Teachers and coaches make a big impact on the lives of their students and athletes. More than just teaching a lesson or helping them learn how to better compete in a sport, they are also encouraging them and helping them along the way. Caden McClure says that one of his teachers has had the biggest impact on him.

“I think that the teacher that had the biggest impact was my former English teacher and former Esports coach Tara Ostrander,” he said. “I had a stretch of losing games towards the end of the 2022 season and Mrs. Ostrander was always right beside me no matter how many times I lost. She was always pushing me to do the best I could and she also played a role in the playoffs.”

McClure is a senior at Catoosa and a member of the school’s Esports team. In the past he had competed in Rocket League, but now he competes in Madden Football. Away from Esports, Caden is also involved with the Catoosa Special Olympics and he plays baseball for the Indians.

Just like any other sport, McClure says that in order to be successful at Esports, you have to work and be prepared for all aspects of the game.

“I could say that being successful at Esports is by being good at the game you’re playing,” he said. “Obviously that plays a part in it but it is also a mental game. You have to want success. With the ups and downs and even more downs, you have to be able to pick your head up, take your mistakes to the chin and keep playing.”

He has had some big wins throughout his career, but Caden says that there is one victory that was sweeter than the others.

“My highlight moment so far has been winning the 2022 state championship title for Madden,” he recalled. “It was a great feeling getting that win, not just for me, but also for my team and my school.”

McClure says that one of the biggest role models that he looks up to is someone that he competes with often.

“My biggest influence and role model has to be my Dad,” he stated. “He is a big Madden player himself so all my plays and knowledge I get from practice with him. Without him I wouldn’t have won that State Championship.”

***Photo is Caden McClure with his former Esports coach, Tara Ostrander***