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Game On! Great Bend High School launches E-Sports
GBHS esports launch
During Wednesday’s Board of Education luncheon meeting at Great Bend High School, board members approved the launch of a GBHS E-Sports team. Pictured are, from left: Athletic & Activities Director Matt Westerhaus, Coach Jake Hofflinger, and Assistant Coach Kindric Castro, who presented the proposal. The program will launch immediately under KSHSAA, expanding opportunities for student engagement and competition. - photo by photo courtesy of Great Bend USD 428

Editor’s note: This is a news release from Great Bend USD 428.


During Wednesday’s USD 428 Board of Education Luncheon meeting hosted by Great Bend High School, the board officially approved the addition of an E-Sports Team, marking an exciting new opportunity for students to participate in a growing and competitive activity.

The proposal was presented by Athletic & Activities Director Matt Westerhaus, along with Coach Jake Hofflinger and Assistant Coach Kindric Castro. The program aligns with GBHS’s goals of student engagement, inclusion, and skill development, and will launch immediately under the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) framework.

“Statistics show that for 47% of E-Sports participants, this is their only club or activity in high school,” said Coach Jake Hofflinger, who will serve as the team’s sponsor. “It gives more students a place to belong, a community to engage with, and opportunities to develop valuable skills and positive peer interactions.”

Assistant Coach Kindric Castro, who also serves as the USD 428 District Google & Chromebook Administrator, brings extensive experience to the program. A former member of the Barton Community College E-Sports Team and two-time National Champion, Castro shared with board members details about the types of games that will be played, the technical aspects of the tournament platform, and the opportunities available through E-Sports participation.

“Being part of the E-Sports team at Barton helped me build career-ready skills—communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—that I still use every day in my work,” said Castro. “It’s exciting to bring those same opportunities to students at GBHS.”

While GBHS has hosted a popular E-Sports Club for several years, the newly sanctioned team under KSHSAA will allow students to compete at higher levels, connecting with peers across Kansas and even nationally. Westerhaus noted that because this is a new activity for KSHSAA, schedules and logistics are still being finalized. Several Western Athletic Conference (WAC) schools are exploring participation, with Garden City currently the only other WAC school with a confirmed team.

Principal Brock Funke expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting that the addition of E-Sports reflects the school’s ongoing mission to engage all students. “This is another way we can help every student find their place and pursue excellence in a positive, supportive environment,” said Funke.

With experienced leadership, strong infrastructure, and enthusiastic student interest, GBHS is ready to level up—officially launching its E-Sports Team and expanding what it means to be a Panther. For more information, please contact the GBHS Activities Office at 620-793-1560.


The mission of Great Bend Public Schools - USD 428 is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where all are empowered to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. Learn more about our district by visiting GreatBendSchools.net.