SHAWNEE, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Esports Coaches Association (OECA) Hall of Fame honored three inductees from Lawton Public Schools (LPS) during its annual ceremony on June 26 during the Oklahoma Scholastic Esports (OKSE) Coaches Clinic at the Shawnee Performing Arts and Athletic Center.
LPS Elementary Esports Coordinator John Robertson was inducted into the OECA Hall of Fame for playing a crucial role in the formation of the Oklahoma Scholastic Esports Little eLeague for 4th and 5th grade students.
“I wanted inclusivity and access to opportunities for all my kids, and that does mean getting everyone on board,” Robertson said. “I didn’t want students to wonder why some had opportunities and others didn’t. We have family and parents who want this community built, and I wanted to make sure they were supported.”
Through Robertson’s efforts on organizing multiple elementary esports teams, Lawton became the district with the majority of teams in the Little eLeague, winning several state awards in its three seasons.
Hugh Bish Elementary, under coach Amy Wilcox, was inducted into the OECA Hall of Fame as the first elementary team to win three successive state championships. The team took gold in both singles and doubles formats for “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” for the Nintendo Switch.
“We even have principals jump in to help,” Robertson said. “Wilcox was one of those principals who dedicated her time to give these students opportunities, and it’s wonderful to see that work pay off for the kids. I’m extraordinarily proud of these students.”
Michael “Moog” Aguilar, University of Oklahoma Esports director and founder, was the third inductee from Lawton Public Schools for this class. Aguilar is a graduate of MacArthur High School Class of 2000, and was inducted for his “relentless dedication” to esports programs in Oklahoma through promoting collaboration, training and mentorship for coaches and competitors.
“Seeing the whole state come together is a perfect example of capitalizing on new opportunities despite them being here this whole time,” Aguilar said. “So gaming and Esports represents an opportunity to reach a large portion of demographics that are oftentimes dismissed or neglected – on top of those that are absolutely already celebrated.
“Creating new pathways is a great way of continuing to modernize Oklahoma as a state and push the needle forward of new opportunities and furthermore give more incentive to stay here.”
The OECA was created to pay tribute to remarkable coaches, individuals and programs that have made indelible contributions to the esports community in Oklahoma. Founded in 2022 by Mike Shipley and Brian Morris, the OECA stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication
“The OECA will continue to recognize and honor those who have created long-lasting legacies throughout Oklahoma Esports,” Morris said. “These groups inducted today vary in their levels of esports experience, and all of them have propelled us forward.”
John Robertson (above), Michael Aguilar (below), and Hugh Bish Elementary (not pictured) were all honored by the OECA Hall of Fame..
