Esports Classroom Podcast

Episode 23 - Anatomy of a Season

In this episode, we have no guest this week but instead I share out how a team goes from formation all the way to the in-person state championship. My Ames High Esports Rocket League team competed hard all season to advance to the playoffs where they won 4-0 to advance to the in-person state tournament in Marshalltown, IA. I share out how the season works in the Iowa High School Esports Association and share some highlights from the tournament itself. This episode wraps up Season 1 of the Esports Classroom Podcast but many more episodes are coming after a short break, so stay tuned! You can find the livestreams of our state tournament matches at https://www.youtube.com/@iahsea

Episode 22 - Gavin Drummond

In this episode, we talk with Gavin Drummond who is the founder of the Youth Gaming Association. Gavin has been impacted by scholastic esports as a high school player, college coach and Student Director at Mizzou, and has even worked with some pro esports organizations. Hear what this former pro Overwatch player has been impacted by esports and where we could go next with scholastic esports. You can contact Gavin and learn more about the Youth Gaming Association at https://www.yga.info [https://www.yga.info/], support@yga.info [support@yga.info], and www.linkedin.com/in/lillucio/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillucio/]

Episode 21 - Albert (Alby) Rassavong

In this episode, we talk with Albert (Alby) Rassavong who is currently the Assistant Director of Esports & Intramurals at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. Alby is also the founder of the Collegiate Fighting Game Conference where he has worked to grow the esports scene around fighting games through league structures, partnerships, and events. Hear Alby’s take on collegiate esports and of course why fighting games should be included in the scholastic esports scene.

Episode 20 - Josh Fischer

In this episode, we talk with Josh Fischer who is currently the Head Esports Coach at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Josh has also been a college esports player which led him into being a coach at the college level. Coach Fisch makes it clear to his players that esports is a place where they belong and ensures that this message is heard clearly. Hear about his experience and how he thinks esports can impact students.

Episode 19 - Connor Alne

In this episode, we talk with Connor Alne, also known as Coach Alne, who is currently the Executive Director of NAECAD. Connor has a long history in scholastic esports from helping to organize esports events, leading programs at the college level, and leading the High School ESports League. Hear what he has to say about the current state of esports and what he would like to see happen for esports in the next 5 years.