School Bulletin: Reagan High School ready to play

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Students at Reagan High School on Milwaukee's south side are ready to press play, all thanks to a hometown partnership.

"We know that scholastic esports is growing right now, but it's still very scarce," Patrick Glogovsky, the esports manager for Milwaukee Bucks, says.

Spectrum Industries and Bucks Gaming designed a state-of-the-art esports lab for Reagan High School after awarding a grant to Milwaukee Recreation. The space was unveiled Tuesday, Nov. 15, and it's outfitted with computers, chairs, headsets, internet and more. The goal is to grow esports leagues and give kids the opportunity to play and compete together.

"It's equity and access," Andrew Rossa, recreation coordinator for Milwaukee Recreation, says. "Kids in Milwaukee Public Schools can play kids in Green Bay, in Madison, from the Midwest."

For any doubting parents, a survey from the Varsity Esports Foundation shows students who joined these programs had improved school attendance and GPAs. 

"If I had something like this when I was in high school, I simply would never leave," Glogovsky says. "College programs don't have this. Professional programs don't have this, and this is a high school program."

The Wisconsin High School Esports Association is hosting its fall championship tournament in Madison in December, and now the Reagan High School students will be practicing in a very cool space to hopefully earn a spot.