Members of Newton High School’s new Esports teams have been scrimmaging with other schools this week, in preparation for the start of their first season. Levi Zaabel is captain of the Cardinals’ Rocket League team.

“It’s a cool sport because there are several seasons. There are several opportunities for students who can’t do physical sports to have competition, have fun, and meet new people.”

Zach Schwab is co-captain of Newton High School’s Overwatch Esports team. He believes both Newton teams can make the state Esports Tournament.

“We have some really good teams in our division, including the one that won the title last year. So it’s a little scary. But I think we can make it to state for sure.”

The Newton High School Esports teams will get their schedule for the Winter Season on Monday, from the Iowa High School Esports Association. This new student activity is available thanks to Newton Police Officer Kyle Lovan. He was the School Resource Officer at Berg Middle School, and raised the $24,000 needed to start the program. He’s now the School Resource Officer and Esports coach at Newton High School, where there is a new, fully-equipped E-sports room.