In the world of competitive high school e-Sports gaming, Jenks High School is at the leading edge of developing teams and players. One person who joined as soon as it was available was Jenks senior Cin Guite.
“I joined the e-Sports team the day it had been officially established in Jenks High School,” said Guite.
As a member of the team, Guite said the connections he has made with people at Jenks and at other schools is what he enjoys the most.
“Being able to play with a team in itself is one of the bigger joys I get when playing for the team. Being able to play competitively through the school is also something I would not have been able to do as I don’t have the connections for me to be able to compete outside of the e-Sports team I have in Jenks,” said Guite.
The senior competes in League of Legends and said it’s become his favorite game. But it’s not the only game he enjoys playing.
“Minecraft, and Lethal Company are the main ones as I usually enjoy. They are games I can play with friends,” said Guite.
Also a member of the Key Club, Guite said he is making plans for life after high school.
“I’m planning on going to a local university like the University of Tulsa and entering their e-Sports team whether or not I’m a member of the actual roster. Being able to involve myself even slightly in League of Legends related competitive environments brings me an indescribable joy,” said Guite.
Competing has become something Guite truly enjoys.
“Similarly to how normal solo queue matches are like, matches where you play with four other random people in the region, I enjoy the learning aspect and the discussions we, as a team, can have. Especially when it is moderated or kept moderate. The building of new connections makes it that much more enjoyable,” said Guite.
The senior said his parents have been a big influence in his life.
“The biggest influence in my life would be my parents from a young age. I had received a lot of their views and grew with their lessons. They were the ones who supported me when I joined the e-Sports team and made the choice I made in school. Another that I would perceive as a big influence would be myself. I am able to question a lot of topics brought to me which I hope is for the better,” said Guite.
Guite offers this advice to anyone interested in becoming a member of the e-Sports team.
“One major factor in being in the e-Sports team is the negative stigma of being cringe worthy. A lot of people I know don’t want to be celebrated for winning local competitions in fear of being ridiculed or being seen as “nerd-like” or “cringe”. At this point in time no one really cares about whether or not a student is in the e-Sports team. It’s all about who the student is as a person. If thoughts of having a ruined reputation pop up it’s all in their head. One other major factor is that there will be people who will choose not to listen or always bicker back when you think there is a better play. When that happens take the time to check yourself and the way you presented the criticism, so it doesn’t sound as if you are trash talking your teammate. Let them defend their play and talk it out. If your teammate doesn’t agree or remains defensive, there is so much you can do. So just focus on improving your gameplay and ability to socialize and help your teammates,” said Guite.
Schools that provide an e-Sports team for students is another step in offering another activity at school according to Guite.
“Starting an e-Sports team isn’t important. It’s not crucial like any other team, basketball, football, soccer, you name it. The biggest part about having these esports teams is mainly for encouraging more inclusivity and options in order to be involved at a school. There are many students who don’t believe they are suited for sports but excel at gaming and could help schools achieve victories in competitions. It’s something a student can look forward to while playing. A basketball player can look forward to playing basketball, improving, and playing in the NBA. Just like how an esports member can also look forward to going to play after school, improve, and go to world championships. It’s not about whether it’s important for schools to start esports teams, it’s about schools wanting to provide students with ways to pursue their dreams,” said Guite.
