 2k.
"I always wanted to compete in sports so since our school has this opportunity and I’m like wait, I can actually play a sport to win and have fun" said 6th grade student, Nathan Joseph.
Not only do students have a chance to compete for a team, they can also set themselves up for a future in the e-gaming world.
"There’s a lot of college money and scholarships given out to students so if they can start learning new skills here it puts them ahead," said coach Eliasin Robles.
Joseph said the sport provides him with new opportunities and experience in the stem world.
"I could find a nice college and try to play video games there and hopefully become the very best," said Joseph. "I think it’s good to try and find a sport you like to play because it can build character and help you with your social life."
The players meet every day to practice and learn strategizes and techniques.
Coach Robles said the educational aspects go beyond just their fingertips.
"Just like any sport, they’re learning teamwork and strategizing, even STEM and looking at the math behind the game, looking at records and statistics," said Robles. "You can learn teamwork, hard work, loss, how to win like an athlete, and how to lose like an athlete."
Students are making friends and furthering their passions, something Principal Wilson-Ruff is excited to see continue to grow.
"They’re asking for each other’s phone numbers or sharing tips and codes and all this fun stuff with gaming and asking to hang out after school, so I love that component and their attendance is absolutely amazing and they're thriving in their classrooms," said Wilson-Ruff.
As the team continues to dominate the games, their eyes are certainly on the prize.
"We are the most competitive people here at STEM so we're in it to win it," said Wilson-Ruff.
The team is gearing up for their first match against other middle schools in the area happening in the near future.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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